Ford's F-150 is the nation's best-selling vehicle, so any time it's redesigned, as it was for 2004, that's news. Each of its three cab sizes-regular, extended, and crew-sports significantly more passenger room than their 1997-2003 F-150 counterparts. Engine choices are a 202-hp V6, a 231-hp 4.6-liter V8, and a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8. Our 2004 tester was a crew cab with the 5.4 and top-line Lariat trim.

Our editors were impressed with the F-150's refinement. The ride was comfortable, almost car-like; steering firm and responsive, and cabin-noise levels among the lowest in the class. We also liked the tailgate's "helper" springs. They made it significantly easier to close, and we wish this feature was offered on more pickups.

The 5.4 pleased with smoothness, but seemed to trail rival V8s in overall feeling of power. The interior pleased with its contemporary design and efficient layout. However, the large dashtop reflected too much glare onto the windshield, and the presence of some cost-cutting materials was all too obvious. We were not pleased that Ford chose to forgo curtain side airbags; this important safety feature should be available, regardless of vehicle or price. Also missing is a 4WD system that can be left engaged on dry pavement, like the one offered in GM's pickups.

Ford has made only minor equipment revisions to the current F-150 since its introduction. Unchanged is the refinement, room, comfort, and breadth of body styles that make it a clear Best Buy and worthy of its best-selling reputation.

Editors' Comments

Tom Appel: Long on refinement, F-150 impresses most for its car-like handling and upscale interior. Compared to GM's Silverado/Sierra twins, Ford's big pickup is down on midrange power, and the lack of side airbags is an issue. Still, if I were in the truck market, this refined rig would be on my list.

Chuck Giametta: Uncommonly accurate steering and uncanny quietness are this big hauler's hallmarks. It's got the expected V8 muscle, cargo-carrying ability, and towing capacity, but 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, as in the GM competition, would make it more sure-footed on wet surfaces. And while the F-150's designers bragged that they benchmarked Audi for interior quality, an abundance of hard-plastic surfaces and one of autodom's cheapest-feeling transmission shift levers leaves this truck's cabin well short of that lofty goal.

2004 Ford F-150
Bodystyle:	Crew cab short bed
Model:	4WD Lariat SuperCrew
Engine:	300-hp 5.4-liter V8
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
Total Miles:	7435
CG Observed Fuel Economy:	13.2 mpg
Problems During Test:	At 6200 mi., a replacement cable was required to repair a faulty child-lock switch. The repair was covered under warranty.
Base Price:	$31,040
Price as Tested:	$35,437
Major Options:	Limited-slip axle, platform running boards, pickup-bed extender, 18-inch aluminum wheels, trailer-tow package, AM/FM stereo w/6-disc CD changer, reverse-sensing system, heated front seats, rear-seat entertainment system