Ford F-150 HD Overview

Holding the title of the best-selling pickup truck in America, the 2008 Ford F-150 is the benchmark by which all other full-size pickup trucks are measured. Regular-cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles are offered in eight trim levels, including the workhorse XL, youth-oriented STX, mainstream XLT, sporty FX2, off-road FX4, luxurious Lariat, top-of-the-line King Ranch, and special-edition Harley-Davidson™ models.

The 4.6 liter V8 steps up the horsepower and torque, while the top-of-the-line 5.4 liter Triton® V8 pumps out 300 horsepower. With a best-in-class payload rating up to 3,060 lbs. and best-in-class towing capacity up to 11,000 lbs., the F-150 is a serious workhorse that can handle the toughest jobs. Electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive is available, allowing you to seamlessly shift into 4x4 mode when needed. An optional limited-slip rear axle provides more power and traction to the rear wheels.

For extra cargo needs, the optional bed extender provides additional room in the pickup bed. Optional power-adjustable pedals help to accommodate drivers of all sizes. An array of seating options and fabrics are available, from a vinyl front bench to leather-clad captain’s chairs.

Ford F-150 & Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 to the dealership as the Ford F-150. The Ford isn't much more expensive than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 as far as MSRP.

Ford F-150 Pricing

MSRP $17,900 to $33,900 Invoice Price $16,818 to $30,623

Ford F-150 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 13 - 14 Highway: 17 - 20

Dodge Ram 1500 Pricing

MSRP $21,485 to $40,685 Invoice Price $19,157 to $35,854

Dodge Ram 1500 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 12 - 16 Highway: 16 - 19

Utility

The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Ford F-150 can accommodate the same number of passengers. The Ford is a better choice than the Dodge regarding transporting cargo, especially if you often need to carry a lot of stuff or large pets.

Convenience

You'll definitely have to take the Ford F-150 for a fill-up more often than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 because of its tank size and gas mileage.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the Ford offers a bit more head room than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, there honestly isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 make it substantially more spacious for your passengers than the F-150.

Dimensions

The Dodge is likely to feel somewhat slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Ford. The Ford F-150 and the Dodge compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance

With respect to horsepower, the Ford F-150 packs quite a wallop and will knock the Dodge down a few rungs. However, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling

The Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 have approximately similar tires. With its tighter turning radius, the Ford is definitely more agile than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, note that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain

The Ford's engine is considerably larger than the Ram Pickup 1500's. Note that bigger engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. The Ram Pickup 1500 could learn a lesson or two from the Ford F-150 with respect to pickup.

Ford F-150 HD Available Engines

300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 202-hp, 4.2-liter V-6 248-hp, 4.6-liter V-8

Ford F-150 Available Transmissions

4-speed automatic w/OD 5-speed manual w/OD

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Engines

345-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible) 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Transmissions

5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD 6-speed manual w/OD 4-speed automatic w/OD 1500 doubtless handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Warranty

The Ford F-150 and the Dodge have the same basic warranty.