2000 Ford F-150

By Bob Storck

For years the best selling vehicle in the US has been the Ford F-150 pickup, with more than 700,000 sold each year, almost twice as many units as the best selling auto. Now they add the first true four door for a full size light duty pickup, which they call the SuperCrew. Ford becomes the only manufacturer to offer three cab configurations. They have dropped the F-250 designation in the light duty series, but still offer a uprated version of the F-150.

Major features include the fourth door on SuperCabs as standard (meeting all side impact standards); dual air bags (with lockout switch for child seats); plus A-arm rather than twin I-beam front suspension. The sheet metal is more than cosmetic, and the interior is purposeful, yet comfortable, with a long option list. This includes Captain's chairs, power seats, leather, and a six-disc CD changer. So far Ford is alone in offering adjustable foot pedals, a boon to vehicles with family uses.

Stylists were helped by the lower engine position, made possible by the revised front suspension. The rear bed has composite impact edge guards to protect the side and tailgate lips, and the tailgate includes a locking latch.

The new engines are based on modular designs. This series has been developed with torque and durability in mind. Besides the standard vee six, there are three overhead cam gasoline V8s.

For a complete review, read: 2000 Ford F150 Lightning -- Lightning Strikes Are Likely To Tear Up Lots Of Pavement by Bob Storck.