The Ford F-150 is available in three cab styles for 2008--regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew--plus three box lengths, two box styles--regular and Flareside--and five different models. Each body style features four doors, and each is available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. On FX4 and Lariat models, two captain's chairs are available, with a floor shifter; other models have a 40/20/40-split bench seat.
Three different engines are available on the F-150: a 202-horsepower, 4.2L V6; a 248-horsepower, 4.6L V8; and a top 5.4L V8 that makes 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. A flex-fuel version of the 5.4L, capable of running on up to 85 percent ethanol (E85) is also available. Torque-based electronic throttle control helps improve drivability, fuel economy, and refinement.
The F-150 has a fully boxed frame with hydroformed front rails, which helps provide strength for heavy loads and stiffness to reduce shuddering on rough roads. V8 engines also get liquid-filled engine mounts for improved refinement. Four-wheel vented anti-lock disc brakes are standard across the model line.
The F-150's five trim levels span a wide range from basic hauler with wind-up windows and no air conditioning up to the luxurious Lariat model. The mid-range STX and XLT models add many popular features, while the FX4 comes with some of the hardware needed to be off-road ready. The Lariat brings expanded conveniences including automatic climate control, a trip computer, leather trim and upholstery, power heated side mirrors, and a power driver's seat.
A new Lariat Limited model gets a custom White Sand Metallic paint, along with body-colored bumpers, fascia, door-handle bezels, and other pieces for a monochromatic appearance. Headlamps are presented in Dark Shadow Gray, four-inch stainless-steel tubular running boards and 22-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels draw attention, while inside there are two-tone leather captain's chairs, a unique instrument cluster, and leather trim. The new XL SuperCrew model gets power side mirrors, color-coordinated carpet and mats, an overhead console, 40/20/40-split cloth front seats, and a CD stereo.
A feature unique to the F-150 is the mid-box, a steel storage box with double-paneled doors that's accessible from both sides of the vehicle and unlocks with the driver's door key. The mid-box arrangement is available on the regular cab and SuperCab, and only in an Oxford White color.
A rearview camera system is also among the F-150's options; it uses a camera mounted near the tailgate handle and displays a video image on the rearview mirror.
Reputation For Durability
Towing And Hauling Ability
Range Of Models For Specific Uses.
Ford's F-150 pulls into 2008 with only minor changes. Two new models--the Lariat Limited, and the XL SuperCrew--join the F-150 lineup for 2008, and a new Wheels and Stripes Package is available to dress up the mid-range STX. Additionally, a tachometer is now standard on XL and STX models with manual transmission, manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors are available with the XLT and Lariat Chrome Packages, and a remote start system is now available as a factory option.
There's also a new factory-installed Cargo Management System available on any F-150 with the 6.5-foot Styleside box. It uses side rails, bins, and crossbars that hold up to 100 pounds, ideal for hanging skis or fishing poles. Individual tool bins can also function as coolers. A single key can be used for all the bins.
Two new exterior colors, Stone Green and Mahogany (King Ranch only), join the lineup.
The 2008 Ford F-150 has the widest range of body configurations in the industry, according to Ford, and has a tow rating of up to 11,000 pounds and payload capacity of up to 3,050 pounds. Ford also says that there are more Ford trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles.
