Complementing
the new frame is a rack-and-pinion steering that is responsive and gives
the driver an excellent on-center feel. The redesigned rear suspension
with outboard shocks gave our STX an overall composed and honest ride.
We felt no harsh road shock, and freeway expansion joints were smoothed
out better than other 4x4 models that are often too stiff to absorb the
imperfections. We took notice of the reduced tailhop over speed bumps,
especially with an empty bed. Off road, the STX was too spongy in the
deep whoops but very fast over washboards and gravel.
You’ll often hear Ford praise the F-150’s “best in
class” features, but in the lower trims the Ford sometimes ranks
last. The base V8 in the F-150 lineup is a 4.6-liter, SOHC engine rated
at 231 horsepower at 4750 rpm. That’s the smallest engine and the
lowest horsepower of base V8 in any fullsize pickup. The torque rating
of 293 lb-ft at 3500 rpm is also the lowest. Unfortunately for Ford, the
F-150 is the heaviest of all fullsize trucks. Curb weight for our STX
SuperCab 4x4 model was 5490 pounds. That’s 750 pounds more than
a Toyota AccessCab and 200 pounds more than the gargantuan Nissan and
Dodge extended cab pickups. Low power and high mass equals sluggish acceleration
and limited the tow and payload ratings on our model to 6000 and 1460
pounds, respectively. Also, we recorded 13.3 mpg on our 302-mile test
drive with a good mix of highway and city driving. EPA estimates for this
engine are 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway.
Some of the
extra weight comes from adding two inches to the bed height, increasing
the cargo capacity. But those extra two inches also get in the way when
looking behind while backing up and when trying to lift cargo, such as
a full jug of gas for the ATV, over the side. On our 4x4, the bed rails
were a towering 54 inches above the road. But we do have to praise the
new Ford bed for its easy opening/closing tailgate. Lift height over an
open tailgate is a more manageable 35 inches.
The STX is designed as a sporty enhancement to the base level and will
be marketed to shoppers on a budget and first-time pickup buyers. The
STX SuperCab is also available with a shorter 5.5-foot bed, which will
make the trim attractive to youthful hot rodders. The monochromatic appearance
is more suited to aftermarket enhancements, improving the STX’s
potential as a street cruiser.
For 2005,
the STX may get a V6 and manual transmission in the equipment mix. Currently
the 6-cylinder and stick are available only on the previous generation—now
sold as the Heritage F-150. But Ford is wrapping up the conversion on
all its F-150 assembly plants, so conventional wisdom says the XL and
STX could pick up the slack for basic, low-priced features.
