2007 Ford F-150 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Ford F-150 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Ford F-150 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Ford F-150, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Ford F-150 help you decide if a 2007 Ford F-150 is right for you.

2007 Ford F-150 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room (crew cab)	Fuel economy

Towing/hauling (5.4 V8)	Passing power (4.6 V8)

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	6	6	6	5

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	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
3	2	2	2	2.5

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	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.4

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	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.5

Firm, responsive steering highlights capable handling, though F-150 is big-pickup ponderous in tight quarters. Optional traction control a plus for 2WD V8 models. Powerful brakes, good pedal modulation.

Quietness

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4.9

A very quiet truck. Engines subdued while cruising; road and wind noise low at highway speeds.

Controls

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.3

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. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew 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	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
0	5	5	8	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. Swinging doors in SuperCabs don't open wide enough for easy access to rear seat.

Cargo Room

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
2	5	4	6	5.2

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	2WD Lariat ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT ext. cab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT crew cab, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	7	8	7	6.4

Without available curtain side airbags and 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement, the F-150 lacks some important features available on its rivals, all of which are newer designs. This Ford earns its Recommended label for passenger room, refinement, and on-road composure. Already-competitive retail prices are lower by as much as $1400 for 2007, depending on model. This is Ford's response to redesigned 2007 competition from General Motors and Toyota.

Total Score