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Over the last several decades, Ford's F-Series truck has gone from farm implement to fashionably hip, bringing home numerous sales records and big profits in the process. With total sales last year approaching one million units, it's hardly a stretch to call Ford's big pickup the single most important model it makes, and when it comes time for a redesign there's little room for error.
In years past, maintaining the F-150's top sales spot was largely a matter of fending off the Chevrolet/GMC twins from General Motors, but a revitalized Dodge and full-size entries from Nissan and Toyota have turned up the heat considerably. To keep these competitors at bay, Ford gathered its best engineers, cranked up the focus groups and set out to design the most advanced F-Series ever built.
The result is a 2004 F-150 with a cleaner burning and more powerful V8, increased passenger and cargo room and broad-shouldered bodywork that looks the part of an all-American pickup. But is it good enough to maintain Ford's long-standing dominance in the category?
After our introduction to the new F-150 in the steamy hill country of Central Texas, there's little doubt that this truck sets new standards for full-size pickups when it comes to cabin design, ride and handling and load-carrying capacity. But we also noted a few significant weak spots, and in a segment that thrives on continual one-upmanship and bragging rights, such shortcomings could hamper its ability to fend off the competition in the years ahead.
Since full-size trucks are notoriously complex when it comes to all the various configurations and options packages, we'll try to lay out Ford's new game plan as simply as possible.
The F-150 has been broken down into five distinct models — XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat — each catering to a different customer who's looking for varying levels of features and options. The base XL is your standard work truck with a vinyl or cloth interior and minimal amenities. The STX is similarly equipped but adds body-colored bumpers, sportier wheels and a few additional options such as a stepside bed and an upgraded sound system. The volume leader in the lineup is expected to be the midgrade XLT, as it offers the widest array of available options as well as an upgraded interior.
The top two trim levels are even more specialized. Outdoor enthusiasts are the primary target of the FX4 model as it fortifies the F-150 with underbody skid plates, heavy-duty shocks and retuned springs. Two-tone paint, larger 18-inch wheels and a body-color grille add visual distinction to the outside while metallic accents glitter up the interior.
Top-of-the-line Lariats cater to buyers looking for an upscale look and feel. The interior features brushed aluminum and wood highlights along with optional leather heated seats, satellite steering wheel controls, white-faced gauges and automatic climate control. Exterior details include two-tone paint, chrome bumpers and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Both the FX4 and Lariat offer the segment's first console-mounted floor shifter when you order the optional captain's chairs, along with distinctive gauge clusters to further distance those models from their lower-brow counterparts.
There are still three cab configurations — regular, extended and crew — but all regular cabs now offer reverse-opening access doors for getting to the storage area behind the front seat. Available bed lengths consist of the standard 6 1/2- and 8-foot sizes along with a new 5 1/2-foot size for extended cab models that makes fitting into a warm garage a more viable option. All boxes are two inches deeper than before giving the F-150 the most cargo capacity in its class, and all feature a new assist mechanism for the tailgate that makes it easier to raise and lower.
Regardless of trim, all F-150s sport a new interior design that looks sharp and works well. There's minimal button clutter, the radio is placed high for easy tuning and all gauges are easily readable. Build quality on our early build test trucks was impressive. Door panels didn't budge an inch when pressed upon and dashboard gaps were straight and of close tolerance. Materials quality is also better than before, with none of the glaringly cheap plastics that detracted from the previous model's interior.
Ford's attempt to differentiate its high-line models paid off as the FX4 and Lariat trim level have a distinct look and feel to their interiors. When it comes to providing an upscale experience, the Lariat has the current competition beat hands down. Between its metallic accents, faux wood trim and clean design, there are few trucks that offer an interior so elegantly trimmed. The industrial style of the FX4 isn't quite so dramatic, but it does manage to provide a unique look without trying too hard.
As much as we liked the interior's overall design, there are a few areas that could use some improvement. Although we logged a relatively modest number of miles, the seats became tiresome regardless of trim level, and we found it strange that even the upgraded leather captain's chairs still use manual adjusters for the seat back angle and lumbar support. The climate control dials look good but feel cheap, same goes for the door handles — both being items that we think should have a good, solid feel considering how often you touch them. We also found the turn signal stalk hard to reach, the grab handles too far away and relatively few storage compartments.
