The new F does that with the courage of a leader, launching a new era of Built Ford Tough. Now, as it celebrates more than 85 years of truck experience and 55 years of legendary F-Series accomplishments, Ford is again redefining America's truck. The all-new Ford F creates a bold first impression as it extends Ford's tradition as America's Tough Truck leader. It creates an even bigger lasting impression when its doors are opened to reveal a revolutionary interior design with refinement, comfort and spaciousness unparalleled in a truck.

The combination of Tough Truck capability and refinement sets a new standard for the industry. Ford pioneered the pickup, gave it the first V-8 engine and Crew Cab and went on to create a brand that is synonymous with truck leadership. Tough, capable and powerful, the F-Series has been the best-selling full-size pickup for 26 years as of January and the nation's favorite vehicle for 21 years running.

The Ford F-Series is America's truck. F now offers the industry's widest variety of body and trim configurations. Customers can specify the pickup box according to load length and box style, with more choices than ever before. Additionally, all cab configurations now feature four doors for ease of access. The all-new F exterior is designed to be confident, powerful, fresh and refined.

Drawing on design elements from the current F, the F-Series Super Duty lineup and the Mighty F TONKA concept, the new truck's taut, boldly chiseled shape resonates Ford Tough Truck tradition.

The result is a shape symbolic of strength with an underlying tone of sophistication that really gives this truck aspirational qualities," Schiavone said. Tall-shouldered and proud, the new F profile features a self-assured, "planted" stance achieved through widening the front and rear tracks more than 1. New larger standard wheel and tire combinations reside in straightforward circular wheel arches that visually communicate power. The bold front-end design conveys strength and symbolizes the powerful engine range.

It features new quad-circle-styled headlamps designed in form-follows-function clusters, and incorporates a new wrap-around fascia treatment that communicates refined sophistication and precision. A bold bumper with integral foglamps, when equipped, and tow hooks on 4x4 models complete the look. Enhancing the truck's visual strength is its high beltline, which draws attention to its chiseled, powerful flanks and a roofline reminiscent of chopped-top custom street trucks.

A more vertical tumblehome the inward bow of the side windows balances the visual weight of the lower body while allowing nearly flush side glass, a mark of refinement. The doors adopt the Ford signature stepped-down beltline - a feature that aids outward visibility while providing an athletic rake that dynamically links the front and rear of the truck.

The passenger compartment of the Regular Cab and SuperCab body styles is 6 inches longer, giving customers greater interior spaciousness. Regular Cab models feature industry-first rearward-swinging access doors that make it easier to reach a behind-seat cargo area that is large enough for golf clubs, toolboxes or five-gallon paint buckets.

Each access door features an integral window that contributes to the airy, spacious interior feel of the new F SuperCab occupants can enjoy first-in-class rear door power windows on XLT, FX4 and Lariat as well as an optional power sliding rear window. The stylish Flareside harks back to historic Ford models with deeper, fender-like wheel flares and a unique tailgate design that flares outward at its upper edge for a "spoiler effect. The Ford F interior sets new standards for craftsmanship and refinement.

It reflects Ford's attention to detail and provides enhanced occupant comfort, reduced interior noise and more feature content. The look is very modern, precise and industrial, and it's executed in an honest, straightforward way.

Designers adopted a modular approach when creating the F instrument panel. Bold vertical bands gave the design team tremendous flexibility to adopt different colors, textures and materials to customize the look of the instrument panel. All models, including the base version, feature an attractive two-tone instrument panel.

Designers created three different instrument cluster designs, which combine with other elements to give each series a distinctive look. For example, the FX4 cluster evokes images of classic aviation while the Lariat features chrome-ringed gauges that match other chrome interior elements, including the door handles.

Functional round air registers are trimmed in chrome on higher-specification models and are dimpled for fingertip-controlled opening and closing. The new F interior introduces a flow-through center console, giving customers the option of two captain's chairs with a floor shifter on FX4 and Lariat models.

The floor shifter, another F first, is a sophisticated design, detailed in warm steel and chrome. The new F marks the debut of another industry-first - a modular overhead rail system that allows owners to customize interior storage options to suit their individual needs. It is standard equipment on XLT, FX4 and Lariat SuperCab and SuperCrew models. The brushed aluminum rail system is integrated into the headliner and extends from behind the rearview mirror to behind the second row of seats.

