One-Year Test Update: 2004 Ford F-150 FX4
So far, our Truck of the Year winner is living up to its billing with no concerns to report.
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by the manufacturer, John Kiewicz
All who drive our new Ford F-150 FX4 compliment the interior as soon as they set eyes on it. While it clearly raises the truck interior bar by a bunch, we did find a few things to niggle over. One editor wrote, "The heavy front doors require the user to push open while pulling on the handle. If this isn't done simultaneously, the door will remain latched even after the handle lever has been pulled.
This presents some confusion for exiting driver or passenger and gets annoying after a while." He also commented about the temperature control knob on the HVAC: "It feels as if it's spinning freely and not connected to anything." The same editor used the truck to haul his scooter to San Diego, but found that the scooter didn't fit in the bed with the tailgate up. The innovative bed extender saved the day. Our first 5000 miles came quickly, earning the usual lube, oil and filter, plus tire-rotation service. So far, our Truck of the Year winner is living up to its billing with no concerns to report.
From The Logbook
"Back-up sensors make city parking easier. I wouldn't mind front ones, too."
--Brian Vance
| 2004 Ford F-150 FX4 |
| Base price | $34,980 |
| Price as tested | $38,460 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, 4wd, 4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 5.4L V-8, SOHC, 3 valves/cyl |
| SAE net hp @ rpm | 300 @ 5000 |
| SAE torque @ rpm | 365 @ 3750 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 8.9 |
| EPA mpg | 14 city 18 highway |
| Total mileage | 7037 |
| Average test mpg | 13.5 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $50 |
| Normal wear cost | $0 |
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