1998 - 2004
Sales of the F-150 surged in the tenth generation from 750,000 to over 900,000 in 2001 as the General Motors and Dodge products lagged. Ford's sales dropped, however, for the final years of this generation as the redesigned Dodge trucks were released.
The new F-150 was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1997.[10] The grille was updated in 1999 with minor interior updates as well. The SuperCrew was added to the lineup in 2001. Ford manufactured a limited run of "Heritage" F-150s of this body style in 2004 (as 2004 model years) to finish out production. This truck, with an updated grille, is still available in Mexico as a less-expensive alternative to the current trucks.
In 2004, Ford redesigned the F-150 using the new P2 platform. The side windows also changed to a Kenworth "Daylight Door" and Ford Super Duty-like appearance; dipping towards the front of the door. Initially, only Ford's 4.6 L Triton or new 3-valve 5.4 L 3V Triton V8 engines and four-speed automatic transmissions were offered to the retail public on the new trucks. In 2005, Ford's 4.2 L Essex V6 and manual transmission became available and standard on base models after they were available only for fleet orders for 2004.
The F-250 and F-350 Ford Super Duties (on the P3 platform) are a different class (over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg) GVWR) than the regular F-series lineup, although they are still F-series trucks.
All F-Series have two large "closed loop" front tow hook design as opposed to conventional open hooks. The F-Series can pull up to 30,000 lb (14,000 kg) with just one hook.
2005 - Present
For the 2006 model year beginning in December, 2005, a flex-fuel version of the 3-valve 5.4 L Triton V8 became available.
For 2007, Ford introduced a complement to the existing FX4 model, the new FX2 Sport package (a 2 wheel drive truck with an appearance package).
Ford states a properly equipped 2007 F-150 (Long Wheel Base, 2WD model only) can tow up to 11,000 lb (5,000 kg) maximum and 1800?3050 lb maximum payload. The 2004 F-150 SuperCrews with the FX4 package could pull 4X4 F-250 Super Dutys out of mud with minimal strain. Also the F-150s are able to be a cheap alternative to the more expensive F-250s. Like the F-250, the F-150 could pull 25 ft trailers with only a 5.4 L Triton.
This generation F-150 got top safety ratings (5 stars) from the NHSTA in frontal collisions, and not only got a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset test, but also a Best Pick. The dummy sensors recorded no injuries to any body region.
Saleen offers their own OEM version of the F-150, badged as the S331. Additionally, Roush offers an aftermarket version with similar power. Beginning with the second half of the 2007 model year, Ford offered the Saleen forced-induction package on the Harley edition as an OEM option.
The F-150 Foose Edition debuted in fall 2007 as a 2008 model. Based on an F-150 FX2 Sport, it uses a Roush-developed powertrain. The supercharged 5.4 L V8 puts out 450 hp (340 kW) and 500 lb·ft (680 N·m) of torque.[12]
[edit] Awards, sales accomplishments
The new F-150 earned the North American Truck of the Year award for 2004 and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2004. It also beat the three-time winning Chevrolet Silverado for Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck for 2004 and 2005. Additionally, over 939,000 F-Series trucks were sold in 2005, a single-year sales record for trucks.[citation needed]
As a popular fleet vehicle, this generation of the F-Series has garnered a number of awards from fleet management professionals. The 2006 F-150 was named Fleet Truck of the Year by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines,[13] and the 2007 models of the F-150, F-250 and F-350 were chosen Best Fleet Value vehicles in their respective categories by automotive data-analysis firm Vincentric.[14] Winner of the 2006?2007 Golden Icon Award (presented by Travolta Family Entertainment) for "Best Truck".[15]
According to Consumer Reports' used car reliability history data, the 2004?2008 F-150 with the 4.2 L V6 engine is the most reliable American pickup truck ever produced in history. It scored a rating of excellent for five straight consecutive years within one body generation, something that domestics had never earned in the past.