Long-Term Test: 2004 Ford F-150 October 2004

These are the same people who voted Titan as there pick for 2004. No where does it say vibration.

Exerpts:
"But once the novelty of the Titan began to wear off, some editorial sentiment began to shift back in the Ford's favor. The reasons given for favoring the Ford over the Titan were often long-winded and abstract. It had a better driving feel. It gobbled up the freeway with more confidence than the Japanese competitor. It was more honest and down to earth than the Titan."

"Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor, spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel of the F-150, and he spent a lot of time thinking about his reactions to the truck. First of all, he feels it is big and awkward for city driving. Parking is difficult and visibility for lane changes is poor (the mirrors are generously sized, though, somewhat alleviating the problem). However, as the month wore on, his loyalty to the Ford grew, especially after spending a night driving the Titan."

"At 15,000 miles, we took the truck to Ford of Santa Monica and had the technicians perform the service called for in the service manual. This amounted to an oil and filter replacement, tire rotation and an inspection of the brake system. The total came to $160.56."

No vibration issues here. Facts not here say fiction....

 

No vibes on this one either. NONE.



-Don

 

I test drove a lariat supercrew 4x4 yesterday evening and it had a bad vibration/shimmy at around 45-55 mph. I could feel it in two places:

1. the steering wheel
2. the seat

The salesman also noticed it in his seat. It was very obvious and annoying. I told him that even though I was going to order a truck, I would have to test drive it before they received any money from me because of this problem.

The truck was very smooth except for the vibration. Not much power, but very smooth and quiet.

In case anyone is interested, I also test drove a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 4x4 Laramie. In short, better acceleration but louder and not as smooth. I also thought the interior was more plain/understated but the dodge's leather was of better quality than the lariat. (no, I don't like the style of the King Ranch). Interesting thing though is that while the dodge had better quality leather and power seats that are more adjustable, it didn't feel as comfortable.

summary:

the dodge seemed like a well built but rather rough, tough truck.
the ford seemed more like a SUV/sedan that would probably be a better daily driver if they ever fix the vibration problem.

so where do I stand now? confused. Maybe I should just buy a used truck and wait until the new Tundra comes out next year and see what that's like?

 

Sure is buddy! Of course "they" kept me looking and believing in other areas till I proved the issue is much larger than the tires, rear end, steering box, etc. Still get a kick out of their "vibration dampening kit" which does little to help. I have waited a year of my time and 9 visits to the dealership. Going through the DSB and then if that is not the last hoop this dog has to jump through, then it's time to make lemonaide!

 

You sound like you want to get the Laramie. Go for it.

Bad points
I test drove the truck and was not too impressed. The seats where uncomfortable. The interior was bland. I think it was leather/w sweade center. F150 received the best interior of the year award 2004. The ride was not even comparable to the F150.

Good points
The HEMI motor is the best thing in the whole truck.

 

Instead of worrying about getting the perfect truck that I intend to keep for decades, the smart thing for me to do would be to buy a 99' - 00' for about $13K until a truck comes along that leaves no doubt in my mind to which one I want.

But this isn't meant to be a Ford vs the competition thread.

I was just really surprised (disappointed) to discover this vibration problem during a test drive. I mean, what are the odds?

 

The odds are pretty good.....

 

The odds are not pretty good. Don't you think the entire auto industry would be on Ford's case about this? It has been the best selling vehicle in America for how many years now? If I was a Ford competitor, I would be harping on the quality of this new F-series constantly, but its just not happening. Yes, there are some problems, but they are not throughout the entire model.

 

Out of my 8 test drives I found only 2 that didn't vibrate. I'm still waiting to hear from the DSB. This is a major problem. The loyalist just want to convince us there is no problem. How dare we complain about their precious. File a complaint at www.nhtsa.com and www.ftc.gov.

 

For one thing, Ford does major Fleet sales. How could this truck be the best selling for several years? Hasn't the 2004 model only been out about a year? Everyday, there is somebody new in here complaining about the vibration problem. How many more owners out there have this problem that have no way of speaking up about it? I met a guy yesterday that bought a loaded Screw as his retirement gift to himself. He said it's the biggest mistake he's ever made. It's spent more time being repaired for the vibration then he has owned it. Just how I started out.

We are not making this up. Even the FSE told me it's a "characteristic" and they all do it. If the FSE is saying they do it, then it is a problem. Why isn't that good enough for you loyalists? A loyal 26 year Ford Engineer told me the issue is real. (as if I needed him to tell me that).

 

WOW! I must be numb I don't feel any vibration....When I picked up my truck it did vibrate but they RF balanced the tires and it has been smooth as silk. Sure there are some trucks with problems but not on the magnitude as said by some..Quit whining and do something about it..If Ford cannot fix the problem get your money back!!!!

 

Agree with "hovy" its not the complaining, "stop whining".

Its the false statements thrown out. The FORD bashing.

Of course you are going to get negative reaction from a person who drives this new f150 and has no problems. Zeusdog is one person that can place fiction hoping someone agrees. I disagree with all your statements.

If you see a recall, I am sure you will be first to know...

 

Let see you go through all the crap to get the DSB make Ford replace/buy back your truck (if yours had the vib) and then you would bash Ford more than anybody just the way you defend them.
Ford produced a truck with vibrations and will not or can not fix the vibrations. It ****ed me off to see Bill Ford at Homestead last weekend saying "drivers start you’re" ....very expensive vibrating truck engines (that was fiction) One happy Ford customer will tell one other person but one very unhappy Ford or x Ford customer will tell 10, it’s just common since. Quality is not Job One if it was they would have fixed it within the current 15 months of production.

 

Here is the question.

Why will Ford not buy or sevice department fix your truck?

There are lemon laws in each State that has procedures on buy back. Also, I never experienced a service department that could not fix something.

Usually when there is a major problem, you would see it in the News or Automotive reviews. Like you said the truck has been in current production for 15 months and the sales are very strong. This leaves me to believe this issue is scarce. I have posted facts from reputiable sources that states no problems with this truck, where as the people with the vibrating trucks have not posted any written facts to cause an epidemic. Show me the Facts....Newspaper article, Periodicals, etc....

 

Your right all these trucks are perfect. All of us who feel a vibration are either crazy or have defective buttocks. I am making up talking to Ford engineers who say it is a problem. It is my imagination that Ford issues TSB 04-3-3 in Feb 04. I didn't read anywhere that Consumer Reports rated the 2004 F150 unreliable. Bill Ford stole my girlfriend in high school and I have vowed my revenge by trashing Ford