Don't!

Lately there have been some very busy threads about vibration problems and acceleration complaints. As I write this, my truck is at the dealer for both of these issues. I just got home after a long test drive with the service manager (he drove) and yes, my truck does vibrate slightly and no, I'm not thrilled by the initial acceleration. On the open road, it's more than adequate in the power department. Minus the minor vibration, it goes down the road beautifully. It's not a tragedy by any stretch and it's still a fantastic vehicle.

I have owned many F-150's, including three of the "Heritage" style trucks, and this truck is hands down the finest and by a wide margin. Those were nice trucks but they did not compare to my '04. After 4 months and 6000 miles, I'm still amazed by the handling and the interior, aside from a few cheap parts. It's a major leap forward in terms of trucks and I'm sure that only a small percentage of owners are having these problems.

I've done my fair share of complaining, but I also have many good things to say as well. After reading about the same problem posted by fifteen different people, it's easy to get a bad feeling. But remember, for those fifteen there are probably hundreds who don't have that problem. Those with problems just speak louder.

I would recommmend this truck to anyone in the market for a full size truck. Overall, it's best truck out there. Don't let a few growing pains scare you off. The '04 is a great truck!

 

I would tend to agree with you. I am having vibration and steering nibble issues as well, but I agree this is still the best all around truck currently available. I recently attended the local auto show with thoughts of giving up my Lariat and taking the depreciation hit on a different truck. The best way to compare overall quality is to be able to walk directly from one truck to the next, and the F150 is hands-down the winner. The Titan is a close second, but it comes up short (my opinion only obviously) in styling. If I had to do it over, Id still buy my Ford, but I wish I would have waited for an '05 for the bugs to be worked out. It's all trade-offs, and I am enjoying having the latest and greatest, but it's a pain to keep fighting with my service dept to get these issues resolved.

 

I haven't had to fight with my dealer on getting problems resolved. I think that's one of the reason's I've been patient with them so far. No shouting or screaming - just persistence. If I could get the vibration/nibble problems resolved I'd be a happy camper. I spent 3 hours in the truck today and the time I spent on some of Houston's quality streets I didn't even notice the vibrations. However, once I was away from the city I was reminded of the problem I'm having. At this point I would still take the Ford over all the others but the first time the dealer or Ford tells me I have to live with it I may change my opinion.

 

I agree this is the best truck ever built. I know it seems like there is a lot of whining going on, but alot of is just a bunch of guys talkin trucks. What better for a bunch of Ford truck guys to do. Hell we love our Trucks.

For some of the ones who are real serious about hatin these trucks I have to wonder what they drove before this.

This '04 F150 is the 1st F150 really built like a truck should be in about 10 years but at least Ford did take care of us with the Superduty. I'm bettin it'll be alot like this F150 in the future.

 

I still think that for every One person with a problem, there are 10 of us with NONE. Luckily, I'm one of the 10. You just hear from the guys With problems.

Actually, I did have it at the dealer once.... To get the oil changed!

 

i want a new f-150 so bad id take one happily with the vibration just to have one

 

I'm another one that hasn't had these reported problems posted so far. This truck (loaded FX4 in Dark Shadow Grey, built 12/03) is a Lincoln Continental with sports car suspension! This truck replaced my '98 F-150 XLT 4 X 2. 4.6L. (No troubles with that one in over 5 years. Better knock on some wood here). The '04 with the 5.4 is fast, accelerates, stops on a dime, with it's 4 wheel discs (dispite the weight and it's a truck) and turns nicely. My only complaint is that they could have done a better job of painting the underside components, like the drive shaft's, and the steering knuckles. I tested the Tundra for the heck of it among others, but it's not American! It still had that small guy Jap feeling to it. I try to buy American as much as reasonably possible!

I spend more time in this truck enjoying it more than my Corvette! I can go almost anywhere with it. Hopefully for those experiencing troubles, that they get worked out quickly. It's possible they (Ford) got a hold of some inferior parts (You know lowest bidder stuff), and/or it may be differences in assembly from plant to plant.

I still can't believe it's a truck!

 

Just remember, you always hear the complaints 10x more than accolades on the internet.

I've got the rear shudder, but its not like its ruined my life.

I'll take the truck in, they'll put the additive in and if that doesn't resolve it they'll replace the clutch packs. Not a BFD.

After 3200 miles, I can honestly say this truck is definitely on my short list of favorite vehicles.

After 3 months, I would most definitely go out tomorrow and buy the exact same truck.

 

Do you think they'll have the bugs worked out by 2005?

 

Bought mine the end of October and have almost 9000 miles on it. It is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. The only problem I have had is a leaking power steering line which was replaced under warranty. Drove it 1700 miles the last weekend to Daytona Beach, FL and it was just great. Would recommend the F150 to anybody.