2006 Ford F-150: Road Test
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2006 Ford F-150 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,930 -$40,055
- Invoice: $17,473 -$35,473
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Our road test for the 2006 Ford F-150 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Ford F-150 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Ford F-150, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Ford F-150 help you decide if a 2006 Ford F-150 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
V6 has adequate power for commuter duty, but struggles with even modest loads. 4.6 V8 has decent acceleration and works well enough for light-duty hauling. Stronger 5.4 well-suited to heavy work, but trails Dodge Hemi V8 for overall power, GM 5.3 V8 for refinement. With 4.6, automatic transmission tends to rush upshifts, delay downshifts, frustrating passing response and hilly terrain driving.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test 2WD 5.4 Lariat SuperCab averaged 13.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Extended-use-test 4WD 5.4 Lariat SuperCrew averaged 13.2 mpg in a city/highway mix over 7435 miles. Unable yet to measure other models. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Firm always, but reasonably comfortable and composed over big dips and swells. Still, even mildly rippled surfaces induce jiggles and shakes, though minimally so in SuperCrews. Typical of pickups, tail can hop on rough roads without some weight in the bed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.4 |
Firm, responsive steering highlights capable handling, though F-150 is big-pickup ponderous in tight quarters. Optional traction control a new plus for V8 2WDs. Powerful brakes, good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
No quarrel with Ford's claim that F-150 is quietest in class. Engines subdued while cruising; road and wind noise low at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Contemporary cab decor ranges from spartan in XL to luxurious in leather-trimmed Lariat, King Ranch, and Harley-Davidson. Gauges handsome, well-placed, but a bit small for some testers. Controls for audio, automatic climate systems slightly undersized vs. rivals'. Turn-signal/windshield wiper stalk too short for easiest use. Available steering wheel switches for some audio, climate, and cruise functions require familiarization. Console-mounted transmission shift lever made of hollow-feeling plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
Seats flat, but comfortably firm. Ample head and leg room. Seats in regular and extended cabs have integrated seatbelts; crew cabs use traditional pillar-mounted belts. Tall step-in, but big doors allow easy entry/exit. Outward visibility unobstructed.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
Extended cab is OK for occasional adult use, but crew cab much more accommodating. Seats in both nicely padded. Angled backrests add to comfort, as does optional power sliding rear window. Rear access doors have inside release handles for rear-seaters, but they can't get out until a front door is opened. And swinging out both doors can make things awkward in tight quarters; only Nissan Titan's extended cab has rear doors that open wide enough to avoid this.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
Helper springs make tailgate easier to close, but complicate removing it. Regular cab's unique rear doors handy for accessing behind-seat storage. SuperCab's rear-seat cushions flip up for extra cargo space, but leave seat-frame corners jutting into cargo floor. All models have extra-large map pockets in all doors, but Dodge Ram has a larger, more accessible center-console bin. Available overhead storage system makes adding postpurchase accessories a snap.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6.7 |
Some rivals top Ford with features such as curtain side airbags and 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. But F-150 brings its share of innovation to the big-pickup field, and its passenger room, refinement, and on-road composure are first rate. Add in frequent discounts to already competitive pricing, and this is a solid Best Buy.
Total Score
| 2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8 | 4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8 | 2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 56 | 60 | 56 | 50.5 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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