2005 Ford F-150

The hot new Tundra and Silverado might be getting all the attention right now, but Ford’s anonymous-sounding F-150 is still a formidable force in the big pickup wars. Its appeal (and immense popularity) can be easily explained: it looks good, it succeeds at most tasks, and it comes in an extremely diverse lineup to serve even the most finicky shopper.

To wit: there are three cab sizes (regular, SuperCab, or SuperCrew) and three bed sizes (5.5, 6.5, or 8 feet long), which combine in most potential ways. All are available in 2- or 4-wheel-drive, and the available engines consist of a 4.2-liter V6 and two overhead cam V8s: a 4.6-liter with 248 horsepower and a 5.4-liter with 300.

Within that vast array, a good number of owners consider the bigger V8 a must-have, given that the F-150 has a lowly four-speed automatic transmission and a rather hefty body to push around (even by class standards). But aside from that and its not-quite-stellar braking performance, the F-150 has its moves down. Its rides nicely (if less plushly than the Silverado) and handles with relative ease. Its interior shows more attention to detail than do Ford’s own passenger cars, and the nice seats and easy-load tailgate seal the deal.

If you’re in the market for a big truck, do consider the F-150, especially if your needs are specific.

What’s new for the 2005 Ford F-150: A 202-horsepower 4.2-liter pushrod V6 serves as the new base engine, and is available with a 5-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic. A new high-end King Ranch edition adds exclusive styling touches and heated leather seats.