View Poll Results: Do you think the new trucks look to "cheap" made?
Yes; The exterior looks "cheap"
30
15.00%
No; They look just fine
30
15.00%
I'm undecided on this issue.
28
14.00%
Absolutely Outstanding
53
26.50%
Ford Has Really Outdone Themselves With This Truck
59
29.50%
Voters: 200. You may not vote on this poll
2004 Fords?
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2004 Fords?
Personally i cant get enough of the new 2004 F-150, ive put in more hours over the past few weeks looking at the new line up than i have the4 years ive had the internet. The exterior doesnt look cheap at all, i think it is a bold new look that gives it a tougher look. The interior looks just as good, it is so much more luxurious while still having a truck look. I also like the new features, such as the stiff body and the suspension uh and also the bed door thing. So im just itching to get one or just see it on the road or at the dealership. I also want to see what there goin to do with the F-2&350. Have any of yall seen the TONKA edition if that came out it would be tight, and if ya havent seen it then find it on one of the auto show sites. ITS TIGHT and the F-150......OUTSTANDING
Im a Ford truck man!
Im a Ford truck man!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: San Benito, Tx
2004 Fords?
I subscribe to several magazines, one of them being car and driver, and inside they preview the 04 F150 in the latest issue. As I suspected, the new effie will be way heavier than the current model. According to a source from Ford the new trucks will be 500 to 575 lbs heavier due to improved safety features and NVH improvements. I love the new styling of the F150, inside and out. But all that weight gain is dissapointing. These trucks will need every bit of the extra horsepower and torque they're getting to get up to speed. Plus, the base 4.6 v8 will be way underpowered for these new trucks. Why couldn't the brilliant Ford engineers build a leaner truck? Weight affects performance immensely. And why did they stretch the supercab six inches when you can just buy a supercrew and get the same results? Again , I think these new trucks are super good looking. But like many Americans, they are overweight and underpowered.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
2004 Fords?
Well, for starters its not a performance truck. Plus the 4.6L is a great motor, I know people that race the 4.2 V6 and win so that is a null arguement. That weight gain is improved safety for you and me. I believe that people are more willing to buy a truck based on safety features rather than what it weighs. YOur concerns are valid buyt Ford Motor Company is targeting its biggest consumers. They can't afford to have 280,000,000 different trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: San Benito, Tx
2004 Fords?
You're right about the safety features being important. In just about every Ford commercial they highlight their crash ratings, four star, five star, etc. And to think that not so long ago crash ratings were not even a issue when buying a car or truck. Now it borders on an obssession with all the auto makers. I guess Ford really took it personal when their trucks were ranked at the bottom in publicized crash tests, especially the offset impact. I personally always felt safe in my current 97 F150 sc. I can't wait to test drive the new truck. I don't think I will be able to afford one for a good while though, unless I get a fat raise at work or my wife quits school and goes back to work. Hopefully I cant get a good amount for my current truck when I sell it, at least for the down payment. By the way, I hope everybody had a great 4th of July, I know I did.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Northern Utah
2004 Fords?
Those crash tests are a joke. Who has ever hit a solid barrier, perfectly offset, at 40 mph? Try 80mph into a median, barreling across lanes of traffic, into a (5-Star rated) Honda Civic hatchback; that's what crashes are really like. Tell me, which vehicle would you rather be in?
What about slow speed (<30mph) head on crashes. The truck will ride nicely up on the dashboard of the Jap Crap. Crash test ratings are only to sell cars, they have almost no real world application.
What about slow speed (<30mph) head on crashes. The truck will ride nicely up on the dashboard of the Jap Crap. Crash test ratings are only to sell cars, they have almost no real world application.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
2004 Fords?
I know that but most of the buyers that see those commercials notice that. I wouldn't buy an auto if in some test showed that a large piece of steel, plastic in the case of Saturn, was going to hit a passenger or driver in every kind of accident.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: San Benito, Tx
2004 Fords?
I agree those test crashes do not reflect real world crashes. You just never know what you're going to hit out on the road these days, or what is going to hit you. I know if I hit a vehicle of equal mass to my F150 my chances of injury go up significantly. If I hit a Volkswagon beatle the chances are much better that I will walk away from it with nary a scrach. Ultimately the best safety device ever invented is a licensed, trained, and alert responsible driver.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2004 Fords?
Haven't seen it in person, but looks good in photo. Don't understand why Ford put 4 "doors" on the regular cab. I understand it provides more room, but, in my opinion, it is not as good looking. The other body styles look good.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
2004 Fords?
I test drove one today and WOW!!! It drives like a Lincoln! Ford scores another hit with the F-150. The bed is the deepest I've ever seen and its about time, too. I'm tired of stuff not fitting down between the bedwalls because the cargo is too tall. With this truck, that's no longer a problem. Love that exhaust note as well. And the transmission! This tranny is a genious! I felt like I was driving a stick, the up and downshifts are right where you want them. This will be the best selling full size truck for yet another year. Can you say Motor Trend Truck of the Year? I thought you could. Thanks to the Ford engineers for not screwing up a good thing and giving truck guys what they want.
