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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Ford F150 Regular Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford F150 Regular Cab

Overview

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2009 Ford F150 Regular Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

It is hard to imagine a more inauspicious time to introduce a new full-size pickup truck – with the possible exception of the Eve of Destruction – but the all-new-for-2009 Ford F-150 is shouldering its way into the U.S. market on a crest of increased capabilities across the board. With credit tight and leasing options for new pickups shrinking, Ford figures that the bulk of its sales will come from buyers who genuinely need the unique aspects full-size pickups offer – big payload and towing capacities among them – instead of those who simply want to be seen in a pickup. With this in mind, Ford engineers built in class-leading capabilities in both those areas while, at the same time, boosting fuel economy across the board. But don't think they skimped on creature comforts, as the F-150 offers increasing levels of luxury from among its 35 variants.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a truck with serious towing and payload capabilities, yet as quiet and comfortable as many luxury sedans, then the F-150 should surely be on your shopping list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

For the short-term the F-150 doesn't offer a diesel option, so if you are a firm believer in diesel you must shop elsewhere, at least until next year.

What's New for 2009

Though it utilizes a great deal of what has made the F-150 a perennial bestseller, the 2009 model is all new. Key changes include rugged "big-truck" exterior styling, a roomier and more refined interior and a new top-of-the-line Platinum trim level.

Driving the F150 Regular Cab

Driving Impressions Ford is so proud of the F-150's payload and towing capabilities that it might be natural to assume the new version would "ride like a truck." The surprising news is...

it doesn't. Instead, each and every version of the F-150 we've driven offered exceptional ride quality – no shudders, hops or hiccups – and a level of quiet that was startling. Each version also offered ample power, good acceleration and a level of steering feel and control that belied its size and heft. Perhaps most impressive was the towing demonstration in which we hauled 20-foot trailers with absolutely zero drama, thanks in large part to the pickup's trailer sway control, rearview camera and integrated trailer brake controller, a segment first. Our off-road excursions in the well-equipped four-by-four versions of the truck demonstrated it has the goods to get it done in muck and mire as well.

Favorite Features

Tailgate Step
Designed to deal with the awkward and potentially dangerous chore of getting into the pickup truck's bed, the integrated tailgate step scored big. It deploys easily and even offers a safety hand-hold.

Roomy SuperCrew Cab
The cab in the 2009 SuperCrew has been stretched six inches compared to the 2008 model, and the interior is transformed. In fact, the rear-seat legroom is absolutely limousine-like, and the mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and out of the way, delivering an ample 57.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.

2009 Ford F150 Regular Cab Details

Interior

The F-150's interior is both attractive and functional. Knowing men's hands would most often be using the controls, Ford designers made the knobs, buttons and switches brawny and put them within easy reach of the driver. The center console was lengthened from the previous version by two inches so it can easily accommodate two or more laptops, and it even has ridges so it can accept file folders. It is just one of more than 30 storage areas built into the interior for things like cell phones and music players. We especially appreciate the dash-mounted USB port and auxiliary music player input, plus the two easily accessible 12-volt outlets – one on the dash and one in the console. Ford also paid special attention to the seats, which are some of the most comfortable in our experience.

Exterior

Two generations ago Ford designers penned a swoopy, almost Ferrari-like F-150 that bowled over critics but didn't play as well with truck buyers. In the two generations since, Ford has made the F-150 much huskier, with an imposing front end, strong shoulders and a deep, deep pickup box. The three-bar grille is the most important element of the design and if you're paying attention you can tell an F-150 trim level simply by the grille treatment – ranging from simple in the more work-oriented versions to more luxury-car-like looks for the up-level Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum versions.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The F-150 comes in flavors ranging from plain vanilla all the way to banana split with whipped cream, nuts and sprinkles, but one thing all levels share is a robust, hydro-formed, boxed-section chassis that offers 10-percent greater torsional rigidity while actually being lighter than the previous frame. The level of standard safety equipment is truly outstanding, including AdvanceTrac with RSC traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes and Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags with roll-fold technology for enhanced head protection in rollovers and side impacts. Safety is also enhanced by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, "smart" airbags and seatbelts and new seats and restraints for superior performance in low-speed rear-end collisions.

Optional Equipment

For those who really use their pickup trucks as trucks, the F-150 offers some exclusive options that are right on the money. Our two favorites are the integral tailgate step that makes clambering into the box easy and the spring-out box side steps that make reaching into the vehicle's deep cargo box much more convenient. Also earning high marks are the stowable bed extender and beefy cargo management system. And for those who have ever left a tool on a work site, never to see it again, the Tool Link radio-frequency identification tracking system enables you to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools and/or equipment stored in the pickup box. When it's kick-back time, Ford's SYNC, SIRIUS Travel Link and a high-powered Sony brand audio system help you while away the time.

