My, my, my- it’s almost that time. Yes, sooner than any of us can imagine, the dealerships will be inundated with the 2004 F-150. I can’t wait. However, there is a threat, a threat that I don’t think Ford even considered- and, just like on December 7, 1941- this threat comes from Japan. This threat is none other than, the Nissan Titan.

Laugh if you feel ticklish, but I’m going to tell you- I looked at this truck closely in March at the Dallas Auto Show, and from what I’ve seen in Motor Trend, as well as on the web site, Ford had better make that darn F-150 real, real good.

You know the Japanese car companies are meticulous when it comes to detail; as well as with fit & finish- so you know (Unless Ford has done a top-to-bottom shake down w/Quality) the Nissan will win that battle. They’re talking about at LEAST 330 HP from a 5.6L V-8. And the interior, while similar to the new Ford, look way ahead of it in execution.

I love Ford’s, I’ve owned three, but fellow Ford owners, 2004 may be the year that Ford loses the truck title to Chevrolet. Not that Chevy is a better truck. Absolutely not- but I think Nissan may just steal enough buyers away from the 150, to let Chevy win the title on a technicality.

On the outside, the new Ford is a prettier truck. On the inside, Nissan has Ford beat. And, with every 3rd Ford truck I see, being driven by women- ford had better pay CLOSE attention to what’s pretty.

The Tundra was a scare. It lost because it was simply too small. The Titan won’t make that mistake. It’s within an inch of the 150 in every measurement, from what I’ve read- and it will be far more functional, and powerful than the Ford F-150.

No doubt, Ford will sell more than Nissan will- (Owner Loyalty & tariffs will guarantee that) But, I’ll tell you- that little trophy that Motor trend hands out carries a lot of weight, and unless Ford has something up there sleeve that they haven’t made public knowledge by now, that Nissan, in my opinion, will walk away with the title of: Motor Trend’s 2004 Truck of the Year.

Ford, please step up the power. You’re doing good everywhere else. Ergonomics have improved, I’m sure if it rides better than my 2000 Expy, or my 2001 SuperCrew you have really outdone yourselves- but, when you’ve been on top for so many years, you become a target, a benchmark if you will… Everybody’s gunning for you, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Toyota, and now Nissan. You may have to take a chance, if you want to stay in the lead… As Tim “The Toolman” Taylor said, there’s no such thing as too much power!

I hate to quote Chevy, but let’s see the power, of more power! I want the F-150 to win, so good luck Ford- but, it's not looking good....

 

I think Bighersh hit the nail on the head. I have been thinking the same thing. Ford better step it up with the f150. I think the sealed-for-life tranny and the lack of power blew it for me.

 

Ford knows its future is in the new F150, so lets see how they respond.
I wouldn't let that sealed trans scare you. Within six months some aftermarket manufactor will make a kit (new trans pan with a dipstick) Iam willing to bet. Can you say B&M for example

 

I can agree with the first statement here. But the second one, I don't know about. I also saw the Titan at our auto show and happened to think that the inside was very bad looking. At least that is the way that I saw it. Plus the dashes are almost identical anyways. The Titan does have the 180 degrees rear doors that would come in handy sometimes.





They better work on the way that their seats sit in the truck. They took out the space under the seat and put the locker in the bed of the truck.

 

The new F150s are ugly. They look like exploders just bigger and with a bed. I sure as hell will not buy another ford product unless its an older mustang or a used excursion.

 

Wow, and it has a 5-speed auto with a manual shift mode.