Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford F 150 Lariat Supercab 4X4 pick up truck. The F Series has a rich history that began in 1948. As a new driver I owned arguably the most popular model year 1955. That year, like all pickups of the day, was a two door, one bench seat with practically no useable space behind the seat.
Today, for Ford, all models of the F Series are 4-door – either full or half rear doors. If you need to carry passengers or gear in the cab I found the smaller rear half door cumbersome to use.
My Dodge Ram 3500 has a rear half door and I’ve been unable to warm up to it in light of the more convenient Crew Cabs. Unless the cargo area is secured with a hard cover, as was the case with the recently tested Ford Explorer Sport Trac, pickups are a pain if you must leave them for even the shortest time. You can be parked at Home Depot or Lowes and you are literally unable to leave anything in the bed or someone will find a use for your stuff. I suppose when you drive a truck you learn to live with the inconvenience. In fact it must not be considered too troublesome because buyers continue to have a love of trucks. And Fords F Series trucks have earned the spot as number one sales leader for over 20 years.
Handling & Performance:
Excellent for a truck. The wheel base seems to be long enough to eliminate much of the bounce, bounce you feel when driving them empty on some highways. 300 horsepower is great and some buyers will even use the 4X4 capability. Steering is sure and perfectly geared for comfortable steering. The overall feel is solid and sure, and the feel extends to the large door handles in and out that are easy to grasp. I hate it when design is more important than function. You know, like door handles that slip out of your hand as you pull up. In any case Ford appears to deliver on its slogan that their trucks are built “Ford Tough”.
Styling:
Very attractive with clean lines and no nonsense style. The bed extender is becoming more popular as it provides for longer loads on demand, yet allows for a smaller bed for generally smaller loads. The extender also works great inside the bed to separate cargo and makes for a convenient space for hauling smaller loads with easy tie down.
Most macho guys will not mention the high step up into the cab but the ladies will appreciate the (albeit too small) running boards on some models.
Fit and Finish:
Car like interior but exterior seams must be wide for needed movement between the bed and cab.
Cost:
Pricey which, as I’ve said before, is one of the reasons trucks are profitable and why every manufacturer is in the truck market. They are simply the most profitable vehicles to make and sell. Believe it or not Ford’s Lincoln division sells a Lincoln LT.
Conveniences and comfort:
Nearly as well endowed as passenger cars and far from the “good old days” just 40 and 50 years ago when 4 wheels, hydraulic brakes, a radio and heater were about as much as you’d expect from a truck. Roll up windows were common, and power anything was rare to non-existent.
Consumer Recommendation:
There are approximately 31 model configurations to select from and only 6 car makers in this segment of the truck market. That means you can find just about any configuration to fit your specific need. You may also want to consider looking at the Avalanche or Escalade EXT if your use will be more recreational than dirty work. That truly gives you two vehicles for the price of one.
Recognized Competition:
Ford F150 Lariat $18-36,000, Lincoln Mark LT $38-41,000, Dodge Ram 1500 $21-41,000, Nissan Titan $24-36,000, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $18-38,000, Toyota Tundra $16-34,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $18-38,000, Honda Ridgeline $28-35,000.
Good News:
Powerful, smooth long wheel base ride, car-like comfort in seating and ride suspension.
Bad News:
Half rear door is cumbersome, very poor fuel economy and bed extender should be standard on all short bed models – the option price is $195.
Standard Equipment:
5.4 liter 300 horsepower V8 engine, 4-speed auto trans, shift on the fly 4 wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-pin trailer wiring, front tow hooks, fog lights, stereo with CD changer, cruise control, tilt leather wrapped steering wheel, auto temp control, compass, outside temp, power driver seat, power heated mirrors, power windows and locks, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, dual air bags and keyless entry and keypad.
Options: special metallic paint, Navigation system, power adjustable pedals, skid plates, power sliding rear window, overhead storage system, trailer tow package, bed extender, reverse sensing system, leather seats, power driver seat and satellite radio. ($6,800).
Gas Stats:
$2.45/ Gal avg. Jan 25, ‘07
14 City and 18 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $32,765.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – USA
Class: – Standard Pickup
Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape & Hybrid, E-series Van & Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150, 250 &350, Five Hundred, focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.