The most glaring omission to the F-150's interior, however, is the lack of side-impact airbag protection. Ford claims that the F-150's taller height makes it less vulnerable to such impacts, yet it found them perfectly appropriate for the equally sized Expedition sport-utility. Add in the fact that the Dodge Ram already provides such protection, with the upcoming Nissan Titan set to do the same come December, and it becomes an even more inexcusable omission.
But enough about the interior already, the true test of a truck is how it handles itself on the road. To that end, the F-150 has been upgraded with a fully boxed frame that's nine times stiffer than before, a new rack-and-pinion steering system, larger brakes and a revised suspension design among other things.
The result is exceptional ride quality and sharp handling for a vehicle of its size. There's still the telltale vagueness from the solid rear axle, but as trucks go, you're not going to find a smoother-riding full-size anywhere. The steering is no longer the guessing game that it once was and the brakes have a firm, progressive feel that's reassuring in such a big vehicle.
For power, the F-150 now offers just two options: a carry-over 4.6-liter V8 rated at 231 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque and a heavily modified version of the last year's 5.4-liter V8 (the V6 has been dropped but will return in '05). Both engines are mated to four-speed automatic transmissions with the larger 5.4-liter getting a heavier-duty version to handle its extra power.
Now rated at 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, the 5.4-liter engine uses three-valve cylinder heads and variable camshafts to provide more power at lower engine speeds. The extra juice allows the F-150 to claim a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds, the highest rating in the half-ton class.
During a towing demonstration in which the F-150 was pitted against its current rivals while pulling a 7,000-pound trailer, the newly invigorated Triton proved to be a smooth and refined hauler. The broad power band enabled the truck to maintain a steady pull on moderate hill climbs, and it did so with less interior noise than a Hemi-equipped Dodge Ram.
Unfortunately, the Triton's impressive towing ability doesn't translate into usable power during normal stop-and-go driving. Acceleration off the line feels soft and even full-throttle downshifts fail to elicit much snap. The apparent sluggishness could be chalked up to increased levels of refinement that mask the actual performance, but we've got a feeling it's something else entirely — namely weight. Compared to its predecessor, an '04 extended cab F-150 comes saddled with nearly 800 pounds of additional weight — enough extra baggage to cause even its more powerful engine to feel sluggish.
Whether a truck's 0-to-60 performance is something to be concerned about is debatable. After all, the idea of a truck is to buy it for what it can do, not what it can beat at a stoplight. In this regard, the F-150 stacks up well as its capabilities, both in towing and hauling, are now class-leading. Factor in its larger, more appealing interior, top-notch build quality and brawny looks and the F-150 has undeniable appeal.
But even with so much going for it, we can't help but feel that this new F-150 lacks the kind of innovative features that will make it stand out from the crowd. Bigger, faster, stronger may have been enough to impress a decade ago, but these days such improvements are expected. Whether this shortfall will make a serious dent in the F-150's status as the best-selling vehicle in the world is hard to tell, but there's no doubt that it leaves the door wide open for the competition to come storming in.
Is the 2004 Ford F-150 a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2004 Ford F-150 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2004 F-150 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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How do people like the 2004 Ford F-150?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2004 Ford F-150 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2004 F-150 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2004 F-150.
Review
I bought my 2004 F-150 supercab 4x4 lariat on black fiday 2005 with 45,000 miles already on it. This is basically my first truck. This is heavily optioned with everything you could get or want. With the automatic on the floor, I thought the interior was just the coolest. Needless to say, the looks and styling got me. I currently have just under 185,000 miles on the truck. I fully expect to get 300,000 miles or more before i get a new truck. Here is where the mixed feelings come in. I have spent an average of $1500 a year maintaining this truck! My recommendation is this... Do NOT buy the first model year of ANY vehicle when there has been a COMPLETE redesign. Wait until the bugs are out.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2004 Ford F-150
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What options are available on the 2004 Ford F-150?
