2006 Ford F-150: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

America's best-selling vehicle adds a few options and a new Harley-Davidson model for 2006. Ford's F-150 pickup comes in regular-cab, extended SuperCab, and SuperCrew models. All have four doors; rear doors are conventional on SuperCrews, narrow rear-hinged "access" doors on other models. Extendeds and crews have a rear bench seat for up to six-passenger capacity. Cargo-bed lengths are 5.5, 6.5, and 8 ft. Crews come with a 5.5-ft box; a 6.5 ft is optional. All boxes are flush-fender Stylesides; the 6.5 ft is also available as a bulged-fender Flareside. Engines are a 4.2-liter V6, 4.6 V8, and 5.4 V8. A 4-speed automatic is standard on V8s, available for V6s in lieu of the 5-speed manual. V6 models are 2WD drive only. V8s also offer 4WD with low-range gearing that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Side airbags are unavailable, but antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Traction control is newly available for 2WD V8s. SuperCabs offer optional roll-down rear-cab windows, unique among large pickups.

Price levels ascend through work-oriented XL, sporty STX, mainstream XLT, off-road FX4, luxury Lariat, and SuperCrew-only King Ranch. The new Harley-Davidson is a specially trimmed SuperCab with 5.4 V8, 2WD or 4WD, and the 6.5-ft Styleside box.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.