2011 Ford F-150 Review
2011 Ford F-150 Review





+132
Used F-150 for sale
Appraise This CarFord F-150 model years
Ford F-150 types
- SuperCrew
- SVT Raptor
- SuperCab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Refined and quiet ride
- powerful and efficient engine lineup
- handsome and functional cabin
- innovative electronics features
- useful tailgate step
- available special-edition models.
Cons
- Extended cab's less convenient clamshell rear doors.
What’s new
For 2011 the Ford F-150 gets an all-new, all-powerful engine lineup, effectively addressing the one main weakness in this best-selling pickup. There's also a new Lariat Limited trim level, revised feature availability and the adoption of electric-assist power steering. The SVT Raptor variant is now available as a crew cab.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Ford F-150 is an excellent all-around truck, and even more so this year thanks to its more powerful engine choices.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$197/mo for F-150 XL
F-150 XL
vs
$244/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
For the better part of three decades, the Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States, with the F-150 being the most popular model within the line. Obviously, Ford has been doing a lot of things right with this truck, including giving it solid towing and hauling capabilities, respectable reliability, plenty of customization possibility and, with more recent generations, an easy-to-drive demeanor. Our only main complaint last year was a lack of power compared to its burlier rivals.
Well, the 2011 Ford F-150 suffers no such weakness. This year there's a completely new and robust engine lineup for America's favorite pickup. Starting things off is a new 302-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that replaces last year's entry-level 4.6-liter V8. From here, there are three upgrades to replace last year's 320-hp 5.4-liter V8: a 360-hp 5.0-liter V8, a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 (dubbed "EcoBoost") and a 411-hp 6.2-liter V8 only seen late last year in the Raptor variant. All come matched to a new six-speed automatic to optimize performance and fuel mileage.
The added muscle and fuel economy for 2011 is a nice complement to an already impressive truck. Folks with typical pickup requirements (such as hauling the family and/or a bed full of lawn mulch) will find that the F-150 still offers a wide range of body styles and trim levels. But the Ford also offers a number of unique and useful perks, among these a flat rear floor, generous passenger room in crew cabs, a deployable step that eases access to the bed and Ford's Sync multimedia voice command system. For commercial-grade use, Ford offers the contractor-oriented lineup of "Work Solutions" options.
The full-size truck market is very competitive, and rivals such as the 2011 Ram 1500, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and 2011 Toyota Tundra are certainly capable. Yet the F-150 is a perennial best-seller because Ford listens to suggestions and criticisms from consumers and critics alike, and the 2011 Ford F-150 epitomizes this philosophy. Whether you're looking for a basic work truck, a plush family hauler, a rig you could run the Baja 1000 with or something with four wheels that proudly announces your allegiance to Harley-Davidson, there's bound to be an F-150 with your name on it.
Performance & mpg
This year brings an all-new engine lineup. The base engine is now a 3.7-liter V6 that generates 302 hp and 278 pound-feet of torque. Next up is a 5.0-liter V8 with 360 hp and 380 lb-ft. And then there's the biggest dog, the 6.2-liter V8 with 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. Later in the model year, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 will debut with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft. All engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have a choice between two- and four-wheel drive on all versions of the F-150 except the Raptor, which has four-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The 5.0-liter V8 comes standard on the FX2/FX4, XLT 4WD, the long-bed versions of SuperCrew XL and XLTs, the Lariats, the King Ranch and the Platinum. The 6.2-liter V8 comes standard in the Lariat Limited, Harley-Davidson and Raptor trims.
Thanks to the more powerful engines, the F-150's tow ratings have gone up and range from 6,100 pounds with the 3.7-liter V6 all the way up to 11,300 pounds with the 6.2 V8 and EcoBoost V6.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, trailer sway control and a full complement of airbags (including front seat side and full-length side curtain) are standard across the board.
The F-150 has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new ones) were exemplary, as the F-150 earned a perfect five stars in the government's front- and side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the F-150 a top rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2011 Ford F-150 delivers solid ride and handling dynamics for a full-size truck, and it's remarkably quiet at speed, a trademark of recent F-150s. The potent new powertrains more than silence complaints we've had in the past about Ford's performance deficit. Off-road fans should be thrilled by the purpose-built SVT Raptor, as it is an immensely capable treat to drive off-road, although its wide body and atmospheric ride height make it hairy to drive around town.
Interior
In SuperCrew form, the 2011 Ford F-150 can comfortably seat four people, and you can squeeze in up to six in a pinch. Backseat comfort is superb thanks to abundant legroom, a flat floor and a seatback angle that's pleasantly reclined. Cargo-carrying capacity in the SuperCrew's cab is also excellent. The SuperCab is still fairly roomy, but legroom is noticeably less generous. Its rear-hinged clamshell doors are also less useful than the traditional front-hinged doors of the Tundra and Ram.
All F-150s feature simple controls and good-quality materials (by full-size truck standards). The navigation system includes an 8-inch screen with impressive clarity. Lower trims have a standard 40/20/40-split bench seat with a column shifter, while the upper trims feature captain's chairs and a console shifter. Special models like the SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson feature unique interior design elements.
2011 Ford F-150 models
The 2011 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck is available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab ("SuperCab") and crew cab ("SuperCrew"). Cargo box size choices vary as well: Regular cabs come with a 6.5-foot or 8-foot cargo bed, while SuperCabs can have either of those or a garage-friendly 5.5-footer. The SuperCrew can have either the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. Reverse-opening rear doors are standard on regular and SuperCabs for easier cab access, while SuperCrews have four full-size doors.
