2007 Ford F-150

For 2007, the Ford F-150 series gains several new features, including an increase in towing and payload capacity to up to 4,763 kg (10,500 lbs) towing and 1,384 kg (3,050 lbs) payload on F-150 models; horsepower on the 4.6-litre V8 increases from 231 to 248, and the 5.4-litre is available in a Flex-Fuel (E85) version.

New standard features include a tire pressure monitoring system, and an auxiliary audio input jack on STX and higher models; new optional features include a DVD-based navigation system, SIRIUS satellite radio, a heavy-duty payload package (late availability), power-folding exterior mirrors on FX4 and Lariat models, and a new FX2 Sport Package on XLT Super Cab and Super Crew. The Harley-Davidson package is now available as a Super Crew in 4x2 and AWD, and there are six new exterior colours: Pueblo Gold, Red Fire, Dark Blue Pearl, Forest Green, White Sand Tri-Coat and Dark Amethyst.

Changes to the 2007 Super Duty line-up are all trim-related, including 20-inch polished-aluminum forged wheels available on SRW Crew Cab 4x4 Lariat, King Ranch and Amarillo. The Amarillo Package, available on the Lariat Crew Cab, includes Blazing Yellow paint, 18-inch polished-aluminum wheels, brushed aluminum door trim and black leather interior; a Chrome Package available on XLT and Lariat SuperCab and Crew Cab adds chrome grille, exhaust tip, tow hooks, mirror caps, bed tie-downs and step bars. The King Ranch edition adds two new colour combinations: Black/Arizona Beige, and True Blue Metallic/Arizona Beige.

The F-Series offers a wide variety of body configurations: there are three cab choices (Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew), three box lengths (the 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot and 8-foot), and two box styles (Styleside and Flareside). The F-350 Super Duty can also be optioned with dual rear wheels.

The F-150 comes in a wide range of trim lines, available on various configurations: XL, XLT, STX, FX, Lariat, Lariat Chrome, King Ranch and Harley-Davidson. F-250 and F-350 Super Duty models come in XL, XLT and Lariat trim.

All F-150s have four doors, of sorts. The regular cab has opening access panels; the Super Cab has larger rear-hinged back doors that can be opened and closed only when the front doors are open; and the Super Crew has independent front and rear doors.

Engine choices on the F-150 are a 4.2-litre V6, 4.6-litre V8 and 5.4-litre V8. The F-250 and F-350 Super Duty are available with a 5.4-litre V8, 6.8-litre V10 or 6.0-litre V8 Power Stroke diesel. Two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available.

The F-150 is Canada’s best-selling pickup truck: powerful but well-mannered, tough yet refined, it earns high ratings in crash tests, and it handles very well. It can be ordered from a bare-bones work truck to the seriously luxurious King Ranch and Harley-Davidson editions (it’s also the basis of the Lincoln Mark LT pickup). The V6 makes for a low base price, but it’s got to move around a lot of sheet metal, and it uses almost as much fuel as the smaller V8. The 4.6-litre engine is a better choice, while the 5.4-litre provides smooth power with plenty of torque.

Expect Ford to be looking over its shoulder: the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra have been completely redesigned for 2007, and they’re ready to give the leader a run for its money.