The forward end of the rail features a dome light console and a large storage bin module. The system - with integral power supply - allows owners to easily snap in additional modules, such as first aid kits, toolboxes, flashlights and two-way radio holders as they become available from Ford or the aftermarket. Already available on XLT, FX4 and Lariat SuperCrew is an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

In order to meet the needs of key customer segments, Ford developed five distinct models for the new F Each series provides new attributes and comfort and convenience features - many of which are firsts in the full-size segment. The XL personifies the pickup's role in building America. It is the workhorse truck that gets the job done, and can get down and dirty with hose-out floor functionality. The XL is available in both Regular Cab and SuperCab models with a choice of vinyl or cloth interior.

The XL boasts a bold, forthright grille design; tailgate-assist; and larger, standard inch steel wheels. New features also include standard tilt steering wheel and a center display system in the instrument panel. The F STX provides work truck capabilities in a sporty, stylish package. STX, powered by the 4. Versatile enough to carry people and cargo, the XLT series is ideal for a wide array of uses - ranging from hauling to recreation.

XLT is available in all cab variations and, depending on cab choice, all three Styleside box lengths and Flareside configurations are available. XLT features an optional Silver two-tone paint finish, unique grille treatment and standard inch cast aluminum wheels.

The XLT features Ford's new overhead rail system and foglamps on 4x4 models. For SuperCab and SuperCrew models, XLT's standard second-row power windows are a segment first. The new FX4 is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who believe four-wheel-drive capability is a critical lifestyle element. It combines off-road capability with a bold and distinctive individual statement.

FX4 models are available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles. Customers have a choice of box configurations: New optional inch machined cast aluminum wheels, body-color bumpers, a distinctive grille and a new available Dark Shadow Gray lower two-tone exterior paint treatment complete the package.

Inside, FX4 has unique "warm steel" accents on the instrument panel, center console, doors and steering wheel. Its aircraft-inspired instrument cluster, "carbon mesh" accents and chrome-ringed air registers further refine the look. Optional captain's chairs can be specified in either sporty cloth or sporty leather, and come with a segment-first, flow-through center console with floor shifter.

The ultimate in truck refinement, the F Lariat combines truck toughness and comfort, geared to buyers who view their trucks as a reward for achievement. Lariat owners use their trucks for a multitude of purposes from everyday driving and road trips, to towing boats or travel trailers. Many depend on their trucks for towing but want comfort and refinement.

The instrument panel and center console contain finely crafted stitched surfaces in Medium Pebble or Ebony, augmented by woodgrain touches on the doors and instrument panel center stack. Lariat's instrument cluster also is unique, with cream-colored gauges ringed in chrome to complement the chrome-ringed air registers and chrome door handles.

The steering wheel has built-in controls for key audio and climate control functions. Other special Lariat features include an in-dash message center, electronic automatic temperature control and power-adjustable memory seats and pedals. An available Beige lower two-tone paint treatment, chrome bumpers and a unique grille, along with inch bright aluminum wheels accentuate the exterior. The all-new Ford F provides an entirely new driving experience in a full-size pickup.

The steering is crisp and direct, the ride is plush yet controlled, the braking is strong and assured, and the cabin is quiet. Ford has applied its expertise in driving dynamics to the best-selling vehicle in the world, and the result is a pickup truck that is responsive, confident while towing and robust and capable off-road. The new F has been designed to achieve exceptional handling, ride and quietness due in part to a solid and stable fully boxed frame with hydroformed front rails.

The frame is approximately nine times stiffer in torsion and approximately percent stiffer in bending as the already robust backbone of the current truck. The entire frame is fully boxed to form a closed "box" section rather than the traditional "C" rail design, and hydroforming was used for the sections of the frame rails that bear the loads of the front suspension. The result is increased stiffness and stronger attachment points for the brackets that attach the body and suspension to the frame - and minimal shake and shudder on rough roads.

With a driving feel that is designed to be plush yet connected to the road, F has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps but stands strong against steering forces. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use new coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double wishbone front suspension with cast aluminum lower control arms - a first in the pickup truck segment.

The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces. Advanced bushings - soft in response to road impacts but stiff to cornering loads, with ride tuning and handling tuning optimized independently - contribute to the improved ride and handling.

