2004 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Lovers of this sporty performance truck shed a tear as Ford announced in 2004 that it was returning the SVT Lightning back to the drawing...
Lovers of this sporty performance truck shed a tear as Ford announced in 2004 that it was returning the SVT Lightning back to the drawing board after one last model year. The 2004 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning had an even smaller production run than its predecessors, which means you aren't likely to find too many of these on the resale market.
It's a shame, really. The 2004 Ford F150 SVT Lightning combines the functionality of a pickup with the power and handling of a sportscar. With a supercharged 5.4 liter Triton V8 engine under the hood, the 2004 Lightning puts out an impressive 380 horsepower and 450 ft/lbf of torque. Its chassis and suspension, modified from the F-150 platform, bring an agile, responsive ride, while the 18-inch specialized wheels provide a touch of street style as well as control on corners.
There aren't too many choices on offer with the 2004 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning; it came off the line with automatic transmission only, in just one configuration (two-door standard cab short-bed), and in a basic range of colors (red, white, black, blue, silver, and gray).
Fans of the SVT Lightning eagerly await the next incarnation of the model line, now slated for 2009. Let's hope the next version is more fuel-efficient; maybe we can add a manual transmission to our wishlist, too.
What owners say
"Owners of the 2004 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning generally have a lot of enthusiasm for this truck, praising its impressive speed and performance. Many love how it stands out with its design and power, making it a fun and thrilling drive. However, some drivers pointed out downsides like the noticeable wind noise and a less-than-ideal stereo system compared to other models. Additionally, it's not the most practical truck for everyday utility or adverse weather conditions."
This is certainly not your daddy's truck. The Lightning isn't really intended to be used for much utility and its definitely not suited at all for off road, or even snow, ice or heavy rain for that matter. The Lightning is not about practicality. Its sole purpose is to be a shinny fast truck and to make you look good while picking up the groceries. I once saw a review of the Lightning on the popular British TV show Top Gear (I actually liked that show a lot). They tested it on their tiny one lane country roads that we would call driveways back in America, and they more or less panned it. I just had to smile. The Brits obviously didn't get it at all. It has nothing to do with top speed, breaking distance, turning radius, or any other spec. The Lightning excels at being a shinny fast good lookin' truck. That''s it! It's the best shinny fast good lookin' truck ever made. If you don't understand what that means, well then you have some friends in britishlandia.
November 5, 2013This truck model has held up well regarding design, features, and comfort. Its getting harder to find them in decent shape, but parts are plentiful and the aftermarket segment is significant. One of the original sport trucks that actually performs, these are only going up in value.
February 1, 2022this truck is fast. very fast.If you were to be looking for a fast truck thats will blow awayany little toy that they call a car, this would be the truck and it is made in the great states of america!
November 17, 2009What owners say
This is certainly not your daddy's truck. The Lightning isn't really intended to be used for much utility and its definitely not suited at all for off road, or even snow, ice or heavy rain for that matter. The Lightning is not about practicality. Its sole purpose is to be a shinny fast truck and to make you look good while picking up the groceries. I once saw a review of the Lightning on the popular British TV show Top Gear (I actually liked that show a lot). They tested it on their tiny one lane country roads that we would call driveways back in America, and they more or less panned it. I just had to smile. The Brits obviously didn't get it at all. It has nothing to do with top speed, breaking distance, turning radius, or any other spec. The Lightning excels at being a shinny fast good lookin' truck. That''s it! It's the best shinny fast good lookin' truck ever made. If you don't understand what that means, well then you have some friends in britishlandia.
November 5, 2013This truck model has held up well regarding design, features, and comfort. Its getting harder to find them in decent shape, but parts are plentiful and the aftermarket segment is significant. One of the original sport trucks that actually performs, these are only going up in value.
February 1, 2022this truck is fast. very fast.If you were to be looking for a fast truck thats will blow awayany little toy that they call a car, this would be the truck and it is made in the great states of america!
November 17, 20092nd fastest production truck on the planet
March 31, 2008It's just a fun truck to drive. People often stop and ask me about it. They either want to know more or they have their own Lightning stories. On the highway, it rides like a car with a lot of passing power. In town, it's very tempting to stomp on it at every light. Near my home, there's a stop light at the bottom of a hill. I've yet to be beaten to the top.
November 14, 2013Very fast, everything I thought it would be. Used to driving a Lariat before buying this truck and found it has a lot more wind noise than the Lariat does. I'm sure everyone will agree there should be no comparison there anyway. The stereo leave a little to be desired also. But there again I'm comparing it to my Lariat that has a premium stereo, and that's not fair.
June 25, 2011the svt lightning is a very fun truck to drive in but you do have to be very careful that you maintain controll. the supercharger on the svt lightning screams soo loud, you will know that you are in a true performance vehicle.
September 28, 2009665 rwhp, and 720 ft lbs of torque. it literally hurts to tap into this kind of power. when you slam the throttle open, it feels like the truck goes from calm to kill mode. it's not fast... it's dangerous.
January 31, 2011Great truck, runs and drives great.. but if you're looking for a fair weather only vehicle with some good power... why not get a Cobra mustang or something like that... at the end of the day it is still a heavy truck.. But SVT is amazing so its worth it.
October 8, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $33,830 | Seating 3 |
Engine 5.4L 380 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 13 | Drivetrain RWD |