No fewer than 10 trim levels are offered: base XL, sporty STX, popularly equipped XLT, rugged FX2/FX4, luxurious Lariat, Lariat Limited, leather-saddle-inspired King Ranch, blinged-out Platinum, bad-boy Harley-Davidson and extreme off-roader SVT Raptor.
Geared toward commercial use, the bare-bones XL comes with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, an AM/FM radio, air-conditioning and not much else. The STX is similarly equipped but adds body-color trim, cloth seating, cruise control and an upgraded sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The volume leader XLT features chrome exterior trim, foglamps, an upgraded cloth interior and full power accessories.
The FX2 (2WD) and FX4 (4WD) feature a towing package, 18-inch wheels, black-framed headlights and taillights, front bucket seats, a six-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Sync multifunction voice-command system (includes Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface), a trip computer, a 110-volt power outlet and satellite radio. The FX4 also includes underbody skid plates and retuned springs/shock absorbers. The Lariat offers upscale interior trim, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power driver and passenger seats with power-adjustable lumbar, power-adjustable pedals, a power-sliding rear window and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson and Lariat Limited are all similar to the Lariat but feature their own specialized wheels and exterior and interior trim. They typically have a few more features, too, like power-folding mirrors, heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.
The off-road-ready SVT Raptor hits the trail with a 6.2-liter V8, special off-road tires, a revised suspension (with wider front and rear tracks, enhanced wheel travel and specialized shock absorbers), an electronically locking rear differential, sport seats and exclusive exterior and interior styling.
Other than the Raptor's off-roading bits, most of the features found on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims as options. Aimed at those who work out of their trucks, Ford's Work Solutions options include an in-dash computer with Internet access, a Midbox storage system (a lockable compartment located between the cab and bed) and Tool Link (a system that keeps tabs on tools stored in the truck's box via radio-frequency tracking). Other option highlights include a sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a cargo management system, a stowable bed extender, a trailer brake controller, premium Sony audio system, a hard-drive-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Good
#8 out of 19 among Full-size Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford F-150 from 2008-2022.$646/yr
vs. $752/yr
for Average Full-size Truck
for Average Full-size Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.06x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Full-size Truck
for Average Full-size Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).18%
vs. 20%
for Average Full-size Truck
for Average Full-size Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Ford F-150.
5 star(56%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(10%)
79 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
A++++ For the 2011 F-150
riflecrank, 02/01/2011
2011 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
I'm averaging 21.7 MPG with the new 3.7 V6. The engine has plenty of power for what I'm using it for.
Truck has been trouble free so far. The ride is good, quiet and handling is excellent.
5 out of 5 stars
5 Years of Reliability
Michael Ramsey, 03/21/2016
2011 Ford F-150 XLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD Styleside 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
The F150 Super Crew with 3.5 eco boost engine (Edmunds doesn't have this selection on their pull down menu) has been very reliable and has plenty of trailer pulling power. Actually fuel mileage with regular fuel (up to 10% ethanol) has been 16 city and 19 highway, if you can find non-ethanol fuel you'll see 19 city and up to 24 highway a substantial difference. I have 46,000 miles on my … truck and have just replaced the battery. You can't beat the rear cab for it's roominess, and ease for getting in and out of, Ford should had put a grab handle on the drivers side. I strongly recommend have a spray in bed liner done to help preserve the truck bed.
The only issues that I have encountered:
1- I did have power issues during a rain storm on several occasions, Ford did a mod on the intercooler to correct the problem.
2. The airbag light kept coming on, Ford replaced the drivers door cable which had issues, this took 4 trips to the dealer to resolve.
3. Rear window/mirror defogger failed, Ford replaced the rear window to resolve the problem.
I strongly suspect that Ford (not just Ford) uses non-ethanol fuel when they come up with their fuel mileage figures, because I have never owned a vehicle that got their stated mileage unless I run non-ethanol fuel which as most of you know cost from $.50 to $1.50 per gallon more to purchase if you can find it.
4.88 out of 5 stars
What a truck!!
dlong18074, 03/07/2011
2011 Ford F-150 Platinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
I recently purchase the 2011 F150 Platinum with 6.5 ft bed and the 3.5 l Ecoboost engine. This is an amazing truck. The fit and finish of the cabin is second to none.... Ford has thought of everything. The ride is super quiet and feels like I am sitting in my living room. I have to be careful as to my speed due to the fact that at 55 MPH it feels that I am hardly moving. The truck also … looks great from the outside. The 6.5 ft bed is a must on a crew cab truck. It is much more proportional although it makes finding a parking spot a bit harder! I do worry a bit about the open grill for the Ecoboost engine but from what I have been reading it should not be an issue. Overall, excellent truck!
2.5 out of 5 stars
Ecoboost great concept, terrible execution in first year!
tri_guy, 08/14/2014
2011 Ford F-150 Lariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
When it works, the 3.5L twin turbo V-6 known as the "Ecoboost" is amazing. 21+ mpg, 365 HP & 425 trq. A great combination of daily driver with nearly 10K tow capacity. First 55K miles were great, but the 2011 EB relies on multiple ECU "systems" to attain this peak performance, and if anything is not working perfectly, mileage, power, and driveability fall-off quickly. Ford still has not … acknowledged any issues that do exist with the 2011 version of this motor. Humidity. Coils. Valvetrain rattles at startup. Hood shaking misfire at idle. Black on chrome tailpipe. I would not buy a 2011 EB again. Maybe 2014, now that the 2011 bugs Ford never admitted have been worked out. 2011 EB - Stay away!!
2011 F-150 Highlights
SuperCrew
XL
Base MSRP | $30,275 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $197/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 9,400 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall3 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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