Manuals were phased out on higher torque engines because those who don't know how to drive them broke things.....and ford has to cover the warranties for people who do know how to drive...and people who don't. Plus...most people want autos....and ford doesn't want to have trucks left sitting on dealership lots...
I figured that was the case. It sure is a disappointment to me. If my Lariat had a clutch pedal and a smooth shifting 5 or 6 speed manual in the console it would be perfect . . . and I would likely get another 2-3 mpg . . .
I spoke with a local owner of a small Ford dealership and she knew nothing at all about the new truck. She said she has received no info from Ford as of yet on the new F-150. I have an '04 which has been great, but want an '09 or '10 when they get the new V8.
Manuals were phased out on higher torque engines because those who don't know how to drive them broke things.....and ford has to cover the warranties for people who do know how to drive...and people who don't. Plus...most people want autos....and ford doesn't want to have trucks left sitting on dealership lots...
There is probably some truth in your statement but I feel the real reason is demand. Look around folks. How many poeple are really using there trucks these days for heavy tasks. Yes alot of you are but the majority of trucks of any brand these days are for the most part seeing groceries as their heaviest load and the trip down the driveway it's toughest terrain. That's why the big issues there days are ride comfort, noise levels and stuff like that.
In my neck of the woods the same goes for the superduties. Everyone and his brother drives one and they are all Lariats and there are never dirty.
I will have to admit I am in the same catagory. Mine isn't spotless and the bed is scratched up from hauling some stuff but it is mostly just for casual travel around town. Truth be known I need the 4wd like I need a hole in my head. but oh well!!
__________________
04 F-150 XLT SCREW 4X4, K&N AIR INTAKE , 1 1/2 LEVELING KIT, 285/70R17 TOYO OPEN COUNTRY AT's
From what I see of the truck on the pictures, I do not like it, and I do not like the interior.
HOWEVER.....
I said that in 1996 about the F150 and ended up loving the 1996 and up models.
I said that in fall 2003, when I test drove and help promote the launch of the 2004-current model F150 at a live radio broadcast I did at a Ford dealership in Toledo, Oh. when I worked in radio. I ended up loving this design, too.
Still my dream truck (as of 12-04-2007) : a 2008 blue FX4 Supercrew 6.5ft bed, flareside with the FX4 luxury package, black leather captain chairs with the center gear shifter.
It's just a wee bit out of my price range though, seeing how no lot regulary carries these and they need to be special ordered.
__________________
2 Big Black loaded 2008 F-150 XLT Supercab 4X4's with the chrome package!
Formerly owners of:
1995 2WD Ranger Splash Supercab
1999 4X4 Ranger Sport Flareside Supercab
2003 4X4 Explorer Eddie Bauer
2004 FX4 Ranger (my favorite!)
2007 Fusion SEL
we miss them much
So just found out that I'm going to the Detroit Auto Show in January....Think the new F150 will be there. If it is ill snap some pics although after the show im sure there will be thousands of pics of it...
__________________ Matt | 2004.5 F150 STX | 2007 Ford Fusion SEL | Michigan Chapter member
See you there, fordtruckman, I will also be there. I was told at the seattle auto show by a ford product specalist the the 09 F-150, 09 Mustang, GT-500 KR, Flex, and other concepts she couldn't tell me about.
__________________
Jake
Mine: 1994 F-150 4x4 Supercab, 351, E4OD, Light Santa Fe Clearcoat/Medium Polomino Accent 157,000 miles
My Project: 1978 F-150 Reg Cab 4x2 302 C4 Brown
Mom's: 2001 Focus SE Sport, 2.0L Zetec Fort Knox Gold 136,000 miles
From what I see of the truck on the pictures, I do not like it, and I do not like the interior.
HOWEVER.....
I said that in 1996 about the F150 and ended up loving the 1996 and up models.
I said that in fall 2003, when I test drove and help promote the launch of the 2004-current model F150 at a live radio broadcast I did at a Ford dealership in Toledo, Oh. when I worked in radio. I ended up loving this design, too.
Still my dream truck (as of 12-04-2007) : a 2008 blue FX4 Supercrew 6.5ft bed, flareside with the FX4 luxury package, black leather captain chairs with the center gear shifter.
It's just a wee bit out of my price range though, seeing how no lot regulary carries these and they need to be special ordered.
96?! thats just like the 92-95's.... i hope you mean 97...
actually, i find that toyota is the one that has been copying ford. any updates on engine/transmission changes? it better get 22mpg or better or im going to drive a GMC. sorry folks, but its all about the gas and i dont mean flatulance either. lol
See you there, fordtruckman, I will also be there. I was told at the seattle auto show by a ford product specalist the the 09 F-150, 09 Mustang, GT-500 KR, Flex, and other concepts she couldn't tell me about.
I think its gonna be awesome. I have never been to an auto show but have always wanted to go and now that the 09 f150 is gonna be there...ooohh man should be sweet!
__________________ Matt | 2004.5 F150 STX | 2007 Ford Fusion SEL | Michigan Chapter member
I like the look of the truck, also if you are a true ford lover/fan then this truck should be in your future. Nothing will ever beat the style of the early mid ninety's trucks. Ford should of kept going with this style
, not go south and wimpy.
I like the look of the truck, also if you are a true ford lover/fan then this truck should be in your future. Nothing will ever beat the style of the early mid ninety's trucks. Ford should of kept going with this style
, not go south and wimpy.
Nice looking F250. I had a '92 F150 Nite package 4x4 SB with a 5.8L auto that I bought new in 1991. After 16 years I traded it in on a new F150 Lariat. That '92 gave me almost 200,000 trouble free miles. Although I looked at other trucks before buying the new F150, I was pretty much sold on Ford.
im a ford fan. i love my 03 ford ranger 4x4, and my 79 f250. BUT ever since 2000 the styling hasnt been to impressive IMHO. but thats just me, i know we all like different stuff and they cant please everyone. But the thing i dont get, why change what was great, the old style pickup truck, and not try to generate a new, ugly body style look?
and for the engines, they lack in this department big time. the 5.4 isnt even comparable to the HEMI 5.7.
why spend 30 grand on a vehicle like that when you can get a dodge with 375 horsepower for 30 grand.....
i think ford needs to go oldschool FORD and go back to its roots, and needs a kickass engine to take over the truck world once again.
Last edited by CurtisLoew : 12-05-2007 at 07:18 PM.
CurtisLoew the 5.7L is 345 hp and 375 ft lbs. Also you can have all the power in the world but trucks are about towing. So why spend 30 k on a truck like that when you can buy a F-150 that tows and hauls more.
__________________
Jake
Mine: 1994 F-150 4x4 Supercab, 351, E4OD, Light Santa Fe Clearcoat/Medium Polomino Accent 157,000 miles
My Project: 1978 F-150 Reg Cab 4x2 302 C4 Brown
Mom's: 2001 Focus SE Sport, 2.0L Zetec Fort Knox Gold 136,000 miles
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