Automotive review: the 2011 Ford F-150

2011 Ford F-150 XL shown in Arctic White (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

Built Ford Tough: This is a statement we have heard throughout our lives and it has remained true today.  Ford has truly outdone themselves with the new 2011 F-150.

I had the opportunity to test a couple of different models of this new truck.  The XL 4x2 model is a spartan, basic work truck that does nothing more than pose as a pickup truck-tough and ready for work.  The interior is appointed with comfortable vinyl seating and the instruments are easily read.  There are many features that are standard with the new 2011 XL model, such as AM/FM stereo, four-wheel disc brakes, and a standard 302bhp 3.7 V6 that is enough to power this amazing truck like a champ down the road with the best of the V8s but with twice the fuel economy.  Price as tested: only $23,800.

I also drove the XL 4x4 version with the upgraded audio system and power group.  This truck was a great buy for the money, priced at a mere $33,800 as equipped.  The Microsoft SYNC is a great feature that integrates your smartphone via Bluetooth technology so that you may call and talk on your truck's audio system.  The new-for-2011 5.0 V8 has a gruff murmur and plenty of power to tow your boat, horse trailer, or anything that you want to put behind it.  With 360bhp, the 5.0 is more powerful than your dad's Hemi 'Cuda back in 1972!

My only complaint:  The 2011 F150 is not available in manual transmission.  My fellow stickheads will agree with me-we like to have a firm handshake when enjoying our trucks.  It does, however, have the 6-speed automatic with standard manual gear selection on the selector stalk.  It's not the same, though.

Bottom line:  The Ford F-150 is my choice for top truck of 2011, hands down.  It has been my choice of truck for many years and I have had many different styles of them.  My current 1993 F-150 is pushing 250,000 miles with no issues other than normal wear and Michigan rust.  All of my other F-150 trucks have achieved well over 200,000 miles.  Take that, Chevy boys ;)


This review was written by Jaret Sweet with no affiliation with Ford Motor Company or any advertisers.  Image is courtesy of Ford Motor Company.