2009 Ford F-150 Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Ford F-150:

With the F-150's 2900-pound-maximum-payload and 9500-pound-towing-capacity ratings, plus a comprehensively redesigned interior that borders on Town Car luxury in upscale models, Ford has struck a workable compromise between comfort and utility.

-- Car and Driver

The steering is no longer the guessing game that it once was and the brakes have a firm, progressive feel that's reassuring in such a big vehicle.

-- Edmunds.com

The new engines are powerful, yet quiet; even the idle quality is superb.

-- Motor Trend

Ford created five distinct iterations of the F-150: XL, STX, XLT, FX4, and Lariat...a myriad of configurations and options within these five model lines ensure buyers can select the right pickup for them.

-- New Car Test Drive

We would say without a moment of hesitation that this was the classiest, quietest, most completely equipped pickup truck interior we have ever spent time in.

-- New Car Test Drive

What reviewers liked least about the Ford F-150:

All this doesn’t come cheap: Ford has said each new truck costs between $1,000 and $2,000 more to build than the current model, so look for prices to jump accordingly.

-- AutoWeek

Although we logged a relatively modest number of miles, the seats became tiresome regardless of trim level, and we found it strange that even the upgraded leather captain's chairs still use manual adjusters for the seat back angle and lumbar support.

-- Edmunds.com

Ford F-150 Comparisons:

Ford is confident its latest truck will thrash the competition, mostly because it takes the best from the rest and piles it on with numerous additional features.

-- AutoWeek

The new frame is now nine times stiffer than its predecessor improving durability, ride quality and quietness.

-- Woman Motorist

Best one-liner about the Ford F-150:

...Ford hasn’t raised the bar—it’s grabbed a firm hold of the bar and thrown it out in the bushes, forcing the competition to search for it awhile.

-- AutoWeek

...[the new F-150] has to carry a heavy load -- the fortune and perhaps the future of the Ford Motor Company.

-- Car and Driver