2005 Ford F-150 | Review | Buying Guide
The 2005 Ford F-150 may have had a complete redesign last year, and won more than 30 awards since then, but that doesn’t mean they are sitting on their laurels. The Ford designers have made some significant changes to the F-150 offering for 2005, changes that will appeal to those looking for plain workmanlike choices, changes for those looking for new safety innovation and changes for those looking for upscale luxury.
The new model F-150 introduced last year have roomier cabs and fresh new styling. All cabs now have four doors and are six inches longer and four inches taller. Regular cabs and extended cabs have rear-hinged back doors; crew cabs have four full doors. Beds of 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft and 8-ft are available.
The FX4, Lariat and King Ranch Editions are the higher-end F-150’s on offer out there. The 2005 Ford F-150 FX4 is an offroad beast, with skid plates, offroad suspension and lots more. The Lariat is a luxurious truck with Ford’s usual impressive performance profile accompanied by a solid collection of standard interior amenities. Finally, the King Ranch offers all the luxury with some additional styles. The upholstery is Castano leather and it features unique badges and styling throughout.
Under the Hood
At this level, the F-150’s offer a choice of two V8 engines; a 4.6-liter or the top-end 5.4-liter. 5.4-liter V8 has specs of 300 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. The 4.6-liter lessens that slightly, with 231 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and an impressive 293 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, more than ample for most power requirements. Reportedly, 90% of the torque is available at 2,000 rpm for strong towing performance and solid acceleration while hauling heavy loads.
In addition to the special off-road suspension, FX4 models are equipped with a limited-slip differential and a 2-speed transfer case. They have special tires designed to grip all sorts of road conditions and benefit from the new F-150 frame, which is said to be nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor.
Along with their new ultra-stiff boxed frames, the ride of 2005 F-150 models continue with improved stability due to the outboard rear shock absorbers and wider rear leaf springs introduced last year.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Inside, the FX4 has what Ford calls "warm steel" accents on the instrument panel, center console, doors and steering wheel. Optional captain's chairs can be had in either sporty cloth or sporty leather.
Unique Lariat features include an in-dash message center, electronic automatic temperature control and power-adjustable memory seats and pedals. Options include Beige lower two-tone paint treatment, chrome bumpers and a unique grille, along with 18-inch bright aluminum wheels.
The new King Ranch model has a SuperCrew body style, unique King Ranch badges on the tailgate and fenders, unique wheel centers a color-coordinated grille, Arizona Beige running boards and power-fold heated side mirrors with approach lamps. Inside, Castano leather power-adjustable heated captain's chairs combine with the flow-through front console, second-row 60/40 leather-surfaced bench seat, unique logo floor mats, unique woodgrain trim and unique colors.
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Ford F-150 Buying Resources...
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