FX4 vs. LARIAT
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FX4 vs. LARIAT
All I can tell besides the cosmetic stuff is the shocks, because you can order skid plates on the Lariat, the same gears, and 18 wheels/tires. But can you really tell if they ARE different. Anyone notice a difference in ride?? Besides you get a lot more features in a Lariat for about the same price. I think it looks sharper and just as tough as the FX4. The FX4 reminds me of the "sport" models they use to have with no frills, no chrome, all one color paint. The two tone is nice, but the black grill is not very appealing.
Anyone know the truth????
Anyone know the truth????
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Western Chicago 'Burbs
You can go to the Ford web site (can find it from ford.com) and do a comparison. If you go through the 'build' pages, you can see options that are marked with yellow that would require a change between FX4, Lariat, XLT or whatever to select. Those can give you some idea.
The differences go beyond cosmetics (IMO, you may feel differently) and include availability of things like the higher load range, heated seats, memory seat on the Lariat.
The only thing I recall that the FX4 has that can't be gotten on the Lariat is the off road tuned suspension.
That and BLAZING YELLOW paint.
OK, that's definitely cosmetic.
The differences go beyond cosmetics (IMO, you may feel differently) and include availability of things like the higher load range, heated seats, memory seat on the Lariat.
The only thing I recall that the FX4 has that can't be gotten on the Lariat is the off road tuned suspension.
That and BLAZING YELLOW paint.
OK, that's definitely cosmetic.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
vincel69.....
BEFORE I ordered my 2004 F-150 Lariat Supercrew 4 x 2.....I EXTENSIVELY test drove EVERY model/cab/bed/drive combination that Ford offers for this truck.
In my opinion, compared to the Lariat.....the FX4 rides more firmly and has a harsher "feel" on most road surfaces. On the other hand, the Lariat rides like a big heavy Lincoln......very non-truck smooth and very quiet. AND, it handles VERY well at ALL speeds.
Damn.....who wold have "thunk" that we would be talking about a truck WITH GOOD RIDE AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS?!?!
Those are words that heretofore, were reserved for "performance" automaobiles.....
Hope this information is helpful.
BEFORE I ordered my 2004 F-150 Lariat Supercrew 4 x 2.....I EXTENSIVELY test drove EVERY model/cab/bed/drive combination that Ford offers for this truck.
In my opinion, compared to the Lariat.....the FX4 rides more firmly and has a harsher "feel" on most road surfaces. On the other hand, the Lariat rides like a big heavy Lincoln......very non-truck smooth and very quiet. AND, it handles VERY well at ALL speeds.
Damn.....who wold have "thunk" that we would be talking about a truck WITH GOOD RIDE AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS?!?!
Those are words that heretofore, were reserved for "performance" automaobiles.....
Hope this information is helpful.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 87
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From: Upstate New York
Lariat vs FX4
The extra standard features on the Lariate over the FX4
1) 18" wheels
2)leather seating
3)power drivers seat
4)electronic temperature control
5)auto dimming rearview mirror
6)homelink universal transmitter
7)message center
8)power adjustable pedals
9)rear window defroster
10)audio and climate control on the steering wheel
11)heated mirrors
12)lighted visor mirrors ( for the little lady )
The base price differance on a 4x4 supercab 6 1/2 foot box is $860 dollars more for the lariat. Thats a lot of features for $860 bucks. You dont get the skid plates, tuned shocks or limited slip.
1) 18" wheels
2)leather seating
3)power drivers seat
4)electronic temperature control
5)auto dimming rearview mirror
6)homelink universal transmitter
7)message center
8)power adjustable pedals
9)rear window defroster
10)audio and climate control on the steering wheel
11)heated mirrors
12)lighted visor mirrors ( for the little lady )
The base price differance on a 4x4 supercab 6 1/2 foot box is $860 dollars more for the lariat. Thats a lot of features for $860 bucks. You dont get the skid plates, tuned shocks or limited slip.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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I've debated this issue myself. I like all the "extra's" you get on the Lariat for about the same price as the FX4. I however, like the FX4 grill, 18" wheels, and carbon fiber accents in the cab over the Lariat's grill, 18" wheels, and wood grain. Also the color combo's for the Lariat are different than for the FX4. If I could have gotten a solid red Lariat I would have went that route, but you can only get a red Lariat with beige(gold) at the bottom.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 197
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From: Canada
Please do accept my two cents.
I did consider both the Lariat and the FX4.
The Lariat comes very well equipped, with heated seats, memory seats/pedals. But it comes with the fake wood. It also come with the pewter grill, regaldless of color selection. My wife (the better half) prefers a solid color so the grill left one color selection.. not good.
I built/ordered the FX4 with all of the toys I wanted and saved 1500$. To that, I will add about 250$ (don't really know how much yet) for heated seats. ((I live in Canada...)). I will miss the seat memory thing though. But.. I prefered the ride of the FX4. The suspension is a bit more stiff but i think it will ride better with a trailer in the back, or a fifth wheel (light fifth wheel you guys).
That's my two cents... take it or leave it... but I did ask myself the same questions... and saved 1500$. ( live in Canada )
I did consider both the Lariat and the FX4.
The Lariat comes very well equipped, with heated seats, memory seats/pedals. But it comes with the fake wood. It also come with the pewter grill, regaldless of color selection. My wife (the better half) prefers a solid color so the grill left one color selection.. not good.
