Redesign looks to keep F-150 on top

The Ford F-150 pickup remains the top-selling new vehicle -- car or truck -- in the U.S. this year.

Despite sales declines, which are more pronounced in pickups, the F-Series has been redesigned nicely to take on the competition in 2009.

The V-6 engine is gone, replaced by V-8s that are more fuel efficient because they're mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. One of the V-8s provides about the same fuel mileage rating as the old V-6.

The 2009 F-150 also has better ride and handling than its predecessor, a new, quiet interior with improved seats, bigger payload and towing capacities, and new styling.

New features include a collapsible bed extender that, when not in use, folds against the sides so it doesn't interfere with loading.

There's also a nifty Tool Link electronic system that uses Radio Frequency Identification to tell owners whether their work tools, with RFID tags embedded in them, are in the bed. Ford officials said contractors and construction workers often need help keeping track of where their tools are at job sites.

Best of all, the $22,070 starting price, including destination charge, for a base F-150 -- a 2009 Regular Cab 4X2 model with V-8 and automatic transmission -- is compelling.

By comparison, the starting price for a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4X2 with V-8 and automatic transmission is $26,135, and a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4X2 starts at $25,400.

Ford officials say the entry-level V-8 in the 2009 F-150 provides more power than the previous F-150 V-6 -- 248 horsepower vs. 202 -- while posting a nearly comparable federal government fuel economy rating of 14 miles per gallon in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway. This is for a rear-wheel-drive truck.

Everyone can tell there's something different about the 2009 Ford, even if the exact changes might be difficult to pinpoint.

The new front end is bolder but still similar in looks to this year's F-150. The nose is higher, and the hood now has a power dome shape for added power emphasis.

Taillights are bigger and reminiscent of those used on Lincoln vehicles, but the deep bed remains the same. Wheel arches of the sides are snugged in a bit in a smart change from the truck trends of the past few years.

The F-150 continues to be offered in as many configurations as buyers want. There are Regular Cab, SuperCab (with small rear doors) and SuperCrew (four full doors) interiors that provide seating for two to six people. Two- and four-wheel drive versions are available, and buyers can select from three bed lengths -- 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot and 8-foot.

All 2009 F-150s ride on a new, boxed, rugged frame that makes for a better ride. Towing and payload are increased, too. Every F-150 now can tow a minimum of 11,000 pounds. This compares with 10,000 pounds for a Chevy Silverado Regular Cab.

The test F-150 XLT 4X4 sat up high above the pavement and rode more smoothly than expected. There was the to-be-expected bounciness over some road bumps and a noticeable heaviness at the corners of the truck where the optional 18-inch wheels heaved over uneven pavement.

With the first turn of the key, I noticed the second big change. It was so quiet inside, I could have sworn I was in a nice car. Even at highway speeds, wind noise was minimal.

In the test truck, power came on instantly from the top V-8 -- a 320-horsepower, 5.4-liter Triton engine with 390 foot-pounds at 3,500 rpm. Steering is precise, making for confident driving in mountain twisties. All safety equipment is standard, including curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control.