If you could compare the U.S. automotive market to a high-school popularity contest, the Ford F-150 would compare pretty favorably to the starting quarterback of the football team. This half-ton pickup has held the title of America's best-selling vehicle for more than two decades and top-selling truck for nearly three decades. The 2008 Ford F-150 adds the XL SuperCrew trim as well as a new cargo management system so you can secure any cargo that might slide around in your bed. Not that this truck needed any more variety, since it offers nearly 60 different trims for your driving pleasure. Engine choices range from a low-end 4.6-liter, 202-hp V6 all the way up to a 5.4-liter, 300-hp Triton V8. Many trims offer a choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Looking for some serious power to go along with all that variety? Maximum towing capacity for the Ford F-150 ranges from 6,000 pounds all the way up to 11,000 for the XLT Long Bed. When it comes to safety features, most of the 4WD trims offer standard ABS brakes. Rear-wheel-drive trims generally provide standard ABS brakes along with optional traction control. Unfortunately, the F-150 has no side airbags or stability control. As for passenger space and general interior room, keep in mind that any trim with the word "Super" in its name seats up to 6 passengers, while other trims seat up to 3. All trims have four doors.
So what do the experts have to say about the 2008 Ford F-150? This popular pickup gets mixed reviews. On the positive side, you can't deny the multitude of trims from which drivers get to choose. In addition, the F-150 offers a smooth ride with good handling. However, the F-150 does have some noticeable shortcomings. First, the lack of safety features takes some of the luster off all the power underneath the hood. In addition, aspiring adventurers should probably look elsewhere if they have a lot of cargo to bring along with them. Go with the Ford F-150 if you have to have a brand name; just make sure to pay a little extra attention once you hit the road.