Engineers targeted crisp steering response with new features including "gripping" bushings and double ball-type joints instead of rubber bushings in the stabilizer bar system. The front shock absorbers are mounted inside the springs, allowing four-wheel-drive models to use coil springs instead of the traditional torsion bars, permitting more precise suspension tuning and commonality across the lineup.

The design also moves the shock absorber closer to the wheel for approximately percent greater mechanical advantage, which allows for more precise shock tuning. The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension has been optimized with rear shock absorbers placed outboard of the frame rails - a segment exclusive - for improved control of body lean and a smoother ride. The shock position also provides better control of axle "skipping" and "skating" that can happen on washboard-type surfaces.

Rear leaf springs are now 3 inches wide 20 percent bigger than the F and the same width as on the F-Series Super Duty lineup to help reduce sway during cornering and considerably improve towing stability. A rack-and-pinion steering system that is the largest and strongest ever used on a Ford vehicle was engineered to provide improved steering response for the new F It is more robust than the recirculating-ball system used on the current F and has less operating friction.

Both measures contribute to the precise steering response that makes the new F driving experience spirited and confidence-inspiring. The new standard four-wheel disc brakes are larger and more powerful while providing better feel. The rotors are larger and thicker, and the calipers are larger and even more robust - 60 percent stiffer - for enhanced stopping power and better brake pedal "feel.

The vented front discs have twin-piston calipers and are millimeters 13 inches in diameter, an increase of 22 millimeters 0. The vented rear discs, with single-piston calipers, have a diameter of millimeters Increasing rotor size provides more surface area for brake pad contact and better heat dissipation for more consistent braking performance in stop-and-go driving or while towing. The F suspension is designed to contribute to braking assurance, resisting body dive and counteracting natural toe-out forces under braking to provide the driver predictable, consistent stopping performance.

While the most dramatic improvement in the F driving experience comes on-road, Ford has steadily improved off-pavement performance. Four-wheel-drive models use the proven manual- or electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case of the current F and a selection of optional limited-slip rear axles. In low range, electronic throttle control allowed engineers to incorporate a dedicated accelerator response strategy for better control of torque in the most challenging and slippery conditions.

Off-road braking performance was the subject of careful tuning. On loose surfaces like gravel, F engineers were able to improve off-road stopping distances by approximately 13 percent. For the most serious off-road enthusiasts, the F FX4 provides skid plates, specifically tuned shock absorbers, optional LT tires and a standard limited-slip 3. The new F offers two engine choices - a 5.

The new engine delivers horsepower at 5, rpm and foot-pounds of torque at 3, rpm. The all-new, aluminum cylinder head - with two intake valves and one exhaust valve per cylinder for 24 valves in total - and an improved cast-iron block balance impressive power with better fuel efficiency and quieter operation. This new technology builds on Ford's proven modular V-8 engine platform. Its predecessor, a 2-valve version of the 5. It isn't a single technology but rather a suite of enhancements that deliver these consumer benefits.

The new engine will be Ford's first modular V-8 to use variable cam timing, which allows Ford engineers to optimize intake and exhaust valve actuation across the engine speed range.

03 FX4 vs FX4! Specs and Facts! - Ford F Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

It is the industry's first mass application of dual-equal variable-cam timing, which shifts the intake and exhaust valve timing together. Variable camshaft timing allows the valves to be operated at different points in the combustion cycle, to provide performance that is precisely tailored to specific engine speed and load at that instant. The driver does not notice that the cams are changing, but recognizes that there's more power when it is needed. In combination with precise control of spark timing, fuel injection and use of electrically controlled Charge Motion Control Valves in the intake runners, this technology produces improved power and torque, particularly at the lower engine speeds that are so important to applications such as towing and heavy hauling.

With all-aluminum heads, single overhead camshafts, magnesium camshaft covers and a clean-sheet design approach, Ford's engineers were able to develop a three-valve-per-cylinder engine that has virtually no weight penalty compared with two-valve V-8 engines.

The three-valve head is dimensionally smaller than the two-valve design for the 5. It also is easier to manufacture. At lower speeds and lighter loads, the new Charge Motion Control Valves CMCV - located at the end of each intake runner - are specially shaped to speed up the intake charge and induce a tumble effect in the combustion cylinder. This causes the fuel to mix more thoroughly, and to burn quickly and efficiently, with reduced emissions, particularly at idle.

