Two of my local Ford dealerships have the new 04's on their lots. Both 4X2, and 4X4's. Some Suprcrews some XLT's. "IF" Ford ever rids those "holding yards" of these 04's at the Norfolk plant that we have seen pictures of, thanks to Cliebold, then most of we readers here will have "real" access to these new units. BUT THAT'S A BIG "IF." The trucks are bigger and wider. And the Lariat interiors are really "Lincoln-like."

 

went by a today and the yyards are still full. Noticed hoods up again on different units. would love to know whats up with that.

 

I stopped by my dealer to pick up '04 reading material and the sales guy walked me back to 2 new '04 XL models he had in stock. He said he expects to have an FX4 in a few days. It was great to see them in person. MAN!...that's one DEEP bed and one HUGE tailgate Even the XL model is nice looking. I can't wait to go drive a Lariat. I can't get one until next spring though. Until then, I can just drive myself nuts wanting one. This will be my first major new car purchase (never had a new car before).

 

The only thing I can think of is that they are either waiting on the "go ahead" (following some type of testing elsewhere on this truck) or they're involved in some type of marketing GIMMICK. The latter of the two really makes NO sense though. For they could have SOLD the majority, if not ALL, of these impounded trucks by now. For the Lariat I saw, is really impressive inside.

 

my dad haules new fords , mom has a 01"focus, dad's got 00"f-150 , and i've got a 96 ranger, but i have to say this new f-150 is ugly the lighting is alright but this truck was beaten with the ugly stick. it looks good on the in side but d@m^ that about the uglyst ford i have EVER seen, wouldnt by one, if the f-250 looks that i might just go some ware else.

 

reasonable people often disagree about matters of styling. For me, the 04 is better looking than any current competitor offerring. Lots of SPECULATION as to why the shipments are delayed but no facts posted. Just the substantiated evidence that a large number of ford trucks are sitting in a field(s). The 04 f150 is the most significant 2003 (calendar year) product offering of any manufacturer. The 04 f150 is the most significant product offering by ford since the introduction of the model T. Maybe, with many millions of $$ at stake and possibly the future of Ford Company itself, ford has a master (albeit confidential) marketing plan for building, distributing and selling the 04 f150's?

 

I AGREE with the last part of your post. Either Ford is in "dire straits" with these trucks in the "holding yards" because of some post production discovered design flaw OR there is indeed a grand marketing "plan" forthcoming. It sounds too bizarre but is possible. Like I said there are many very smart people in mangagement as well as rank and file in America today.

 

I live in the twin citys area and nothing out here as far as '04 yet. I did how ever just get back 2 weeks ago from Dearborn / Detroit and saw LOTS of them out there!! I saw them test driving them on the rouge test track there next to the Henry Ford museam.

> All in all I love the new look and write ups on the truck, I will have to look at trading my '00 in for a new FX4.... Soon as Minnesota geta few of them....

 

I saw the new Toby Keith commercial last night and it flashed coming September 4th when they were showing the new 150 so it may very well be a marketing ploy... IMO, the commercial was pretty cool. Anyone who says the new 150 is ugly is definitely in the minority, but to each his own...

 

I hate to agree with you Rangersvt04, but when I saw the 04 at all Ford Carlile a few months back, It was ugly and the all the body panels were to tall. the p/u box is to deep. and I hope for 05 they change the grill, like they do everyother year.
The 04 I saw had the uglyest 20" wheels and tires on it too!
I do like the lower body profile of the Chebby&GMsee.

 

EXACTLY. Ford is waiting until a certain date to unleash them to everyone at once. This gives them time to train salesmen so they will be educated on the new product. When I picked up my new FX4 yesterday, my salesman told me that next week he gets to go to the NASCAR track here locally to test the new F-150 and learn about it's features. It's obvious that Ford wants to sell this truck like crazy, and you can't sell it unless your dealers know what they are talking about.

 

Was driving into Norfolk two day ago and saw two truckloads of 04 F-150's leaving. I'm sure there were more!

 

i myself think the new f150 is a sharpe looking truck. i've only seen pics bout it still looks sharpe.

 

Boys, I think we are all a little too eager to see or get our hands on one of these babies. The Ford Website says "Coming This Fall".
That means Ford has plans to get these trucks to the dealers in plenty of time for the Grand Showing. Before long, you will see truck load after truck load going to the dealers and see them on TV until you are sick of them.
As for the incentives, don't look for any any time soon. If these trucks don't sale very well, you will see incentives galore. If you don't want to pay the higher prices now, just sit back and wait, that is what I am going to do. It will be good to let them get some of the bugs out anyway.

 

I saw the 2004 FX4 in my dealers lot and I thought it was a nice looking truck but IMHO she will look a lot better in a few years. I was seriously thinking of trading my 2003 F150 7700 for the 2004 if I could keep my payments the same but after seeing it I think I'll wait. The interior looks real nice but it seemed a little crowded to me. My salesman is a big guy and he said he had some leg problems with it. When I washed up my truck I fell in love with it again (happens every week).
I also thought the hooks in the front were to deep in the bumper and might cause some damage if you ever use em.