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Where I live, it's difficult to test new trucks on snowy roads, because our wintry precipitation usually only sticks around a couple of hours. So I couldn't pass up an opportunity to test drive the 2009 F-150 during a dead-of-winter trip to Detroit. It was snowing hard (with no signs of letting up) when the truck was delivered, turning my black F-150 SuperCab XLT 4X4 into a "snow" white and "slush" gray machine.


Winter weather continued on and off for several days, eliminating any chance of high speed driving and making my time in the truck all about a test of traction control and ABS.

First Glance at the 2009 Ford F-150 Truck

At first glance, the most obvious part of the new design might be the 2009 F-150's large chrome grille and headlight trim, which give the truck a more massive appearance than pickups from the previous generation. In fact, the new F-150 looks a whole lot like a Super Duty truck.

Front fenders are broad shouldered, and wheel openings are bulged at all corners. Although the F-150's front end appears to be squared-off, the truck actually has a lower drag coefficient than its predecessors (a new tailgate with a spoiler-like top is part of the package that improve aerodynamics).

This wasn't the first 2009 F-150 I'd driven, so I'll mention some handy options you'll find on other trim levels. Like the Platinum Edition's power retractable running boards -- pretty much a necessity for getting in and out of today's taller trucks.

And if you don't like the looks of running boards, no problem, because you only see them when the door is open.

The F-150's side step is another feature to consider. It mounts below the bed, just ahead of the rear wheel, and extends or retracts with a push of your foot. The step makes it a lot easier to reach items stored in the front portion of the truck bed.

Another helpful option is the tailgate step, which folds out from the tailgate and makes it easy to get up into the bed (a flip-up grab bar is included to keep you steady). When not in use, the step folds neatly into the tailgate liner, where it doesn't interfere with cargo.

In the F-150 Pickup Truck's Driver's Seat

My test truck had leather-covered power bucket seats that were equipped with the heating and cooling option. Leather can be pretty cold on a winter morning, so I turned on the seat heater while I cleaned the snow off of the windows, and by the time I finished, the seats were toasty. I sure didn't test the cooling feature on this trip, but it was a big help during a warm-weather drive.

Ford moved the new truck's B-pillar back by 6-inches to improve side visibility. A large rear window and oversize outside mirrors remove all traces of a blind spot. Six-way power seats, tilt steering and height-adjustable pedals allow a person of any size to drive the truck with no obstructions.

The F-150's console is large enough to hold a laptop and file folders, and a large glove box and door panel storage pockets add even more storage. Cup holders will accept full-size drinks. Ford engineers designed the rear cab floor without a center hump, making it possible for inside cargo to sit flat against the floor.

Gauges are large and situated for unobstructed display through the steering wheel, and the truck's center stack puts HVAC controls within easy reach. My truck was equipped with navigation -- the system shares a screen with Sirius Satellite radio and the truck's SYNC voice control.

On the Road in the F-150 Pickup Truck

The 4X4 test truck was equipped with a 5.4 liter V-8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The 5.4 is a strong running engine with plenty of power for most any needs.

The 6-speed automatic is new for 2009, and a much needed addition that helped improve fuel mileage and made it easier to tow and pull hills with a load. The transmission can be operated manually (like I did in deep snow), or put into "drive" when you don't want or need to fool around with shifting (when the selector is in "drive," you'll find that shifts are smooth and predictable).

Four-wheel drive and Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control each got a good workout while driving the truck in Detroit's heavy snow, and both performed flawlessly. I was always confident that the truck would go where I wanted it to go and stop without sliding out of control. I tested quick take-offs in an empty parking lot, and also turned the wheels while braking hard -- anti-lock brakes, traction control, roll stability and other systems did their jobs. You might not need all of those systems at once on a typical drive, but if you do, they could prevent an accident.

The F-150 is quieter than ever before inside, and new steering bushings and dampers eliminate all engine vibrations in the steering wheel when the truck is sitting at idle.

End of the F-150 Journey

I've driven the 2009 Ford F-150 several times under different conditions, and remain impressed with its capabilities. Ford engineers put plenty of thought into all aspects of the truck, from its performance to its fit to its ride.

The current offering of pickups from all manufactures is the best it has been in years, but if I were going to buy a new truck today, it would probably be an F-150.

MSRP: $21,565 - $36,100

More F-150 Drives

My first 2009 F-150 drive took place at Ford's Michigan Proving Ground, a test facility with over 100 miles of roads. Ford brought in its new F-150s, Toyota Tundras, Chevy Silverados and Dodge Rams, setting up test tracks where drivers could compare the trucks one-on-one in different conditions.

You'll find comparisons and more driving impressions in the 2009 F-150 First Drive article written after that event.

Disclosure: A review truck was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.