Ruggedness
According to Ford’s spokespeople, there
are more F-Series trucks on the road with 250,000 miles or more on them
than any other brand. This is absolutely by design. For example, the
all-new Ford F-150 was put through more than 10 million miles of testing
before it was offered for sale. It crisscrossed the country, pulling
trailers and hauling loads through deserts and over mountain passes in
temperatures from 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit to 120 degrees above.
A disguised version of the all-new model even ran the Baja 1000 during
its development process. All of its mechanicals were stock, save the
addition of a 44-gallon fuel tank as well as shocks and springs
calibrated to deal with long distance high-speed off-road running. The
only maintenance required was changing the air filter at every stop.
Other than that, the truck ran flawlessly. Reliability is a key
attribute, when you’re asking why the Ford F-150 is the best selling
vehicle in America.
Remarkable Fuel Efficiency
Over the last two generations of the
F-150, Ford’s engineering teams have paid especially close attention to
improving the fuel efficiency of the venerable pickup. The adoption of
military grade aluminum alloys and other weight saving measures have
shaved some 700 pounds off the curb weight of the current version of the
pickup. This, in combination with Ford’s innovative 3.5-liter
turbocharged EcoBoost engine, has preserved the power and strength of
the Ford F-150, while also endowing it with a remarkable fuel economy
story. Generating 365 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque, this
remarkable engine delivers V8 power with the fuel consumption of a V6.
We’re talking 19 miles per gallon in the city, 26 on the highway, and 22
mpg in combined city/highway operation (with the rear-wheel drive
powertrain).
Outstanding Towing and Hauling Capability
Despite its newfound lightness, or perhaps because of its newfound lightness, the 2016 Ford F-150
is easily one of the most capable pickups on the road when it comes to
dragging stuff and/or hauling it away. Four engine choices are offered
within the F-150 platform. The base 282-horsepower 3.5-liter normally
aspirated V6 makes 253 ft-lbs of torque and is good for a max tow rating
of 7,600 pounds or a payload of 1,910 pounds. The 2.7-liter
turbocharged V6 makes 325 horsepower and 375 ft-lbs of torque, and will
tow a maximum of 8,500 pounds. This engine is good for a payload of up
to 2,250 pounds. The Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 makes 385 horsepower and 387
ft-lbs of torque. This engine endows the F-150 with 11.100 pounds of
towing capability or a maximum payload of 3,300 pounds. The 3.5-liter
turbocharged V6 we discussed previously enables the F-150 to tow a
remarkable 12,200 pounds, or haul a 3,270-pound maximum payload.
Outstanding Versatility
Ford offers the 2016 F-150 in six trim
levels, ranging from the entry-level utilitarian bare-bones XL work
truck with vinyl flooring to the full-boat Limited trim. Along the way, a
wide variety of optional features permit tailoring the 2016 Ford F-150
to each individual owner’s specific needs and desires. While there are
off-road packages for those who have to deal with rugged trails,
features like automated parking, retractable running boards, and smart
cruise control hold considerable appeal for those who spend more time in
urban environments. Further, there are three different cab styles
(regular, extended, and crew), as well as three different bed lengths
(5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and eight feet). Standalone optional features
include skid plates, running boards, tailgate and box side steps, a
spray-in bedliner, a rear proximity sensor array, trailer packages, a
variety of axle ratios, and an integrated trailer brake controller.