Traded in the 2000 F150 and picked up the new 2008 XLT today. Quite happy with the appearance, fit and finish, power, handling. What disturbs me though is the "cheapness" of a lot of the little things. The first thing I noticed was the jack and wheel wrench under the small seat. Did they forget that this was something needed in the truck until the last moment?
Then it was the lovely pull-out scissor style cup holders. Come on now, that's the best Ford can come up with? Next was the 18" chrome clad wheels. Clad is exactly right, just pressure fitted chrome disc on the aluminum wheel. Then popping the hood, Ram style, with the whole grill going up with it. What a cavernous hole with lots of whobbly wiggly plastic stuff. All in the name of saving weight and improving gas mileage I suppose.
The rubber "dam" either side of the radiator is sure poor material with cracks and splits at every bend and corner. Oh well. Just use them and buy another one every few years now I guess.
Still better than a lot of the other crap out there!!

 

I have been happy with my F150.

Coming from an Acura, this truck's fit and finish is garbage... but it is a truck afterall.

I kind of like the flip up grill (ala Ram style) because it makes it really easy to clean bugs and such out of the A/C condenser and transmission cooler. The rubber stuff on the side serves its purpose of forcing air through the radiators rather than around them, and the jack will work in a pinch. My truck came with aluminum 17's from the factory, and now sports aftermarket 17's, so I can't say anything about the chrome-clad wheels. I also lack the cupholders due to a floor shift transfer case. An interseting thing, I have a cigarette lighter, but no ashtray... hmm, that's odd.

 

Still built ford tough

 

Yeah i agree on the finish.. I too came from an Acura.. 06 RSX Type-S.. Lovely interior and set up... F150, not so nice.. But as stated above, It is a truck!

 

As long as it lasts as long as the last one and works as well, I'll be happy. Just too bad some of the creature comforts weren't engineered a bit better.
Mind you, price wise, 8 years later I ended up paying only about $500 more for the XLT with some extras as compared to the 2000 XL Sport S/C when I bought it new.
Did I forget to mention the nice looking overhead storage bins and track? Nice looking is about it. The flip down storage compartment has room for a pair of sunglasses......and that's it.

 

sounds like you wish you hadn't bought the truck
I went window shopping today for a 06+ Expy and got caught looking at the 08 F-150s by the wife. those things are NICE

 

Yes, they are nice. And, yes, I'm happy with the new truck. Couldn't pass up the good deal. Anyway, it's a good base upon which I can build an even better truck!

 

I like the sig.

 

let us all know how you guys fair the next time your in an accident with one of those acura's.

these are still the best looking, safest, classiest trucks on the road, bar none.

 

Considering I have 5 other cup holders within quick reach, I rarely need to use those pullout holders, but when I do need to use them, they work great in a pinch
I don't have many complaints about my truck to be honest. The cloth seats sure do show marks/dirt/stains easily though.

 

Off to put some BFG A/T KO's on it this afternoon. So far so good.

 

I think I know what you're getting at here. It can be frustrating to find the "cost cutting measures" in the newer trucks. For example a chrome plated steel part on an older truck is replaced by a chrome plated plastic part now. It works just fine, but doesn't "feel" the same if you've recognised the older metal part. The new parts are "fine", but I can't help but think the older ones are better, and could last longer!

Like you, I'm not so sure about the "Chrome Clad" wheels on my new truck. The chrome plated wheels on my old one in some way seem better.

 

My 2000 had chrome plated steel wheels. I guess I just expected the same with the new one and was misuguided by the working "chrome clad". As for metal being replaced with plastic, the inside door handles are a prime example on the new Screw.

 

Those tires were one of the 1st Mods I did! I got 285x70x17's! You will love them!...........

 

I recently put 285x65x18's on mine, looks great but those tires are ALOT heavier than the Longtrails I had. Got to press abit harder on the ole gas pedal.