The CMCVs are controlled by an electronic motor, and open at a predetermined point as engine speed increases. At higher engine speeds, they do not affect the intake charge at all.

This allows undisturbed maximum flow into the combustion chambers at wide-open throttle. New on both the 5. It is a direct descendant of technology first used in fighter aircraft. Replacing the mechanical throttle linkage is an accelerator position sensor, an electronic control circuit and an actuator at the throttle valve on the engine.

The controller takes into account the current operating status of the engine and ambient conditions, and then operates the throttle as needed to best deliver the desired result. This produces seamless and consistent engine response, improved fuel economy and enhanced integration of vehicle systems, such as the transmission, variable camshaft timing, vehicle speed control and idle speed control.

Also available in the new F is the 4. It achieves horsepower at 4, rpm and an impressive foot-pounds of torque at 3, rpm. Ninety percent of this torque is available at 2, rpm for strong towing performance and solid acceleration while hauling heavy loads.

In addition to the benefits of the new electronic throttle control system, the 4. It uses an upgraded version of Ford's 4R70E four-speed automatic transmission, which has improved shifting controls, for smoother performance.

Matched to the new 5. It is upgraded to handle the torque of the 5. While final certification is not yet complete, Ford expects the new F will offer competitive fuel economy. Tough, capable and versatile, America's pickup truck also has more interior spaciousness, features that contribute to ergonomic ease and new levels of refinement. The combination makes for a calm, quiet confidence that all drivers will appreciate. That extra capacity could save a trip to the landscape supply or garden center.

The newly engineered chassis and seamless powertrains make pulling a trailer easier than ever. Four axle ratios - from 3.

The laterally stiff new rear suspension is very resistant to side loads, so trailer influence on the truck in crosswinds, on rutted roads or alongside wheelers is minimal. This contributes to confident, stress-free trailering, aided by powerful new braking capability.

With a maximum tow rating of 9, pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2, pounds, the new F is the most capable full-size pickup under 8, pounds. At F's core is a stout, fully boxed ladder frame with hydroformed front rails. Critical cross members are welded to the rails with a "through-rail" joint to prevent localized flex. The entire frame is welded together, built to last.

The new body structure is improved by more than 75 percent and works with the stiffer frame to ward off squeaks and rattles. For the new F, the most aggressive use yet of structural adhesives on a Ford truck helps to spread loads over the length of a seam, to maintain long-term body stiffness.

Prototypes completed a week corrosion test at Ford's Arizona Proving Ground that included a gamut of torture, including Salt Bath, Humidity Chamber and Drying Chamber.

Sixty cycles of this testing simulate six years of abuse in Canada's rugged Maritime Provinces.

Today's F prototypes were subjected to hundreds of testing cycles. In addition, the new F has endured the equivalent of more than 5 million cumulative miles of engine testing. Contractors and personal-use buyers may have different needs and wants in their F, but they all use the truck as a tool - to get the job done, to get their gear to the recreation area or to get to work between weekends.

Ford knows that any good tool is easy to use, and has worked extensively to help ensure that all of its customers find F a good "fit. People come in all shapes and sizes, of course, and the F reflects that fact: It's designed to accommodate a so-called 25th-percentile woman approximately 4'10" tall as well as a 99th-percentile male approximately 6'4".

The cabin is wider than ever before and its front seat is roomier, yet the door armrests extend far enough for smaller drivers to use comfortably.

Grab handles and optional running boards assist during entry and exit, and optional power-adjustable pedals join a standard tilt steering wheel for customizing the driving position. A standard Tailgate Assist feature uses an internal torsion bar to help with raising and lowering the tailgate.

The optional running boards were moved lower and farther outboard to be more useful for stepping up into the cab.

Essential to meeting Ford's goals for the best driving experience available in a pickup truck was engineering quietness into the cabin. A quiet passenger cabin helps driver and passengers to stay alert and arrive relaxed, and has a profound effect on customer satisfaction. As a result of their efforts, the F cabin has highway cruise noise levels that are 2 sones quieter than the previous segment leader.

Review: 2004 Ford F-150 FX4

While driving on coarse country roads at more moderate speeds, overall interior sound levels are 2. During wide-open-throttle acceleration, the "speech articulation index" - a measure of how easily one can hold a conversation - is 5 percentage points better than the nearest competitor, above 3, rpm.

