2009 Ford F-150

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By  Paul Eisenstein, Executive Editor

2009 Ford F-150
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Can the best get better? It’s certainly hard to argue with success, and for the last quarter century, Ford’s big F-Series pickups have dominated the U.S. sales charts, despite a growing onslaught of domestic and import competition.

For 2009, Ford is making some major changes to the full-size truck, and while it isn’t quite a ground-up redesign, the update is significant enough to keep the competition worried.

Among the most significant updates, an improved box frame means a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity, and that translates into both a more stable ride and increased towing and hauling capabilities. Standard Roll Stability Control minimizes rollover risks, while the new Trailer Sway Control reduces the risk of accidents while towing. An updated, foldaway bed extender makes it easier carry oversized loads. And Ford adds several additional versions of the F-Series for 2009, moving further away from the old one-size-fits-all approach to pickups.

Pickup buyers want a package that doesn’t compromise their needs. These days, that means a variety of cabin and bed configurations. No other automaker offers quite as many options as Ford, the 2009 F-Series available with three different cab styles, four box options and, now, seven unique trim levels,

Platinum adds sparkle to line-up

Ford already offered six different trim versions of this big truck, from the no-fuss XL to the high-featured King Ranch edition. For ’09, the line-up is joined by the top-end Platinum Series.

Like all F-Series models, it starts with the now-standard Ford chrome triple crossbars surrounding a newer, bolder Ford logo on the grille – on the Platinum, that’s a satin chrome grille with mesh inserts. The top-end F-150 gets 10-way leather captain’s chairs, satin ash wood interior accents, and real aluminum dash panels. The Platinum Series comes with standard 20-inch, 16-spoke aluminum wheels.

All 2009 F-150s feature a newly-redesigned box frame that, thanks in part to use of hydro-forming, is both lighter and more rigid. That and other steps have shaved about 100 pounds off the overall vehicle’s weight, while also delivering a stiffer ride and increasing towing and hauling capacity.

A disproportionate share of full-size trucks are used either for work or what you might call “serious” leisure activities, such as hauling a boat or RV. So many of the new features debuting on the ’09 model are designed to keep the truck safe and sure-footed no matter what the driving conditions.

Stability control is standard, and its paired with a new Roll Stability Control system, or RSC, which helps reduce rollover accidents. One of the most dangerous situations a pickup driver can face occurs when a trailer starts to swing out of control. Trailer Sway Control is designed to automatically stabilize the trailer. There’s also a new trailer brake controller and rear camera assist system to help keep an eye on your load.

Mileage improved

For 2009, Ford will offer three different engine options, and two different transmissions, a 4-speed or upgraded, fuel-efficient V-6.

The basic package is a 2-valve, 4.6-liter V-8, and there’s a new, 3-valve version available for ’09. Both powertrains utilize a unique open valve injection system, which increases horsepower even as it reduces emissions levels. The high-line engine package is Ford’s 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8, which can run on gasoline, E85 ethanol or any blend in-between. On average, all three engines deliver about a mile per gallon more than the comparable current powertrain packages.

Ford has put a high premium on the interior, improving both the appearance and the functionality of its ’09 F-150. The center console, for example, is now large enough to accommodate most laptop computers, and ridges cut into the side of the bin make it easy to store file folders on a job site. In all, there are 30 separate storage areas, capable of handling everything from that laptop to a gate access pass.

Functionality also swayed the design of the updated cargo bed. A foldaway bed extender stows out of the way when it’s not in use. A new Cargo Management System makes it easy to tie down loads.

New Tailgate and Box Side Steps make it much easier to get at your cargo load.

One thing missing is a storage compartment built into the side panels of the pickup bed.

Tech toys for hard-working boys

Long gone are the days when pickup owners met their needs with more cargo space and extra towing capacity. These days, they’re also looking for high-tech features, like navigation and built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling. The ’09 F-150 is available with the new Sync system, developed by Ford and Microsoft. Sync is a hands-free, voice-activated system and, on the F-Series, it’s being offered with several new features, including Sirius Travel Link.

That service not only provides detailed navigation information, but real-time traffic and weather, as well as continuously updated pricing from 120,000 service stations around the country. Information reads out on a huge, 8-inch LCD screen.

To round things out, the F-150 is offered with a 700-watt Sony entertainment system, with 10 separate amps and speakers.

The full-size pickup truck market is getting increasingly crowded, what with the traditional domestic competitors – including a new version of the Dodge Ram – and imports, such as the latest-generation Toyota Tundra, launched a year ago.

Sales have been hard hit by the fuel price crunch and declining housing market. Nonetheless, the full-size segment remains one of the largest and most important in the U.S. market. No wonder Ford has come back so quickly with this major update of its flagship truck.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Coverage by TCC Team (1/6/2008) Ford F-150, Hyundai Genesis and Corvette ZR1.