SHORT STINT: 2009 Ford F-150 XLT
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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It's hard to beat a good 4WD extended-cab, full-size pickup for most of your everyday needs. But it gets even better if your needs include any hauling or towing or you're driving through snow. The Ford's big bed, with the flexibility of the standard bed extender, makes the space highly functional; the backup camera eases hitching up the trailer (not to mention avoiding hitting anything while backing up in this big boy), and the 4WD proves priceless when the snow starts to fly and added traction is needed. At $37,000, this XLT is the real meat of the F-150 market, with all the bells and whistles but none of the superfluous stuff like leather seats.
While we should all question whether we really need all of that capability in an everyday vehicle that we got a depressing 13.3 mpg in real-world city/suburban driving, it's nice to know that in America, you still have that choice. What you do with that choice, now that you've been to the school of $4-per-gallon gasoline, is up to you. Sales show most folks seem to be erring on the side of caution.
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For those still in the truck market, however, this is a fine piece. It is arguably the quietest truck we've ever driven--close to Lexus-quiet on the highway. Even doing 70 mph on the interstate, there's barely a hint of wind noise, and what is heard in the cabin is mostly tire noise.
The interior design is terrific for any type of vehicle, let alone what you would expect in a pickup. The layout is pleasing to look at and the controls are intuitive, plus the materials look and feel good.
It handles superbly on the road, too. The steering is quick and direct, with a nice, solid feel. There's no mushiness, no sloppiness, just a feeling of being in complete control--hardly the stuff of pickup trucks past.
Driving over rough roads, there's the barest hint of truckiness, and that's the way it's supposed to be. Above all else, this is a tool, a heavy-duty utensil. That Ford made it so comfortable, so quiet, so capable of being so many different things, is a plus.
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