2011 Ford F-150 Review

The 2011 Ford F-150 is the best pickup for you if you want to pioneer a new breed of truck engine.

The 2011 Ford F-150 is almost certain to feature two – maybe three -- new engines. Styling: Any 2011 Ford F-150 styling alterations would take a backseat to big changes under the hood. It debuted for model-year 2010 in several Ford/Lincoln products, notably the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and 2010 Lincoln MKS sedans and 2010 Ford Flex crossover SUV. Ford maintains the EcoBoost V-6 is suitable for moderately heavy towing duty, too. The base choice would be Ford’s new dual-overhead-cam 5.0-liter V-8. Dubbed “Coyote,” this naturally aspirated engine is also slated for duty in the Ford Mustang. Some reports suggest the 2011 F-150 may also become available with Ford’s new 6.2-liter V-8. The available voice-activated navigation system can display real-time weather maps and localized fuel prices.

Expect 2011 F-150 pricing to begin around $22,000 for the entry-level LX regular-cab model. For example, Ford imbued every 2010 F-150 with mileage-enhancing tweaks previously reserved for a special SFE (Super Fuel Economy) model. EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2011 models had not been released in time for this review, but expect 2011 Ford F-150 fuel economy to equal and in some cases beat the 2010 F-150 numbers.

No word on whether Ford would recommend or require 2011 F-150 EcoBoost owners to use higher-priced premium-grade gas. The focus of fuel economy doesn’t mean ignoring high performance. Dodge Ram 1500: Like the F-150, Dodge’s half-ton Ram was all-new for model-year 2009. No major changes are expected until after model-year 2013.

A model-year 2010 freshening included introduction of a fine new 310-horsepwer V-8 to compliment the top-line 381-horsepower engine, but don’t look for major changes before model-year 2014 or so.

Every model comes with the AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control as well as side curtain airbags in the front, rear row, front row, and torso sides of the truck. Detailed crash tests results include five stars for frontal driver; five stars for frontal passenger; five stars for side driver; five stars for side rear passenger; four stars for a two wheel drive rollover; and three stars for a four wheel drive rollover.

In 2009 it took home Motor Trend Truck of the Year; Best Redesigned Vehicle; Truck of Texas; Best Luxury Pickup; Best Overall Half ton Pickup; Automotive Excellence; the Residual Value Award from the Automotive Leasing Guide; Motor Trend’s Truck Trend Top Five Trucks; and the Accessory Friendly Truck Design Award.