2004 Ford F-150 Heritage: Road Test
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2004 Ford F-150 Heritage ▼
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- MSRP: $19,610 -$33,035
- Invoice: $17,314 -$29,190
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Our road test for the 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage help you decide if a 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 8 | 4.6 |
Noisy base V6 provides leisurely acceleration. The V8 is sufficient for most light-duty work. Rocketlike Lightning is a true muscle truck.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
A SuperCab 4x4 with V8 and automatic averaged 12.5 mpg over 10,000 mi. in an extended-use test. Expect V6 models to do slightly better. Test Lightning returned just 10.4 mpg. Ford recommends premium fuel for the Lightning.
RIDE QUALITY
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 3.9 |
Base-suspension F-150s have a stable, relatively comfortable ride. Typical truck bouncing and pitching is evident, but not excessive. Those with heavy-duty or sport suspensions ride quite stiffly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 6 | 3.4 |
Body lean and mediocre tire grip are the rule in changes of direction. These traits, like the light, numb steering feel, are shared with most other full-size pickups. A notable exception is the Lightning, where wide tires and sport suspension provide surprisingly capable road manners. Brakes on all have good pedal feel and strong stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Wind and road noise are moderate, especially by pickup standards. And Ford's overhead-cam V8 is among the quieter engines in any truck.
CONTROLS
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Radio and climate controls a bit of a reach for the driver. Other controls handy. Large, clear gauges. Workmanship solid on test F-150s, with impressive fit and finish inside and out.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
Ample passenger room, but entry/exit in the tall-riding 4WD models is more of a chore than in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 0 | 4.5 |
Heritage SuperCab extended cab takes a back seat to new F-150 and GM rivals in room and comfort, with tight leg room and an uncomfortably upright seatback.
CARGO ROOM
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 1 | 4.7 |
Regular cabs don't have as much room behind the seat as GM and Dodge competitors, but folding the rear seat in extended cabs creates a large, handy compartment with a tough metal floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 3 | 7.1 |
Overshadowed in the showroom by the redesigned F-150, the F-150 Heritage is nonetheless an appealing blend of sound design and competitive pricing. If you don't need a crew cab or the latest styling, it's well worth considering on a value basis.
Total Score
| XL 2WD reg. cab, V6 auto. | XLT 4WD SuperCab, V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 48 | 42 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 43
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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