Liquid-filled engine mounts or "hydromounts" attenuate much of the engine's noise and vibration before it can reach the passenger compartment. To further combat unwanted noise, the new F has inset doors with improved seals, thicker front side windows, a laminated dash panel and noise-blocking air extractor vents at the rear of the cab. New double door seals contribute to the quiet ride. The all-new Ford F has been engineered with a focus on safety. Across the line-up, the new full-size truck from the Tough Truck leader has the strength, technology and know-how to protect its occupants.

The new F helps to protect its occupants with a structure designed to absorb crash energy and dissipate it before it can reach the reinforced passenger compartment. Federal Government's frontal crash tests, the F SuperCrew scored five stars for driver and front passenger protection.

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset frontal crash test, Ford expects the new F to earn high marks, based on extensive internal testing. It also has been designed to meet the new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS , which regulates air bag as well as offset crash performance. The new, strong hydroformed front frame rails are built with computer-designed front horns to help manage crash forces.

In an impact, these areas of the frame are designed to collapse in an accordion fashion, dissipating energy before it reaches the passenger compartment. Innovative design added additional space to this crush zone. Rather than being welded or bolted to the back of the fully boxed bumper beam, the front frame rails extend through cutouts in the beam to its front face, where they are welded in place.

In a severe frontal impact, lower suspension control arms are designed to fracture, further absorbing crash energy. The front crush structure is built from channeled steel sections welded together to form fully boxed frame rails.

Ford F Supercab FX4 4WD Specs and Performance | Engine, MPG, Transmission

These sections meet the robust hydroformed frame ahead of the cab, providing a rugged steel platform beneath the entire passenger compartment. Reinforcements on the frame rails further improve the frame stiffness there.

Combined with exceptionally stiff door sills and door openings, the hydroformed frame is able to help keep the main section of the frame from twisting during an offset crash. Federal Government's side impact tests, the new F is designed to retain its strong performance.

If the sensor detects no weight on the front passenger seat - or very little weight, such as a newspaper, a half-dozen bagels or work gloves - the passenger-side air bag is automatically turned off. If more weight is detected on the seat, as with a small child, the air bag remains turned off and a light on the instrument panel illuminates with the message "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF.

Small children should always be seated in proper supplemental safety seats in the rear seats whenever possible, even with this system. A vehicle occupant's best line of defense in crashes remains the safety belt. The new F has three-point belts at all outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions in SuperCab and SuperCrew.

At both the driver and outboard front passenger positions, safety belts are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners and load-limiting retractors. In the first moments of a frontal impact, the pretensioners pull the lap and shoulder belts tighter, which helps to reduce slack in the belts.

The new F has standard provisions for safely securing a LATCH-compatible child safety seat.

Ford F Specs and Prices

There are three sets of LATCH Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children fixtures and top tether anchors across the rear seat of SuperCab and SuperCrew models, and a top tether anchor on the front passenger seat. Regular Cab models have both LATCH lower anchors and a top tether anchor on front passenger seats. With 6 more inches of interior cab length on Regular Cab and SuperCab models, the F provides more lockable stowage volume than ever before - up to 13 inches behind the front seat of the Regular Cab.

The story of the Ford F-Series is one of sustained leadership. From the construction site to the house next door, the full-size pickup has earned its place in the fabric of American life. F-Series is America's choice. It outsells every other full-size truck brand. In fact, F-Series has been America's favorite vehicle for 21 years running, as of January Historically, Ford has led the industry with innovations such as a standard third door on SuperCab and the SuperCrew.

These configurations gave F-Series customers true personal-use versatility - without compromising tough truck capability.

When extended cab models were introduced in the s, they accounted for less than 20 percent of the total market. Today, they represent approximately 80 percent of sales due to their increased passenger space and functionality. We used our customer insight to help us anticipate the 'next big thing' in the market, and we continue to give customers in this growing segment the most appealing products.

In , Ford dealers delivered more than , F-Series trucks to U. The numbers tell why Ford is aggressively striving to maintain and extend its leadership as the best-selling full-size pickup. The F-Series is extremely important to Ford's bottom line. It accounts for nearly 28 percent of Ford Division's sales and 23 percent of Ford Motor Company's total U. Forums Tech Articles Specs Truck Mods Other Close.