2010 Ford F-150 Review

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup in America. For 2010 Ford offers the F-150 in 10 trim levels, with the return of the FX2 and Harley-Davidson edition pickups and the introduction of the all-new SVT Raptor model. The F-150 offers best-in-class towing (11,300 pounds) and payload (3,030 pounds) ratings. There are three cab styles: regular, extended and crew cab. The F-150 lineup are all highly capable trucks, even those loaded with luxury features. The F-150 was completely redesigned for 2009. Considering this, changes for 2010 are limited to packaging. The F-150 is a rarity in modern pickups in that it offers two bed designs. The Flareside is shaped to mimic pickups of old, when the box walls were between the wheels and you could stand on the sides for loading. Ironically, the Flareside is more stylish than the Styleside bed. The standard Styleside bed is essentially a box with some character lines in the sheetmetal. It offers more space within than does the Flareside bed.

F-150 Power

Powering the F-150 is an available 5.4-liter flex-fuel V8, which is the largest offered and comes with the six-speed automatic. It is rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet on gasoline (EPA 14/20 mpg) and 320 horsepower and 390 pound-feet on E85 with mileage dropped to 10/14 mpg. Four axle ratios are offered to maximize work and efficiency. Two-wheel-drive models with the 4.6-liter three-valve-per-cylinder engine have EPA fuel economy ratings of 15/21 mpg City/Highway. The standard powertrain for 2010 is an entry-level 4.6-liter V-8 that's more powerful than the previous generation's base V-6 but is also more fuel efficient, despite using a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is known as the two-valve to distinguish it from the more powerful new three-valve version of the 4.6-liter V-8. Also available is a 5.4-liter V-8 - tweaked for more output and capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel as well as gasoline. Both of these engines mate to a six-speed automatic.  Four-by-four versions come with a choice of manual or electronically actuated 4WD systems.

 Driving the 2010 F-150

The F-150 is comfortable on bumpy streets around town, over rugged terrain such as that found at construction sites, and on the open road. Its steering is nicely waited and requires little correction on the highway making it nice for long cross-country tows. The cabs are comfortable, whether ordered with leather or cloth. Four-by-four versions come with a choice of manual or electronically actuated four-wheel-drive systems. The FX4 adds a locking rear differential and optional 17-inch wheels with off-road tires.

2010 Ford F-150 Design

With one of the deepest beds in the segment, the F-150 has generous cargo volume out back and a maximum payload rating of 3,030 pounds. A properly equipped Regular Cab F-150 is rated to tow up to 11,300 pounds; other models max out in the 9,000-pound range. You know you are looking at an F-150 when you see the circular front lights within a rectangular housing, stepped front window ledge, opening rear doors on the Regular Cab, and the tall bed.  The redesign gave the truck a squared-off nose, giant grille and a domed hood that adds 2 inches in height. In the rear the grille's pattern is graphically designed on the tailgate.  There are various options for the F-150, the most interesting are a step pulls out of the open tailgate and hinges down to ease climbing into the bed, a post on the tailgate swings to vertical and locks, forming a handle to help step up.  There is also a side step that pops out of the rocker panel in front of the rear wheel by kicking a button. It allows you to reach over the side of the cargo box.

Inside the F-150

 The F-150 lineup offers something for everyone, from wash-off vinyl flooring and a two-door Regular Cab to leather-lined premium four-door models with as much rear-seat legroom as the front of most luxury sedans. Yet even the least-expensive F-150 isn't boring; it leaves room for customization, does the work required and keeps overhead down. The 2010 F-150 King Ranch and Platinum models feature second-row heated seats, a power sliding rear window with defroster, and a Sony six-disc in-dash CD changer. The MyKey programmable vehicle key is standard on all models except the base XL trim level. The number of styles you can order the 2010 F-150 in is amazing, something for every taste. There is a choice of a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat or captain's chairs in many models. When there is a front bench is split three ways and the center section flips down to reveal a console with storage and cup holders. The navigation system works well and is easy to operate. Spacewise, the Regular Cab is plenty for three. There are enlarged buttons and controls and less intrusive door panels with larger map pockets in the SuperCab and SuperCrew styles. 

Taking a cue from this technology centered society, there is now an enlarged lockable center storage console to accommodate "two or more" laptop computers.  Seats are made of new materials which are easier to clean and the higher trim levels use real woods and metals and metal speaker covers. The SuperCrew's cab has been stretched 6 inches, providing a backseat to rival the Dodge Ram Mega Cab and Toyota Tundra Crew Max. The backseat flips up to reveal a flat floor and 57.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, according to Ford. The space is 47.9 inches high, floor to ceiling. The Platinum is a truck that is all about comfort and amenities; it includes powered fine-leather seats with accent stitching and embroidered logos, a USB port and MP3 player input for the stereo are standard, and the power-retracting running boards seen on the Expedition are optional.  The list of features for the Paltinum F-150 is long, for example you get the first Integrated Trailer Brake Controller to be offered in a light-duty pickup, and Sync voice-activation is available with 911 Assist, a new service similar to GM's OnStar.

Conclusions

Standard features, along with the required front airbags, include side curtain airbags to protect front and backseat occupants; antilock brakes; and an electronic stability system with traction control and Roll Stability Control, which uses a sensor to detect the start of a rollover and attempts to forestall it. For more details and the latest updates, visit the official 2010 F-150 page.  The Ford F-150 delivers a strong combination of style, interior comfort, performance, ride and hauling ability. With multiple choices in trim, drivetrains and body styles, there's an F-150 for every type of pickup owner.



Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com.