Some initial reviews...
#1
06-03-2003, 07:37 AM
Some initial reviews...
Borrowed from Ford:
Flash Report: Initial media feedback on the 2004 F-150 Long Lead-Drive Program
Initial media reaction to the 2004 Ford F-150 is extremely positive, following our two day media long lead ride and drive at Ford’s Arizona Proving Ground (APG) and roads leading from the proving grounds to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
On Monday, the first of 10 journalists participated in the program. On Tuesday, a second wave of nine journalists took part in the same drive program (an all-media drive short lead program for some 300 journalists begins June 16 in San Antonio, Texas).
On both days, journalists drove the new F-150 against Dodge, Chevy and Toyota pickups in a variety of different tests. These head-to-head comparisons showcased the strengths of our new F-150 and helped clear up many of the misconceptions media had concerning the strength of our competitors. The consensus ranking of vehicles looked like this at the end of the program:
1) Ford, 2) Dodge, 3) Chevy, 4) Toyota.
The opportunity to drive the F-150 against the competition bolstered our leadership claims even more, said freelance writer Sue Mead. “It gives credibility to your claims,” she said.
Nissan’s new Titan full-size pickup, which goes on sale later this year, was not available for testing. Media will drive the new Nissan in the coming months. However, Mark Williams of Truck Trend magazine drove an early version of the pickup and said the new F-150 has “nothing to worry about.” He said the current F-150 already outperformed the Titan in steering.
“The Nissan didn’t stand out in any one area. It is the old league. The strongest thing they have is their powertrain, but the overall package doesn’t compare.”
Our message that the new F-150 again set the standard for capability and refinement appears to be resonating with journalists judging from some of the early feedback we are receiving.
After driving the new F-150 against the competition, Bob Gritzinger from AutoWeek magazine summed up the day best: “The new F-150 against these others is like bringing a .357 Magnum to a BB gun contest.”
Added freelance writer Sue Mead: “This (F-150) is a homerun. It outperforms all of the others.”
THE PROGRAM
The program each day began with journalists driving current model F-150s (PN96) from Lake Havasu City Airport to APG. Once at APG, media were given an overview of the new F-150 and a look at some of the actual hardware that help make our new pickup stand above the competition. Journalists then put the new F-150 through a variety of track drives and exercises, including ride and handling, towing and an aggressive off-road course. Media departed APG in the new F-150s for a 100 mile drive to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, through a variety of roads and surfaces, including many aggressive mountain switchbacks.
Some common likes of the new F-150:
- Excellent brakes and steering
- Beautiful interior/strong exterior
- A new standard for quietness
Some common dislikes about F-150
- Floor mounted shifter feels cheap
- Wood grain on Lariat model looks cheap
Driving impressions of the F-150 will begin appearing July 1, the date the drive impression embargo is lifted. Some verbatim comments from the media include:
“Going into this drive I thought Ford was going to be at the mercy of Toyota and Nissan with their new trucks -- that you guys were going to lose share. No way after driving this new truck. This is more than just a new interior. This is a serious redesign on the chassis, powertrain ... everything.” -- Jack Keebler, Motor Trend magazine.
“I’m stunned at the steering. It is pretty amazing. This is a vehicle that even non-truck buyers might suddenly put on their consideration list. You guys have broken out of the pack with this new truck.” - Mark Williams, Truck Trend magazine.
“It has a good interior and exterior looks. As you know, you have to have a strong exterior look to try and lure buyers. This is a good truck.” - Mark Truby, The Detroit News.
“Lots of little nitpicks on the interior, but if we're having to concentrate on these type of things you've probably done something right. The graphics on the interior (climate control, radio, etc.) are poor -- hard to contrast and read while you're driving.” - Jack Keebler, Motor Trend
“The wood trim used in the Lariat looks cheap and takes away from what is a very nicely done interior.” Paul Eisenstein, Detroit Bureau.
“You guys put together a strong program. There was nothing wimpy about your program and nothing wimpy about your truck. This truck sets a new standard. It really does raise the chinning bar.” Eric Mayne, Ward’s Auto World magazine.
“Outstanding vehicle . . . The ignition key is located in a lousy location. You can’t see it. Why can’t you place it in the same location as you do with the (Lincoln) LS?” - Jim Dunne, Popular Mechanics.
“There are dramatic differences between the F-150’s interior quietness and the others. It’s amazing. The braking and the handling really separate the F-150 from the crowd. This new truck proves you don’t have to be noisy and rough.” Sue Mead, freelance writer.
“Unlike the Hummer H2, the interior is friendly to women. It’s good to see efforts were made to accommodate smaller people.” - Amy Wilson, Automotive News.
“I’m really surprised at the lack of power the (Dodge) Hemi put out during towing. The 45 horsepower advantage it has over the F-150 on paper doesn’t show up here on the track. Hemi’s lack of finesse really comes out while towing.” -- Richard Truett, Automotive News.
“The truck sets a new standard for solidity and quietness -- it is truly a polished piece of work. Ford has created a higher quality truck without losing any of its work capability.” - Jack Keebler, Motor Trend.
