Some of us may be able to swing $20-25g for a 1/2 ton but will not pay $30k+ for a 3/4-1 ton we don't need.

 

The bottom line will be when it cost more to continue supplying trucks with manuals than the profit made from selling them, accounting for those who will go to another brand over it. Probably only 5 to 10 percent of people who want a manual will switch to another brand to get one (or will buy a used Ford with a stick). Most will give in and take an automatic. Two people where I work did just that. I said I'd have told the dealer, get me a stick or I walk. But some, I guess, really don't want the stick that badly.

As for the new Dodge Ram. Some of them look pretty good and if it wern't for Fords, I'd be driving a Ram.

 

Why's everyone so uptight about the(lack of) manual transmission? You don't really think they'd actually use a real one this time in the new model do you? Nope. It'll be the same POS Mazda thats been put in all the other F-150's in the last 12+ years.
So with that said, theres only two choices left- either get a "Super"duty,or if you just gotta have a 1/2 ton-go buy a Chevy.

I own an SD myself -im done with the 150's,but if a 1/2 ton were to be forced on me id rather it was the chevy anyway-same platform as their 3/4 ton truck and it's got a real manual tranny-no creeper gear(which would be nice)like the 3/4 has,(nv4500)but nice sized outputs and overall slightly lower gear ratios than the mazda-at least its not the weak link that the mazda has always been.

Anyone ever notice in the Ford specs that the F150 reg cab 4x4,only has a 3100LB trailer wt rating w 4.6L/manual tranny/3.55 axle ratio?

Chevy's 4.8L/manual trans/3.42 axle ratio in the 1500 4x4 reg cab long box has a trailer wt rating of 4300lbs. The 3.73 can pull 5000 and the 4.10 is rated at 6000lb trailer wt.
When is the last time you ever even saw a Ford 1/2 ton with manual tranny geared like that?
I think that says plenty enough about the differences between NewVenture and Mazda.
If you want a 3/4 or 1ton truck then Ford is the way to -as its just as good and its cheaper-at least thats why I bought mine,but if a 1/2 ton is all you'll consider then Chevrolet is definately the way to go-ford has'int made a real 1/2 ton manual transmission truck in more than 12 years.

 

as a possible owner of a 2004/5 F150, i sure hope they offer a manual. i really like my v6 MT F150 and v10 MT F350. the auto isn't bad, but its just not the same to me. otherwise, i'll be getting a ram, but they look odd in a reg cab, short bed body.

 

I am waiting for the man. trans too. I also would love a small diesel to go with it.

 

I'll take my auto floor shifter with 5.4L anyday.

 

an auto isn't bad. but when you're up in the mtns. or going up a grade, i prefer the ability to choose my gear and stay there. i know the newer autos are pretty advanced when it comes to pulling or climbing a grade. but they aren't great when on a trail or in the mtns. plus, the snow can be so bad that i have to start out in second on my F150 and 2nd or 3rd in the work truck(F250 V10) with 4wdH.

 

I have a Toyota T100 with 120,000 miles w/ V6 and 5 spd. manual trans. with the original clutch! Yeah, it is not a power vehicle or fast off the spot but the gearing and match to the engine is fine. I too would like to get an F150 [new] with a manual trans. but I'm not too encouraged by some of the comments I've read here about the anemic nature of the one that has been used for the past 12 years. Comments?

 

I agree that the Mazda 5speed gear box is geared too high in 1st and reverse. I have not had any problems with any of mine and I tow 2500-3000 lbs loads often. I change the fluid once a year only takes 4 quarts for less then 8bucks.