I like the new body style of the F150, I'm just wondering how much they are going to weigh. More power and torque is a good thing but if these trucks are going to be larger, the extra bulk could negate any improvements in acceleration and overall performance. Hopefully the weight gain will be minimal.

 

The fenders on the new '04 are not plastic. They are made of just as much steel as the current F150. They might be plastic at the show because steel is more difficult to build a prototype out of.

 

Personally, I LOVE the 2004 F-150! I think it is an awesome looking truck. I can't wait too see one in person.

 

The '04 not a bad looking Truck by any means---
a......lot better looking than the GM & Dodge, IMO! But.........they did away with the "true" Reg. cab & I don't know if I'm going to like those access doors.
Also, the Flareside bed aren't very good looking, IMO. I, like some of the others here didn't care for the '97 when it came out.
Once a few of them get out on the road, maybe my opinion will change for them as well!

 

I went to the autoshow specifically to see the 04 f150 with the expectation I'd replace my current 97 f150 later this year when they are out. Everything I've read about the 04 model sounds good. I must say I was a bit disappointed with their looks in person (although I liked the pictures I had seen). It was more blocky than I thought from the pictures. They only had a couple of 04 models on a display, a supercrew and a Harley version. I'll give it another look when they are at the dealerships but I was more impressed with the Nissan Titan. The Titan is BIG w/ 300HP standard I believe, better than the Tundra if your looking at foreign trucks.

 

The Titan has a face not even a mother would love.

 

I am standing in line at my dealer to order one as soon as they let me. The new F150 is hot looking, better the GM's, Dodge, Tundra and the new Titan. I've had 3 Toyota's, 1 GMC, and a Dodge. The new 2004 F150 will be my first ford truck.

 

I've hated the F-150s ever since the 97 model, so much that I would have turned to GM for an extended cab half ton or even Toyota's regular cab. But Ford seems to have redeemed itself with the 04 F-150 and I like everything I see about it. If they come out with an 8ft bed and extended cab, it'll be my first choice. Unless, of course, they make a real SUV on its chassis.

 

Yeah! Now if they'd do something about the Ranger styling. I like the old squared corners look of the early Rangers.

 

I don't have a cow with the new Ranger styling, but wish their extended cabs were bigger. Anyone know if the new F150 will still come in an extended cab with 8ft bed? Or even in Crew cab with 8ft bed? Or can someone tell me why it is that 3/4 and 1ton trucks come with a crew cab and full bed but half tons only come with ex cab 8ft bed OR crew cab short bed? Chassis strength?

 

The F-150 reg cab styleside in 2x4 or 4x4 can have an 8 ' box

The Super crew Styleside 2x4.4x4 came have an 8' box.

No supercab & 8'box combo.


The other combos max length is 6 1/2' box

 

Is that for any particular reason? Chassis strength?

 

The new 2004 F150 is a drastic improvement in looks over the past 6 years. When Ford did that to the 150 I wanted to puke. I never got used to it and still hate the looks of it to this very day. It's too aerodynamic looking....like a turd on 4 wheels.

The Expedition wasn't as bad but still had similar styling. When the '03 X arrived I loved the redesign. So much in fact I snagged one. I really like the looks of the '04 F150 and hope to have one in the future.

As far as power goes some guys were talking Hemi up thread. I dunno how the Hemi runs in a 2500 or 3500 but in a RAM 1500 it SCREEEEAMS! The thing eats pavement. I've driven the new half ton Chevy's 5.3L (285Hp)....poof! They are no match for the Hemi. The '03 F150 can't touch a RAM 1500 with a Hemi. Especially when it geared with a 4.11 rear end. It develops an unbelievable amount of torque. But the torque doesn't fully manifest itself until the engine is in the the mid to upper revs. HEMI -Definitely a "hotrod" not a truck engine IMO.

The Triton 5.4L on the other hand has freight car loads of low end torque. It pulls a real load with much more ease than most of the competition IMO. Maybe the new 5.4L will accelerate more like the competition.

 

My dad had a 66 with a 390 in it and it was a blast to drive. It had the 3 speed on the column with overdrive. That truck would run 110 mph in 2nd gear. It would run 60 in first. It was a really neat truck. I wish I had it today. The truck came with the 352, but on a hillside in the mud he threw a rod out the side of the block. He got the 390 out of a 68 Mercury from the junk yard. That truck was awesome. I got to drive it for a couple of years before he got rid of it. The only thing wrong with it was it rode like a log wagon, and it took 3 men and 4 boys to steer it. I have always wanted to find one and make a daily driver out of it. Put better (softer) suspension on it, maybe some creature comforts like power windows, steering and disc brakes, and A/C on it. I love the lines on that old truck. And they were really built tough.

 

The only thing I don't like is that Dodge, Nissan square front end. The design is old 1993 Dodge old!

The rest is a great package. But If ford goes the way of plastic, I'll just look for a Used "03"

Chevy and Pontiac have tried to pull a fast one on us, with this Plastic is good! It's only good for them. They charge more and you get less..