Flash Report: Initial media feedback on the 2004 F-150 Long Lead-Drive Program
Initial media reaction to the 2004 Ford F-150 is extremely positive, following our two day media long lead ride and drive at Ford’s Arizona Proving Ground (APG) and roads leading from the proving grounds to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
On Monday, the first of 10 journalists participated in the program. On Tuesday, a second wave of nine journalists took part in the same drive program (an all-media drive short lead program for some 300 journalists begins June 16 in San Antonio, Texas).
On both days, journalists drove the new F-150 against Dodge, Chevy and Toyota pickups in a variety of different tests. These head-to-head comparisons showcased the strengths of our new F-150 and helped clear up many of the misconceptions media had concerning the strength of our competitors. The consensus ranking of vehicles looked like this at the end of the program:
1) Ford, 2) Dodge, 3) Chevy, 4) Toyota.
The opportunity to drive the F-150 against the competition bolstered our leadership claims even more, said freelance writer Sue Mead. “It gives credibility to your claims,” she said.
Nissan’s new Titan full-size pickup, which goes on sale later this year, was not available for testing. Media will drive the new Nissan in the coming months. However, Mark Williams of Truck Trend magazine drove an early version of the pickup and said the new F-150 has “nothing to worry about.” He said the current F-150 already outperformed the Titan in steering.
“The Nissan didn’t stand out in any one area. It is the old league. The strongest thing they have is their powertrain, but the overall package doesn’t compare.”
Our message that the new F-150 again set the standard for capability and refinement appears to be resonating with journalists judging from some of the early feedback we are receiving.
After driving the new F-150 against the competition, Bob Gritzinger from AutoWeek magazine summed up the day best: “The new F-150 against these others is like bringing a .357 Magnum to a BB gun contest.”
Added freelance writer Sue Mead: “This (F-150) is a homerun. It outperforms all of the others.”
THE PROGRAM
The program each day began with journalists driving current model F-150s (PN96) from Lake Havasu City Airport to APG. Once at APG, media were given an overview of the new F-150 and a look at some of the actual hardware that help make our new pickup stand above the competition. Journalists then put the new F-150 through a variety of track drives and exercises, including ride and handling, towing and an aggressive off-road course. Media departed APG in the new F-150s for a 100 mile drive to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, through a variety of roads and surfaces, including many aggressive mountain switchbacks.
Some common likes of the new F-150:
- Excellent brakes and steering
- Beautiful interior/strong exterior
- A new standard for quietness
Some common dislikes about F-150
- Floor mounted shifter feels cheap
- Wood grain on Lariat model looks cheap
Driving impressions of the F-150 will begin appearing July 1, the date the drive impression embargo is lifted. Some verbatim comments from the media include:
“Going into this drive I thought Ford was going to be at the mercy of Toyota and Nissan with their new trucks -- that you guys were going to lose share. No way after driving this new truck. This is more than just a new interior. This is a serious redesign on the chassis, powertrain ... everything.” -- Jack Keebler, Motor Trend magazine.
“I’m stunned at the steering. It is pretty amazing. This is a vehicle that even non-truck buyers might suddenly put on their consideration list. You guys have broken out of the pack with this new truck.” - Mark Williams, Truck Trend magazine.
“It has a good interior and exterior looks. As you know, you have to have a strong exterior look to try and lure buyers. This is a good truck.” - Mark Truby, The Detroit News.
“Lots of little nitpicks on the interior, but if we're having to concentrate on these type of things you've probably done something right. The graphics on the interior (climate control, radio, etc.) are poor -- hard to contrast and read while you're driving.” - Jack Keebler, Motor Trend
“The wood trim used in the Lariat looks cheap and takes away from what is a very nicely done interior.” Paul Eisenstein, Detroit Bureau.
“You guys put together a strong program. There was nothing wimpy about your program and nothing wimpy about your truck. This truck sets a new standard. It really does raise the chinning bar.” Eric Mayne, Ward’s Auto World magazine.
“Outstanding vehicle . . . The ignition key is located in a lousy location. You can’t see it. Why can’t you place it in the same location as you do with the (Lincoln) LS?” - Jim Dunne, Popular Mechanics.
“There are dramatic differences between the F-150’s interior quietness and the others. It’s amazing. The braking and the handling really separate the F-150 from the crowd. This new truck proves you don’t have to be noisy and rough.” Sue Mead, freelance writer.
“Unlike the Hummer H2, the interior is friendly to women. It’s good to see efforts were made to accommodate smaller people.” - Amy Wilson, Automotive News.
“I’m really surprised at the lack of power the (Dodge) Hemi put out during towing. The 45 horsepower advantage it has over the F-150 on paper doesn’t show up here on the track. Hemi’s lack of finesse really comes out while towing.” -- Richard Truett, Automotive News.
“The truck sets a new standard for solidity and quietness -- it is truly a polished piece of work. Ford has created a higher quality truck without losing any of its work capability.” - Jack Keebler, Motor Trend.
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06-03-2003, 04:05 PM
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