Three different engines are offered on the F-150: a 202-horsepower, 4.2L V6; a 248-horsepower (up from 231), 4.6L V8; and a 300-horsepower, 5.4L V8. Part-time four-wheel drive is available with each. The top 5.4L engine has three valves per cylinder, along with variable valve timing, for improvements in power and efficiency, and makes 365 lb-ft of torque. A flex-fuel version of this engine, compatible with E85, is optional.

The three cab styles, three bed lengths, and five trims, can each be equipped for a wide range of purposes. Regular cab models are available with three box lengths--Styleside 6.5-foot, Flareside 6.5-foot, and Styleside 8-foot--while SuperCabs come in four different boxes--Styleside 5.5-foot, Styleside 6.5-foot, Flareside 6.5-foot, and Styleside 8-foot. Big SuperCrews, with four full-size doors and a large back seat, only come in one box length, Styleside 5.5-foot.

The utilitarian XL models are equipped quite plainly. STX models add upgraded exterior trim, air conditioning, and CD sound, while the XLT adds common luxury conveniences like remote keyless entry and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The sporty FX4 brings a special paint-and-trim scheme, cast aluminum wheels, and sport seats, while the top Lariat model includes bright aluminum wheels, automatic climate control, a trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and power driver's seat. Four-wheel vented disc anti-lock brakes are standard on all F-150 models.

The F-150 comes with a modular overhead rail system, which can accommodate for first-aid kits, toolboxes, or storage units.

The interior was significantly upgraded at the F-150's last redesign, in 2004, and now compares to the interior appointments offered in full-size luxury SUVs when generously equipped. On FX4 and Lariat models there's a different, more SUV-like interior scheme available, with twin captains chairs and a floor-mounted shifter.

At the top of the line, there's the lavish King Ranch model, with a designer saddle leather interior and just about every luxury convenience. There's also a limited-edition Harley Davidson SuperCrew style, which comes with leather captain's chairs, spoked wheels, and an instrument panel modeled after motorcycle gauges. It's the only F-150 in the lineup that can come with full-time all-wheel drive.

The list of options is long, allowing the F-150 to be catered to just about any use. Highlights include shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, skid plates, a limited-slip rear axle, a huge, range-extending 35.7-gallon fuel tank, power-adjustable pedals, power fold-in heated side mirrors, a power sliding rear window, a backup sensor system, and a high-end audio system with six-disc changer. There are also trailer-tow, snow-plow prep, heavy-duty payload, and work truck packages.

F-150 prices run a range that more than doubles from cheapest to most expensive, with the XL Regular Cab 4x2 starting at $19,120 while the Lariat King Ranch SuperCrew 4x4 costs $39,565.

Price Reduction

Best-in-class Payload And Tow Capacity

Interior Quality

A Variant For Every Need

The Ford F-150 carries over into 2007 with a number of new packages and options, some interior improvements, more power for the popular 4.6L V8, and lower prices across the model line, with price reductions of up to $1,400. The F-150 also gets an upgraded maximum towing capacity of 11,000 when properly equipped, which maintains best-in-class rankings for both towing and payload. For 2007, some of the audio systems get an auxiliary input jack, and the optional navigation is now improved and DVD-based.

Depending on equipment, Ford's F-150 spans a range from basic V6 work truck to luxurious tow rig to hefty hauler, with the industry's widest variety of body configurations--more than 60. The F-150 already has a reputation for being one of the best built, most desirable trucks, and with prices cut and upgraded capability, it's especially competitive.