The Ford F-150 is number one. It’s the best-selling pick-up in the U.S. and it’s been that way for about four decades. And it’s been the best-selling vehicle for 35 years. It’s easy to see why after spending a week in this popular full-size pickup.
There really is an F-150 for just about everybody. It comes in several trims, lengths and cab choices and you can choose from five different engines and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The F-150 is available in seven trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited and Raptor. Starting prices range from $27,110 to $63,625.
The F-150 can handle three to six passengers depending on the cab. Regular cab models fit three, SuperCab and SuperCrew fit five or six, depending on whether you get the standard bench seat in the front row. SuperCrew cabins have regular doors while the SuperCab have doors that can only be opened and closed when the front doors are open. If you have kids or other passengers who regularly ride in the back seat, you probably won’t want the hassle of the SuperCab doors.
Three bed sizes are offered: 8-foot, 6 and 1/2 foot and 5-foot-6-inch. Regular and SuperCab trims get the 6 ½-foot bed while SuperCrew models come standard with 5’6” bed.
Five different engines are available. Standard is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 282 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 325 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque; a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque; and a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 385 hp and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. The Raptor trim comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
Rear-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic are standard. Four-wheel-drive and a new 10-speed automatic are optional. Towing capability ranges from 7,600 to 12,200 pounds, depending on the engine.
My tester with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and new 10-speed transmission performs great. There’s enough power for just about every driving situation. Acceleration is quick off the line and for passing at freeway speeds. The 10 speed moves quickly through the gears.
The F-150 is super easy to drive for a pick-up. In fact, it handles so smoothly and nimbly that you’ll think you’ll behind the wheel of midsize SUV. I had no trouble driving the F-150 in busy traffic in and around downtown Portland. My tester has Ford’s Active Park Assist which will parallel park for you.
EPA mileage estimates for my tester are 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with a combined rating of 20 mpg. I got 19 during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The upper trims have upscale, comfortable interiors. Lower end models aren’t so great with a lot of cheaper plastics. Seats are roomy and comfortable. In the SuperCrew cabin, it’s so spacious that I joked that my passengers were located in different zip codes from me in the driver’s seat. Even taller adults will be comfortable in the back seat.
The base F150 doesn’t come with a ton of standard features. But there are many options so you can get everything you want on whatever trim you end up choosing.
I like Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. It’s easy to figure out and the touchscreen responds quickly. I also give a thumbs up to the many buttons and knobs to control basic functions so you don’t have to wade through menus and submenus on the touchscreen. Voice commands worked well to make calls and enter addresses.
Many safety features are available including rear view camera and parking sensors, as well as driver assistance tech such as
Sync Connect with FordPass allows smartphone users to lock and unlock doors, start the truck remotely, check fuel levels, and even locate where you parked it.
If you’re the parent of a teenager, you’ll appreciate Ford’s optional MyKey system. You can program a second key so that your teen has to comply with certain speed limits and can’t crank the tunes up past a designated volume.
It’s worth noting that the 2017 F-150 is the only full-size light-duty truck to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick for SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s top five-star safety rating. Ford says it’s the safest F-150 ever.
The good:
Available in many configurations so you can get the F-150 that’s right for you
Surprisingly easy to drive for a full-size pickup
Aluminum frame enhances fuel efficiency
Excellent safety ratings
The not-so-good:
Interior can look cheap on lower trims
Price can climb in a hurry if you add a lot of options
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $45,845. The 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine adds $1,300. The 10-speed automatic transmission with tow mode is $500. Inflatable rear safety belts are $200. Adaptive cruise control is $1,250. Max trailer tow package is $1,195 and adds 38-gallon extended range fuel tank, integrated trailer brake and auto start/stop. Tailgate step is $375. Active Park Assist is $440. Technology package with360-degree camera is $990. Lariat Sport Appearance Package is $300 and includes18-inch six-spoke wheels. Wheel well liner is $180. Spray-in bedliner is $495. Delivery fee is $1,195. My tester had $2,000 worth of discounts, bringing the grand total to $59,600.
Bottom line:
The 2017 Ford F-150 is good at everything you want a pick-up to do. That’s why it’s been the best-selling truck in America for the last 40 years, and the best-selling vehicle for the last 35 years. And you get a good looking truck that handles great.