Under the Hood

Do you want a gasoline engine or a gasoline engine? Perhaps the only shortfall with the 2009 F-150 is the lack of a diesel option, but the three gasoline engines available – all V8s – offer slightly better fuel economy than before, aided significantly by the addition of six-speed automatic transmissions in many of the truck's trim levels. A 4.6-liter two-valve V8 takes the place of the previous six-cylinder, a 4.6-liter three-valve V8 uses open-valve injection and the 5.4-liter three-valve is E85-capable. Ford promises that diesel and new EcoBoost high-fuel-efficiency engines will be available in the 2010 model year.

4.6-liter V8 (2-valve)
248 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
294 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)

4.6-liter V8 (3-valve)
292 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
320 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

5.4-liter V8 (3-valve)
320 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
390 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD, Gasoline), 10/14 (2WD, E85), 14/18 (4WD, Gasoline), 10/13 (4WD, E85)

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2009 Ford F150 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 471 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

Brand new

By J.L. (AZ) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price, value, gas mileage for a truck this size"

Cons: "I'm not a fan of the Adobe colored seats....."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"After my 2005 ford ranger 4x4 moved on to truck heaven with over 220,000 miles on it. I decided to upgrade to a loaded 2013 F150 XLT reg cab 4x2 . This truck is getting almost all tens for my review however, I know it's a bit early to be judging its reliability. So far I've been averaging 18.9 mpg with combined freeway and city driving ( 3.7 v6 302hp). I'm sure I could get slightly better with less of a lead foot. The ford Synch and Bluetooth works great along with the voice activated USB and self check vehicle reports. Sticker price on this thing was 32k and some change but if you stick to your guns you can get a really live able price (22495) was my price before tax, title, license, and the BS doc fee. I did utilize every incentive I could find though and three hours of negotiating. Over all thus far I love this truck and am incredibly happy I chose it over a Jeep...... I'll live without the four wheel drive :)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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A great truck

By teebee (FL) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Terrific drivetrain, smooth ride, tows 9,000 lbs"

Cons: "Cup holders are inconvenient"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I mistakenly liquidated my 2003 F-150 Lariat a few years ago. I missed it greatly. Last year I needed another truck to haul my motorcycles, but a bare-bones vehicle with a livable sticker price. Picked up the silver STX SuperCrew 4X4. Good choice! This truck is so basic it doesn't even have carpet. Makes keeping it clean a breeze. No navigation, no backup camera, no driving lights, no automatic headlights, no leather anywhere, no heated seats. The new 5.0L powerplant would eat my Lariat's 5.4 for breakfast. And the 6-speed automatic with overdrive is smooth as 12-year-old Scotch. Ford provided EXACTLY the product I needed when I needed it. Haul/tow mode in the tranny pulls two big V-twins and the trailer without even breathing hard in the mountains. 11MPG with bikes, two XXL riders and all associated gear while doing 70-75 on I95. Looking at slide-in campers now and sadly the STX has insufficient payload for anything comfortable. Moving up to F350 with 6.7 turbo diesel. I'll miss the silver STX. A great, great pickup!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best Truck I've ever owned.

By Ruben (TX) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, Looks (interior and exterior), comfort,"

Cons: "None."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owed other truck brands but this one is the best I have ever owned. The power on this truck is awesome. Every person that I show my truck to loves it. Ofcourse, I got the loaded Lariat model with the ecoboost engine so it has a pretty good interior and lots of power all through out all rpms. The fuel mileage is a little low (16.8) but then again I have a very heavy foot."

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Superior Multi-purpose Vehicle

By spanky (TN) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "decent mpg -comfort-roomy - great power in 5.0-V8"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Perfect vehicle for one -car retired grandparents . Wife is comfortable driving it. Ride is quiet and smooth -handles great and makes long trips a breeze. Got a surprising 22.5 mpg on last 700 mi trip at 70mph and get 19.5-20.0 combined with V-8 5.0 l. Super-crew back seat is awesome - grandkids love it.Thrilled with choice!!!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Wonderfull Truck

By Joe (TX) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Lots of power, very quiet, comfortable"

Cons: "SyncTouch has steep learning curve"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have an XLT Lariat with the EcoBoost engine, and got the 502a package. I couldn't be happier with this truck. Very comfortable. I don't see a problem taking long trips in it when needed. I got the crew cab, and the back seat is very roomy. Pros: Power Quiet Comfort Cons: SyncTouch system's voice commands have a steep learning curve. Ford could do more to help educate users on the voice command tree."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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The best vehicle I have ever owned...

By Vick (OK) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Interior space, comfortable seats, sound system..."

Cons: "I have none after 3 years of ownership..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The F-150 has been a great truck. I test drove the competitors before I purchased the Ford and found that it just has a better overall feel. It sits high off the road and that is one of the biggest pros in my opinion. The drive is solid and the handling is great. I have a heavy foot and I'm still able to average about 17mpg between city and highway driving. I can get about 560 miles out of a fill up. The V8 never fails to deliver. The back seat is very spacious and I have been able to haul a table and chairs back there with the seats folded up. I know this is pretty common in newer cars, but I fully enjoy the sound system in this truck. Between Sirius and Microsoft Sync with my phone, I never have to hear a commercial! All in all, I honestly can't think of a single thing I would change on the truck. I definitely believe that you get what you pay for!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 471 reviews