2011 Ford F-150, please come to the stage

Life can be a popularity contest.  McDonald’s, like it or not, is popular because it’s cheap, easy, and most would agree that it’s pretty tasty.

Ford Motor Company is pretty good at satisfying, but their products don’t come with greasy fries.  It’s quality that allows Ford to boast McDonald’s-like sales numbers.  

2011 Explorer, for example,  has drawn raves for its redesign and smaller segments Focus and Fiesta have made aesthetically displeasing economy cool again.

Edmunds.com puts it best:  “Ford listens to suggestions and criticisms from consumers and critics alike, and the 2011 Ford F-150 epitomizes this philosophy”.

2011 Ford F-150?   It’s as well-rounded as the buffet line at the Rio in Vegas.

Let’s get into stats.

2011 F-150: Trims &  drivetrains

Ford is going to bombard you with 11 different F-150 trims, including specialty models which share 4 engine variants, depending on availability.

Drivers then step inside a quiet and for the most part simple cab with variations on seating arrangements depending on cab size (Regular, SuperCab, or SuperCrew).  SuperCrew fits 6 passengers, as does SuperCab, but it’ll be tighter.  Regular cabs haul just 3.

Ford truck power

2011 F-150 base power gets drivers 3.7 liters with 302 HP and 278 lb.-ft. of torque.  Size follows trims to a 5.0L V8 with 360 HP and 380 lb.-ft. of torque available most mid-level trims save for SVT Raptor, Lariat Limited, and Harley Davidson.  The aforementioned trio of F-150 trims come with one option, the beast; 6.2L V8 capable of 411 HP and 434 lb.-ft. of torque.  Platinum andLariat trims also carry the 6.2.

F-150 Gas goes (and woes)

Go with 3.7L and expect 17/23 MPG 2×4 and 16/21 4×4 and 15/21 4×2 with 14/19 4×4 MPG for the 5.0 liter.  In no surprise the 6.2 liter sucks gas at 13/18 4×2 and 12/16  4×4.

Ford EcoBoost

If the above numbers put you down, don’t fret.  Ford introduced its twin-turbo 3.5L V6 EcoBoost which so far has surpassed even Ford estimates.  EcoBoost’s 365 HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque outclass the V8s in fuel economy at 16/22 for 4×2 and 15/21 4×4.  Plus,  EcoBoost engines boast best in class Tow capacity that excels at 11,300 lbs. properly equipped.

Note that Ford’s EcoBoost isn’t available for F-150 STX trims.

2011 F-150 convenience

F-150 hauling capacity depends on which of Ford’s Styleside bed sizes selected; beds come in 5 ½, 6 ½, or 8 feet segments.

Inside F-150, look for a smooth, quiet ride due to Ford innovations like Quiet Steel and a solid frame holding it all together.  That also makes it safe.  For the untidy SuperCrew cabs boast 30 different storage ‘places’ for things.  And what vehicle in 2011 wouldn’t be complete without options like navigation, rear-view camera, and keyless entry.  Ford standards MyKey and Sync can be added as well.

And in the rare event you don’t like something about 2011 F-150, give Ford a call; they may just listen.