2008 Ford F-150

NEW FOR 2008:

- SIRIUS Satellite Radio standard on STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat

- 5.4-litre V8 flexible-fuel engine replaces 5.4-litre gasoline-only engine (except on Flareside, Lariat Limited Package, Harley-Davidson and Heavy-Duty Payload Packages)

- New optional cargo management system and reverse camera system in auto-dimming rear-view mirror

- XL model adds optional Mid-Box Prep Package with choice of multi-drawer storage compartments; Heavy-Duty Payload Package now includes tire pressure monitoring system

- STX model adds Wheels and Stripes package

- XLT model adds FX2 Sport Package, Mid-Box Prep Package and 60th Anniversary Edition

- Lariat model adds Limited Edition (750 units available)

- Exterior colours: Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic and Mahogany Clearcoat Metallic added; Dark Stone Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Copper Clearcoat Metallic and Dark Amethyst Clearcoat Metallic deleted

For 2008, the Ford F-Series pickup receives a new flexible-fuel V8 on most models, along with several new option packages.

The F-Series consists of the F-150 half-ton, F-250 Super Duty three-quarter ton, and F-350 Super Duty one-ton, along with the commercial F-450 and F-550 models. The F-150 is available in Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew, and in XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat trim lines, plus King Ranch and Harley-Davidson packages. Super Duty models come in XL, XLT, FX4 and Lariat, plus King Ranch and Harley-Davidson.

Depending on the model, box lengths are 5-foot-5, 6-foot-5 or 8-foot, and come in Styleside or Flareside.

Depending on the trim line, the F-150 is available with a 4.2-litre V6 with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic; 4.6-litre V8 with four-speed automatic; and 5.4-litre V8 with four-speed automatic. The Super Duty models use the 5.4-litre V8, or 6.8-litre V10 gasoline engine with five-speed automatic or 6.4-litre Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel with five-speed automatic.

Features on the XL include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, chrome bumpers, manual mirrors, fixed rear window, AM/FM stereo, black vinyl floor covering, 40/20/40 cloth split front seat, intermittent wipers, removable tailgate with key lock, front tow hooks, tire pressure monitoring system, display centre, and on Super Cab models, a rear 60/40 split flip-up bench seat.

The STX adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colour bumpers and grille surround, CD stereo with auxiliary input jack and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, driver's manual lumbar support and front-seat centre armrest with storage bin.

The XLT adds 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels, chrome bumpers, keyless entry, power mirrors, colour-coordinated carpet and floor mats, tachometer, cruise control, power windows, outside temperature and compass display, and premium cloth seats.

The FX4 adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-colour bumpers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rubber floor mats, sport cloth seats, limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned shocks, trailer tow package, and skid plates.

The Lariat builds on the XLT with 18-inch bright aluminum wheels, automatic climate control, heated leather seats with power adjustment, chrome bumpers, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals and auto-dimming driver's side, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear window defroster, carpeted floor mats, message centre, garage door opener, leather-wrapped wheel with audio and climate controls, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Depending on the model, available options include a snow plow prep package, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power sunroof, navigation system, six-CD stereo, power rear window, cargo management system and, for 2008, a 60th Anniversary Edition.

Powerful but well-mannered, tough yet refined, the F-150 is Canada's perennial best-selling pickup truck. It can be ordered from a bare-bones work truck to the seriously luxurious King Ranch and Harley-Davidson editions; it's also transformed by Lincoln into the Mark LT pickup.

The V6 has a lot of truck to haul around; the 4.6-litre V8 is a better choice, while the 5.4-litre V8 provides smooth power with plenty of torque. In the Super Duty models, the V10 can be thirsty; the 6.8-litre diesel isn't as quiet as the engines used by Dodge and GM, but it's a powerhouse.

The F-Series faces stiff competition, including extremely well-done redesigns from Chevrolet, GMC and Toyota. This is the last year for this particular Ford truck, as the company has announced an all-new model will debut for 2009.