Follow The Car Exam on Facebook “Car Exam” and Twitter!
The 2011 F-150 Series: “More Power for the People.”
It’s the first new review for The Car Exam in 2011, and its theme should be, “More Power for the People,” because that’s what Ford is giving its pickup customers for the 2011 model year F-150 Series of pickups. Let’s start with the base engine, the new 3.7 liter V6 (that’s also used in the Mustang–but the specs are different for truck use). The 3.7 has 302 hp and 278 ft. lbs of torque @ 4000 RPM. For basic duty, it has adequate power–nothing exhilarating about it, just good enough for light duty applications.
The next engine choice I’m listing is the 5.0 Liter V8, also used in the Mustang.
It has 412 hp and ft. lbs of torque 380 @ 4250 RPM. While this engine felt strong, I expected it to feel much stronger than it did. In the Mustang, however, I suspect that feels even stronger and offers quicker off-the-line performance.
I saved my two favorite engine choices for last: first, the turbocharged, 3.5 liter Ecoboost V6 engine with 365 hp and 420 ft lbs. of torque at @ 2500 RPM. When you first step on the gas pedal of the Ecoboost engine, it feels like you’re going to get the performance of the more tepid 3.7 Liter V6–but then the turbo boost suddenly kicks in–and a furious rush of power and torque pushes you back in the driver’s seat. It’s a blast to drive! If I wanted power with some added fuel economy, the Ecoboost engine would be my choice in the F-150–it’s that versatile–and that impressive.
My other favorite engine in the group was the 6.2 Liter V8 I drove in the Harley Davidson Model. It packs 411 hp and 434 ft. lbs. of torque @ 4500 RPM. Unlike the Ecoboost V6 engine, it feels strong and powerful from start to finish. But you pay the price with less fuel economy than the Ecoboost V6 engine.
The interiors range from spartan in the Base 3.6 Liter V6 models to upscale leather materials found in the higher-end F 150’s. The gauges are clear and easy to use, but some smaller buttons on the dash can take some getting used to–just as the turn signal stalk, which instant returns back into it’s original place after you move it to turn left or right. I thought it was broken at first, only to realize that was what Ford intended it to do. The seats offer good comfort and good support, overall. Outward visibility is also good in every model I tested.
Overall, the styling of the 2011 F-Series is nice and clean, and looks very good. I’d have to say it’s one of the better-looking pickups on the market. Handling feels decent in every model I tested. However–it’s a shame, though, that Ford is replacing the aging Ranger Model in other countries, but not here in the United States. Ford hopes buyers who would have chosen the Ranger in the past will opt for the 3.7 Liter V6 base model, but I’m not convinced that’s going to happen. If I were buying a midsized truck today, I wouldn’t go for the 3.7. V6 model at all, because it would still be too large for me.
I think Ford is making a mistake by not offering an all-new Ranger in the United States, but that remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the 2011 Ford F-Series is impressive (especially the automatic step that goes up and down on some models for entry and exit ease), and it looks like Ford has another winner with its 2011 F-150 pickups. Well done, Ford.
The Car Exam Grade: A
The Car Exam 