Way before I got interested into writing about cars, the F-series has been America's best-selling truck. It's been like that for more than 25 years. In fact, many industry insiders will admit that the F-series has saved Ford company when it hits hard times. It goes without saying that on our local freeways and highways, you will find an F-150 truck out of every 3 truck. I had never given much attention to the truck until I started spending more time on a friend's farm. It appears that all his father's trucks have been a F-150 over the years. What I have found to be the enduring values of this great vehicle are its practicality and strength. This year, the Ford 150 sounds quieter and more refined thanks to a 75-part noise, vibration and harshness upgrade. From what I can remember, the 2003 F-150 SuperCrew drives so much better than its predecessors. It appears that Ford can only continue to improve its well-known crown jewels. This is a truck that has withstood times and economic hardships. It continues to deliver power and durability in the line of full-size pickups. Based on the 2003 F-series, I just can't wait to test-drive the 2004 F-series which has caused so much hoopla so far.

There are three trim series that are available on the SuperCab models XL, XLT and Lariat. It offers so much comfort and cargo-carrying capacity that most buyers end up comparing it with its main competitors on the market. It makes sense that they end up purchasing this truck for the type of package and value.

Taking a look at its interior

Some of the features that you will find on this truck include the following: standard power adjustable pedals, power moonroof and a functional bed extender in case you want to increase the box length for carrying longer items. This truck has come handy on the farm. Many construction workers purchase them too. It's great to carry cargo. Other features include: air-conditioning, overhead console, power windows with delayed accessory power and one-touch down driver's window, power locks, tilt steering wheel, speed control and power moonroof. Electronic automatic temperature control is standard on the truck.

To help secure your cargo, tie-down hooks are located in each corner of all F-150 cargo boxes. In addition, you will find out that the cargo light on the back of the cab makes loading and unloading the truck box very easy at night. Ford designs this truck with the owner/user in mind. To provide you with comfort, the designers place a rear step bumper that gives easy access to the cargo area. The tailgate can be removed for special loading duties.

How about the truck's powertrain?

F-150 SuperCab 4.2-liter OHV V-6 engine produces 202 horsepower and 252 foot-pounds of torque. The split-port induction system tends to optimize fuel efficiency and engine response. No wonder that I had a ball when test-driving and working with this truck on the farm. Very few trucks are that responsive when you need them to. It comes with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. That's an option that the owner wanted. With so many packages that are available out there on these trucks, you can have anything that you want as long as you can afford it. This is true in the case of the towing and payload ratings of the F-150 tester.

With all those statistics, how did I feel driving the truck?

Ride, handling, safety and security issues

FYI: All F-150 trucks come equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system. That's standard. The short and long-arm independent fron suspension enhances my ride and handling. All in all, it was quite a smooth ride. I was amazed by its handling. For the driver and passenger, the truck is equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. There is also the side-door intrusion beams that help protect passengers or occupants in the case of a side-door impact or accident. Countless lives may have been saved thanks to this upgrade! LATCH child safety seat tethers are standard equipment on the F-150 trucks. Also, belt-minder system encourages safety belt use. This way, you won't have to drive long and short distances without putting on your belts. Remote keyless entry offers added convenience and security at night by activating the interior lights. How handy this features has come especially when you have to park away from the lighted parking lot? In the fields of California, we sometimes have to leave our trucks for very long periods of time.


Final thoughts

The Ford-150 series can only get better. The company wants to innovate with the 2004 pickup too. If you have not gotten a Ford, you can wait for the 2004 truck.

I don't necessarily trust other Ford vehicles, but after working with the F-series, I would invite anybody to give it a try.

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Amount Paid (US$): 33356
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: LE Automatic