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By James Gaffney Automotive writer On Planet Man size matters if it’s shiny chrome. This I discover while pulling in to the parking lot of my favorite java den, only to find myself admiring not my own image a la Narcissus in the reflection of the windowpanes, but rather my four-door cargo hauler’s massive, you-want-some-of-this? front grille. Finally, I...

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayuneBy James Gaffney
Automotive writer

On Planet Man size matters if it’s shiny chrome.

This I discover while pulling in to the parking lot of my favorite java den, only to find myself admiring not my own image a la Narcissus in the reflection of the windowpanes, but rather my four-door cargo hauler’s massive, you-want-some-of-this? front grille.

Finally, I get the chance to experience first-hand was all of the fuss is about.

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayuneAnd this four-wheel cowpoke doesn’t mince words. The first 5 minutes of your test drive will likely tell you almost everything you need to know about this legend, especially if your high-noon world places a priority on smooth, quiet ride, easy maneuverability and sturdy suspension. In fact, of all the full-size pickups I’ve driven thus far none have provided that same feeling of oneness with the road I found behind the wheel of the Ford F-150 I drove this week.

I’ll deal with my grille envy later.

Darn agreeable
While as a rule I don’t play favorites, the award-winning 2010 Ford F-150 XLT would be among my top choices for a pickup if class-leading payload (3,030 pounds) and towing (11,300 pounds) capacities were critical to get the job done. But I also wouldn’t bat an eye at driving it across country with my family in tow. In fact, this would probably be a lot of fun because I can’t recall a pickup ever feeling so, well, darn agreeable to drive on long hauls.

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayuneAnd roomy. There is so much legroom in the rear passenger section that even beefy, American-sized men will not only find long drives immeasurably doable but also the mere act of getting in and out of the cab. Ditto for headroom, which seems designed to accommodate driver and passengers sporting not those Van Gogh-style, floppy festival hats but rather the biggest 10-gallon Stetsons under the sun.

Abundance of quality materials, including heavily textured cloth seats, provide the cabin with an overall pleasant and flattering demeanor. A flat console features a simple-as-pie button menu that makes this bona fide machomobile a cinch to navigate. Consider: the driver’s instrument panel includes only two large gauges each for the speedometer and rpms, while a cluster of four much smaller indicators relay levels for the oil pressure, fuel and other essentials. A narrow horizontal LCD screen above the center console rack meantime displays outside temperature and compass direction. Large, swiveling, gill-like vents help the climate control system keep cabin temperature ideal.

Smartly designed storage areas abound — you won’t want for space to stow your stuff.

The 40/20/40-split fold-up center arm console creates a third seat for a front-row passenger, but the seat seems rather smallish – ideal perhaps for a young child or a matador.

To my untrained eye the huge brake pedal pad seemed almost as big as my shower floor mat and just as grip-worthy to the foot.

Photo by James Gaffney/The Times-PicayuneIn an era where too often style trumps substance, it’s wholly refreshing to see the F-150 (starting MSRP $21,380) lay it out plain and simple without compromising integrity of design or materials. Even the name is as straightforward and unfettered as the truck itself: F-150. Period. No additional testosterone-inspired monikers or sobriquets designed to imbue the driver with the feeling he’s in a Western or steering a densely horned mountain animal.

But don’t be fooled into thinking the F-150 is a drab, tech-less workhorse that has yet to catch up to the 21s

Tags: Ford, is-featured

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A legendary 'load warrior' sports new flex appeal was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Ford. Read the full story by clicking here.