2010 Ford F-150: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Ford F-150 lineup expands to include a revamped Harley-Davidson model, as well as an off-road-oriented version called the Raptor. The 2010 F-150's base powertrain remains a 248-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine that teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 292-hp version of the 4.6 and a 310-hp 5.4 V8 are also offered, both matched with a 6-speed automatic. The 5.4-liter V8 is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel and produces 320 hp when using it. Due later in the model year for the Raptor will be a new 6.2-liter V8 that Ford says will produce 400 hp. Maximum towing capacity is 11,300 lb.

Rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive that cannot be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing for off-road use are still offered on most models. The F-150 Harley-Davidson is available with all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

Three cab styles are offered on most models: Regular cab; SuperCab extended cab, with rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts; and SuperCrew crew cab, which has four conventional doors. Available bed lengths include 5.5, 6.5 and 8 feet. The 6.5-foot Flareside bed has been discontinued on all except the Raptor. The Harley-Davidson is a SuperCrew that has unique interior and exterior trim and a sport suspension. The Raptor has specific trim and an off-road suspension. Other F-150 models include base XL, sporty STX, off-road-oriented FX4, midlevel XLT, special-edition Harley-Davidson, uplevel King Ranch and Lariat, and line-topping Platinum.

Available on most F-150 models are features such as a hideaway side step for access to the pickup bed, a tailgate step, a retractable cable lock to secure items in the bed, and a capless fuel filler. Electronic devices include Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system, a voice-activated navigation system that includes real-time traffic information, a rearview camera, a built-in dashboard computer with available printer, a tool inventory system, and a vehicle tracking device for fleet users.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles 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 half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 and Toyota Tundra.