Available Ford F-150 2004 Submodel Types: SuperCrew, SuperCab, Regular Cab, SVT Raptor, Extended Cab, Harley-Davidson, SVT Lightning
Available Trims: XLT, XL, Lariat, FX4, Platinum, STX, King Ranch, Raptor, Limited, SVT Raptor, Harley-Davidson, 60th Anniversary, FX2, SVT Lightning, Base, Eddie Bauer, Lariat Limited, S
Exterior Colors: Oxford White, Shadow Black, Magnetic Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clear Coat, Blue Jeans Metallic, Lightning Blue Metallic, Race Red, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Magma Red Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, Blue Jeans Metallic/Magnetic Metallic, Blue Flame Metallic, Stone Gray Metallic, White Gold, Bronze Fire Metallic, Lead Foot, Oxford White Clearcoat, Lithium Gray, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat/Stone Gray Metallic, Blue Jeans Metallic/Stone Gray Metallic, Caribou Metallic, Black Clearcoat, White Gold Metallic, Green Gem Metallic, Sunset Metallic, Tuxedo Black, Blue Flame Clearcoat Metallic, Bright Red Clearcoat, Guard Metallic/Magnetic Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic, Shadow Black/Stone Gray Metallic, Silver Clearcoat Metallic, True Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Black, Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Sterling Gray Clearcoat Metallic, White Gold/Stone Gray Metallic, Magma Red Metallic/Stone Gray Metallic, Vermillion Red, Dark Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic, Guard Metallic, Sterling Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Aspen Green Clearcoat Metallic, Avalanche, Guard Metallic/Stone Gray Metallic, Ingot Silver, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clear Coat/Stone Gray Metallic, Bright Red Clearcoat/Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Oxford White Metallic/Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Pale Adobe Metallic, Vermillion Red (Fleet), Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Stone Clearcoat Metallic, Medium Wedgewood Blue Clearcoat Metallic/Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Molten Orange Tri-Coat, Oxford White Clearcoat/Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Oxford White/Stone Gray Metallic, Pueblo Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clear Coat/Caribou Metallic, True Blue Metallic, Amazon Green Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat/Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat/Sterling Gray Clearcoat Metallic, Black/Arizona Beige Metallic, Blue Flame Metallic/Magnetic Metallic, Bright Red, Bright Red/Silver Metallic, Bronze Fire Metallic/Caribou Metallic, Dark Highland Green Metallic, Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic/Black Clearcoat, Dark Shadow Grey Metallic, Dark Toreador Red Metallic, Deep Wedgewood Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Oxford White/Arizona Beige Metallic, Oxford White/Ingot Silver Metallic, Pale Adobe Clearcoat Metallic, Royal Red Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Clearcoat Metallic/Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Metallic, Terrain, Toreador Red Metallic/Silver Metallic, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat/Caribou Metallic
Interior Colors: Medium Earth Gray vinyl, Medium Earth Gray cloth, Black leather, Black premium cloth, Steel Gray cloth, Medium Light Camel leather, Black cloth, Medium Light Camel cloth, Black premium leather, Dark Earth Gray cloth, Medium Earth Gray leather, Black premium leather/cloth, Steel Gray vinyl, Mesa premium leather, Dark Earth Gray/Medium Earth Gray cloth, Kingsville leather, Steel Gray leather, Medium Stone vinyl, Pale Adobe cloth, Tan, Mesa/Java leather, Black (Fleet) premium cloth, Pale Adobe leather, Steel Gray premium cloth, Black, Mojave premium leather, Tan leather, Chaparral w/Pale Adobe Accents premium leather, Marina Blue/Black premium leather, Medium Flint cloth, Medium Parchment, Chaparral premium leather, Medium/Dark Flint, Black Leather, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Black/Lava premium leather, Black/Orange premium leather/cloth, Black/Smoked Silver premium leather, Chaparral w/Black Accents premium leather, Medium Flint, Medium Flint vinyl, Medium Graphite, Navy Pier leather, Pecan premium leather, Red/Black premium leather, Tan cloth, Black leather/cloth, Brunello premium leather, Brunello/Black leather, Dark Marsala leather, Medium Flint premium cloth, Medium Stone (Fleet) cloth, Medium Stone cloth, Mojave/Black premium leather, Sienna Brown premium leather, Tan vinyl
Popular Features: Tire Pressure Warning, Post-collision safety system, Stability Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Rear Bench Seats, AWD/4WD, 6ft Bed, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Alarm, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Crew Cab, Back-up camera, Towing Hitch, 10,000lb+ Towing Capacity, Power Driver Seat, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Trip Computer, Parking sensors, Mobile Internet, Extended Cab, Leather Seats, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Remote Start, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Cooled Seats, Navigation, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Standard Cab, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Upgraded Engine, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Lane Departure Warning, 360-degree camera, 8000lb Towing Capacity, Adaptive Cruise Control, 8ft Bed, 6000lb Towing Capacity, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system, 5000lb Towing Capacity, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, 3500lb Towing Capacity, 2500lb Towing Capacity
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), premium unleaded (required), premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, rear wheel drive
