https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-and-info.html

If one looks at the above pic you can't help but ASK what type of aerodynamics are working AGAINST this truck and its MPG with the bold square face? NOT knocking this unit for I'm sure it's a great vehicle but at a time when $3 gas may look someday to be a baragin isn't Ford going the wrong way here design-wise?

 

Looks pretty areo to me for a big,real truck!

 

I think it brings back too much of the boxy 80s look (the 80s truck designs are about the worst Fords [and Chevies] as far as looks go in my opinion, with the 57-60s trailing a close 2nd). The current model has a good mix between strong/bold and curves. It seems to be a step back in time, rather than moving forward. I like the overall look of the truck, but the front end... needs work.

 

only part I dislike about the front is all the chrome.

The STX and FX4 are the two that REALLY caught my eye....both look really good.

An STX, with the 3V 4.6 and 6 speed and 4x4 thank you!


or if I can afford it one of the FX4's.

 

^if you don't like the big chrome grille, I'm sure it will be easy to swap the grills from the different models just like some of us do on our current trucks.

 

Amen! I agree with you, looks like a step back.

 

A truck is supposed to look boxy and the like. That's why it is called a truck. If a person wants to split hairs the 87-91 and 92-96 Ford's were just upgrades of the 80-86. Appearently some like there trucks with egg on it's face.

 

I guess I'm all alone in that I happen to like the 70s and 80s fords (strait and clean), and can't stand the 1997-03, but I guess thats subjective. If you want good aerodynamics, you need to use a slanted bed cover to join the rear cab roof to the top of the tailgate and add a belly pan. The front of the truck does little to help or hurt aerodynamics, despite what we have been told. The higher box does not help either. Narrower tires, and lower to the ground is what would help, along with covers for the wheels, adjustable suspension would have been nice. It doesn't resemble a truck anymore (relatively speaking, since this is a toyo), but this modified T100 has proven the potential, and the results were documented.

http://www.evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=870

 

David,

My dad's old 1981 F100 was the bee's knees. It had the 300 I-6, 3 on the tree, a REAL diff (9" diff with a 3.73) and a radio...not much else...

First truck I ever drove and one of the first vehicles I learned how to drive.

If I could find one, I would buy it just to play with...only mebbe WITH A/C


These trucks represent many different oppinions...many different tastes. I don't like many of them...just the two that were less "Chromy".

Heck, I am going to be one of the odd-***** to be sure...I will be happy with the smaller gas engines...a diesel might tickle my fancy...but I seriously doubt I will need that kind of power...a 4.6 or 5.4 will be fine.

D

 

The 1953-1956 are considered by many to be the best looking Ford trucks ever made and are the most highly prized for a long time by restorers, are not boxy at all. Ford's boxy trucks which followed, the 57-60 (often referred to as the refrigurator trucks) have for many years (and still are) the least desirable trucks for restoration. A truck is not "supposed" to look like anything in particular. A Dodge truck is a "real" truck and its not boxy. If you really want to split hairs further... the 80-96 are all very similar, not just 87-96.

Does this look boxy to you?


The 1980s had some of the worst looking vehicles ever made. Bland, square, dull. Chevy did a good job with the Monte Carlo, but there was little else that really looked good then. The Tauras helped to change all that.

 

I think thats what he was trying to say. I would consider the 1980 Fseries to be very close to the 1996, and many body and mechanical parts are easily interchangable.

As I said, apearance is a matter of prefference. From what I have seen, the 70s fords are becoming quite popular for restorations, but being larger, they are not generally as good as a hot rod in the traditional sence, but I was never big on hot rods anyway.

 

First of all look at how they are restored. From my own expeirence they are made into street trucks. May or may not be lowered as well. A truck sought after for a restoration and one sought after for a daily driver/work truck are very seldom the same. In responce to your last paragraph it all depends on what a person wishes to do with a truck. Work or show off. Fortunatly in the US a person can choose to do either or both. I just wish Ford would get smart and offer trucks suited to both.

 

I'm pretty partial to the 99-03 frontend myself, now if my 01 had the 6.2L in it

 

The styling on the 04 - 08 F 150 is what sold me on buying mine, along with the best interior in the business. And the 09 has retained the masculine look thank goodness. the last generation body style was designed for to attract women to the market with it's rounded lines. Hated it ! This is a mans mans truck and I personally hope they keep doing what they are.

 

he's right.... thats exactley what i use my 97 to do.... attract women

redesigned in 97 for women.... thats the funniest thing i've heard all day.