Is anyone else a little annoyed by the way Ford offers/packages certain options/features, etc across the different F-150 models? I'm finding little annying nuances the deeper I dig into the model I am interested in. This is not intended to be a complaint thread as much as it is shout out to Ford to simplify/standardize the ordering process and make certain features available across more truck models.

For the record, I am a bells & whistles person, meaning I do like to load up my vehicles with good options, no matter how seemingly insignificant they might be (i.e ambient lighting as a good example). For those who are content with more basic features, you might not have interest in this topic :-) However, for those who do like various creature comforts, I sure wish Ford would make features available across most mid to upper end trim packages. Some examples:

- Ambient lighting is only available on the Platinum and above, should be available on FX4 and above. This is a very basic & inexpensive option, yet adds a nice touch to the interior.
- Cooled seats only available on King Ranch and above, should be available on FX4 and above
- Bed sizes vary by model....I get the 8ft bed not being available on the SCREW, but not the 6.5 bed on the Limited or Harley in a SCREW config
- FX4 seems to be the only model where you can get the EB & 4.10 gears, but I haven't played around with all of the configs yet, so this is only partially verified.

These are just a few examples, I'm sure there are more. I get the need to differentiate between models, which Ford does a good job of through various exterior features, and with various interior trim pieces, leather combinations, etc. The point being is that most models can still be easily differentiated by offering certain consistent features across a wider variety of models.

To this point, I think FX4 and above should offer the same creature comforts (i.e. heated and cooled seats, not just heated) and bells/whistles (i.e. ambient lighting). Put them out there as options at least, let people pay for them if they want them, and not charge people if they don't care about them.

Anyone else feel the same way, or am I just being too picky? For the record, my dealer contact said that he does hear this complaint from quite a few people about the F150s in particular.

Give me an EB FX4 with 4.10 gears with heated AND cooled seats, ambient lighting, etc.....and I'll go buy one tomorrow. 2012 mabye?

 

I ordered a Lariat instead of a Platinum because of color problems.

Anyway, yes, I do not like how Ford has grouped options and would prefer ordering à la carte.

 

I can agree with your woes especially since I'm partial to the XL and XLT trims. What really bugs me is I can't get a manual transfer case and the 6.2 in a RegCab Long bed combo for that I have to move up into the Super Duty ranges and at that point why wouldn't I get a diesel?

 

We actually went with the XLT because I wanted the chrome front end, also we have the six bar grille with I love. We have the chrome package which I have to say, turns some heads. We looked at lots, we live near STL and had hundreds of thousands to choose from but in my honest opinion, the XLT looked the best. I felt like some of the "higher end" 150's had a lot of features I didn't want to pay for/had no interest in.

However, you can still buy the accessory/floorboard lighting you are talking about aftermarket from the Ford website. It can be installed on other models but just can't come from the factory that way - go figure.

 

I have a Lariat and it does indeed have cooled and heated seats in the front. You are mostly correct however. Only two things I wished could have been changed. I hate the Lariat grill, I'd rather have a chrome XLT grill. And not being able to order towing mirrors on the Lariat sucks. But like you said, only minor concerns.

 

Fords' intent is to put out a great product at a fair price...and...earn a profit. Years ago there were many more option choices...a la carte if you will...and there were many more quality problems.

Ford...over the years...has become a leaner company that is building a much better product and can turn a profit. The days of trying to please everyone are long gone. After all...life is a series of compromises!!!

 

I agree, I wish I could have gotten the cooled seats in my fx4. As has been stated the ambient lighting kit is available from the dealer if not at factory order.

 

I generally like most of the packaging. However, I feel that you should be able to get any powertrain combination in any model you'd like. I feel sure there are folks out there that would like to get an XL SB or LB with the 6.2, purely as a workhorse. Just like you should be able to get the 6.2 in a SCrew with the 6.5' bed and Max Tow.

While I realize that Ford has scaled things back and has been turning out better quality vehicles, I also have often thought that they sometimes package things the way they do in order to steer consumers toward higher end, higher profit models.

 

John, I agree with your assessment. I'm really not talking about major changes here or expensive options. Just seems like there is an opty to simplify the process/ordering complexity and make people just a little happier with their purchase. Of course, I'm saying this for my own selfish perspective. I do feel "forced" into the "higher end" just to have a few fairly basic options. As much as I like the Platinum, it's not necessarily the model I want, although it has all of the options. These are relatively small trade offs in the big picture, would just be nice to know you are getting 100% of what you want when you pay this kind of money for a vehicle.

On the topic of the ambient lighting kit, it does appear to be a dealer option only, and I'm not sure it's the same as what comes in the Platinum and above. According to my dealer contact who "tells it like it is" and appears very knowledgeable, it's an older style kit that Ford may be trying to phase out. If anyone else can confirm this for fact, I'd appreciate it. There was an older kit that had a simple single light in the cup holder area w/o the clear ring to go around it (which looks much better). If I knew I could get the same exact kit that comes in the Platinum and above and do a self install, that would be one less piece to cross off my list.

 

John, I agree with 100% on engine choices. While it wouldn't make sense to offer a 3.7L in a high end truck, it makes perfect sense to offer a work horse in a work truck.

I'm pretty much satisfied with the interior options and exterior color choices. I do think that Ford needs to make a clean break from the very dull and dated grey and tan interiors.

I would also like to see chrome bumpers come back in more trim levels. Painted bumpers turn me off.

 

Not just for looks, but practicality wrt looking better over the long haul by not showing chips, etc

 

We would have gotten the King Ranch if the drop down step-ups were available but got the Platinum instead. Those step-ups were a must have for me.

 

Just a quick note I ordered my 2011 FX4 on Saturday and with the FX4 Luxury package it comes with heated and cooled seats. I do agree that with the way they bundle everything now it makes trucks more expensive and add options I might not order. I loved ordering my 2008 Lariat because every option seemed al a carte.

 

Sounds like you've got the only one. FX Luxury package only comes with Heated, not cooled seats.

 

That's actually great news from my perspective. Since that's not clear in the brochure, did it actually print up that way on the order form? Any idea if this was a job change somewhere along the way as I recall another FX4 owner wishing the cooled seats were an option. My only other question is how difficult it would be to add ambient lighting....not a big deal, but I'd like to have it eventually. What engine, rear end did you order?