For years the best selling vehicle in the US has been the Ford F-150 pickup, with more than 700,000 sold this year. Major new features include the fourth door on extended cabs as standard (meeting all side impact standards); dual air bags (with lockout switch for right side child seats); overhead cam V6 and V8 engines; 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.

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.