I built/ordered the FX4 with all of the toys I wanted and saved 1500$. To that, I will add about 250$ (don't really know how much yet) for heated seats. ((I live in Canada...)). I will miss the seat memory thing though. But.. I prefered the ride of the FX4. The suspension is a bit more stiff but i think it will ride better with a trailer in the back, or a fifth wheel (light fifth wheel you guys).
That's my two cents... take it or leave it... but I did ask myself the same questions... and saved 1500$. ( live in Canada )
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 752
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From: Marple Township, PA
Flareside box is not available on the lariat. I went with the FX4 because of this, as well as a better-looking grill/bumper/fender well trim package. Plus the interior is more to my style. Add to that the firmer suspension and I was sold. Hopefully I'll get it in the next 3 weeks (ordered 1/20/04).
To each his own, but at least Ford offers us alot of choices to get what we want, right?? -Don
To each his own, but at least Ford offers us alot of choices to get what we want, right?? -Don
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Like Dons said, "to each his own". The Lariat, of course, has more luxury features and rides on smoother suspension. The FX4 is more off-road tuned with a completely different interior atmosphere. I personally never liked the wood interior (fake or not), and really digged the instrument cluster of the FX4. That and the exterior color sold me to the FX4. Also, to me, I could care less for those luxury features of the Lariat. Heck, the flow-through console never really interested me either. I went with the front 40/20/40. So it really boils down "to each his own". What kind of person are you? A Lariat or an FX4. HH
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Upstate New York
I couldnt agree more with you guys, it really does come down to personal preference. I really like both trucks, they have their own styling and I would love to have either. I just like all the little gadgets you get with the lariat. You should get the truck that catches our eye even if its a few dollars more or less because its your truck and thats all that matters. As long as we look good behind the wheel we'll be happy. 
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Originally posted by ultramax21
If I could have gotten a solid red Lariat I would have went that route, but you can only get a red Lariat with beige(gold) at the bottom.
If I could have gotten a solid red Lariat I would have went that route, but you can only get a red Lariat with beige(gold) at the bottom.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Upstate New York
Danno where are you in NY? I'm from the Albany area and also ordered an all white Lariat Supercab. Thought I would have the only one in the state. Well if you see some guy driving your trucks twin, giving you the thumbs up, it might be me. Mine has been on order since the 16th of Jan. and no vin# yet.
Mine has been on order since the 16th of Jan. and no vin# yet.
Senior User
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Oh man Mike - I hope I can still get my low APR, I didn't order until Feb 9th. I got the black leather captains with the floor shift, the polished tubular running boards, and the "audiophile" stereo. I'm on Long Island, I'll be cruisin' up to Rochester to visit family when the truck comes in. I'll be sure to flash my lights at ya.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Danno,
According to the build your own website, if you wanted a red Lariat it automatically prompted for the arizona beige at the bottom, but for instance you could get the dark red (wine red), and white Lariat in monotone. I would have went with the lariat if I could have gotten it monotone red which would have had chrome bumpers. You can get any FX4 except yellow (i think) in monotone (not sure about the white).
My ideal 04 f150 would have been a solid red Lariat with the chrome bumpers, Fx4 grill insert, but kept the chrome surround from the lariat with black leather captian chairs and carbon fiber accents in the cab (instead of "plood" plastic wood). If I've made a mistake about the monotone red Larait I think I'll still be more than happy with the FX4 I've got ordered, IF IT EVER GETS HERE!!
According to the build your own website, if you wanted a red Lariat it automatically prompted for the arizona beige at the bottom, but for instance you could get the dark red (wine red), and white Lariat in monotone. I would have went with the lariat if I could have gotten it monotone red which would have had chrome bumpers. You can get any FX4 except yellow (i think) in monotone (not sure about the white).
My ideal 04 f150 would have been a solid red Lariat with the chrome bumpers, Fx4 grill insert, but kept the chrome surround from the lariat with black leather captian chairs and carbon fiber accents in the cab (instead of "plood" plastic wood). If I've made a mistake about the monotone red Larait I think I'll still be more than happy with the FX4 I've got ordered, IF IT EVER GETS HERE!!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Marple Township, PA
Ultramax21...unfortunately, if you build a supercab FX4, you get two-tone dark shadow gray lower paint, no matter what primary color you choose. I'll settle for this, but it's not exactly what I wanted. I also wanted body-colored bumpers, but that's only on the STX (FX4 is DSG also).
Right now, I just want the truck! I ordered 1/20 and still have no word on production...but it's only been 4 weeks so I'll keep popping the patience pills and hang in there.
Right now, I just want the truck! I ordered 1/20 and still have no word on production...but it's only been 4 weeks so I'll keep popping the patience pills and hang in there.
Last edited by DonsFx4; Feb 17, 2004 at 07:51 PM.
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Don, you can get a monotone FX4, I promise you this. I've test drove atleast 3 solid red FX4's all we're supercabs. In fact they were parked beside monotone supercrew FX4's. I know you can get red, blue, dark shadow grey, and black monotone FX4's in any cab configuration. All come with body colored bumpers, this is why I've ordered a supercab FX4 with the lower drk shadow grey bc I personally don't like the bumpers being the same color as the body.
I don't think you said it, but maybe you're talking about a supercab flareside FX4, in that case you're right it only comes with lower 2 tone paint. However, can you get a flareside lariat, I don't believe you can.
I don't think you said it, but maybe you're talking about a supercab flareside FX4, in that case you're right it only comes with lower 2 tone paint. However, can you get a flareside lariat, I don't believe you can.
Last edited by ultramax21; Feb 17, 2004 at 08:09 PM.