2007 Ford F-150 XLT 4WD SuperCrew

Introduction

If you want to know what the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. is, look no further than Ford's F-Series, which closes in on the million-unit mark every year. Although this line of full-size pickups includes the larger Super Duty trucks and even commercial-use chassis cabs, most consumers end up with the entry-level F-Series truck, the half-ton Ford F-150. Last redesigned for 2004, the F-150 has been tailored for today's pickup buyer who's as likely to use his truck for daily commutes and family errands as he is for serious towing and hauling tasks.

Drive it around with an empty bed and the 2007 Ford F-150 delivers a smooth ride, nimble handling and a quiet cab. In crew cab (SuperCrew) form, that cab can comfortably accommodate five or six people. Carrying passengers in the backseat is still a viable option if you get an extended cab (known as a SuperCab), and even regular cabs offer reverse-opening access doors for easy access to the storage area behind the seats. Interior ergonomics are excellent, and a wide selection of option packages allows buyers to personalize the look of the cabin.

If there's a downside to the Ford F-150, it's the truck's lackluster engine offerings. Although the top-line 5.4-liter Triton V8 stacks up to competing V8s on paper with 300 horsepower, 365 pound-feet of torque and an impressive 10,500-pound tow rating, our editors have been disappointed by its real-world performance. Whether unladen or towing a trailer, the F-150 feels noticeably slower than peers like the Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram and GM's Silverado/Sierra twins, and our testing numbers have backed that up. Curb weight is the main culprit, as the F-150 significantly outweighs every one of its competitors. Another issue is that Ford's pickup truck still uses a four-speed automatic transmission, while most other automakers have switched to five-speed automatics for improved acceleration and fuel economy.

This doesn't mean you won't be satisfied with a 2007 Ford F-150 purchase. For buyers who don't require the quickest full-size truck out there, the F-150 compensates with its civility: This is by far the easiest of the half-ton pickups to drive on an everyday basis, and with the wide range of body styles and equipment, you're sure to find one that meets your needs.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

A full-size pickup truck, the 2007 Ford F-150 is available in regular cab, extended cab (known as SuperCab) and crew cab (known as SuperCrew) body styles. Regular cabs come with a 6.5-foot- or 8-foot cargo bed, while SuperCabs can have either of those or a garage-friendly 5.5-footer. The F-150 SuperCrew takes either the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. Regular and SuperCabs come with reverse-opening rear doors for easier cab access, while SuperCrews have four full-size doors. In addition, there are five different trim levels to consider (XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat), along with three major packages (FX2, King Ranch and Harley-Davidson).

Meant primarily for commercial use, the lightly equipped base XL comes with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, AM/FM radio and not much else. The STX is similarly equipped but adds body-colored bumpers, sportier wheels and a few additional features, such as a cloth bench seat, air-conditioning and an upgraded sound system with a CD player and an MP3 player input jack. The volume leader in the lineup is the midgrade XLT, as it offers the widest array of available options, as well as chrome exterior trim, an upgraded cloth interior, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. The FX4 is geared toward off-road enthusiasts as it includes underbody skid plates, retuned springs and heavy-duty shocks, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. High-line F-150 Lariat models cater to buyers looking for an upscale ambiance with interior features like brushed aluminum and wood highlights, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a trip computer.

An option package for two-wheel-drive XLT SuperCabs and SuperCrews, the FX2 Package provides the look of the FX4 without the expensive off-road hardware, as well as a black interior with red accents. The King Ranch and Harley-Davidson Packages are available only on Lariat SuperCrews. The former adds two-tone exterior paint, exclusive tan leather upholstery and wood-grain interior accents, while the latter specifies monochromatic paint, 22-inch alloy wheels and black leather seating. Stand-alone options on the Ford F-150 include a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a sunroof.

Powertrains and Performance

There are three engine choices in the F-150 line: a 4.2-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8 and a 5.4-liter V8. Available only on regular cabs, the 4.2-liter V6 makes 202 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 4.6-liter engine provides 248 hp and 293 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.4-liter Triton V8 produces 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. Both V8 engines are matched to four-speed automatic transmissions. The V6 gets a standard five-speed manual, with the automatic available as an option. Buyers have a choice between two- and four-wheel drive on all versions of the F-150; all 4x4 trucks offer shift-on-the-fly convenience and an electronic, push-button transfer case is available on higher-line trims. Properly equipped, an F-150 with the 5.4-liter V8 can tow up to 10,500 pounds and carry 3050-pound payloads.

Safety

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard across the board, and traction control is optional on 2WD V8 models. Unlike some of its competitors, the F-150 does not offer side airbags or stability control. Frontal-impact testing by the NHTSA resulted in a perfect five-star rating. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the F-150 earned a rating of "Good," the highest available, and a "Best Pick" designation.

Interior Design and Special Features

Cab accommodations are pleasant in the F-150, as all versions offers simple controls, solid materials and plenty of room to spread out. All F-150s have a standard 40/20/40-split bench seat with a column shifter, but you can upgrade to captain's chairs and a console shifter no matter which trim level you select. An optional overhead console uses interchangeable modules so owners can add whatever features they find most useful. Without this console, though, the F-150 is a little short on storage space. Hauling larger items is no problem, however, as the rear seats in extended cabs and crew cabs fold up to make way for cargo.

Driving Impressions

Thanks to its stiff frame, double-wishbone front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, the 2007 Ford F-150 delivers impressive ride and handling dynamics for a full-size pickup truck. Unfortunately, the truck's excessive curb weight bogs down the 4.2-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 engines, so the 5.4-liter V8 is strongly recommended for most consumers. Brake pedal feel is solid, but the F-150's weight is a factor here as well, resulting in longer stopping distances compared to the competition.