From what I've read and seen, the "old style" F-150 pre-2004
was da bomb. Ford had one hell of a dependable powerful truck with a massive loyal following.

Anyone on here think the '04 is a major step ahead of the '03?

I only ask cause I'm considering purchasing an '03 and if a couple grand more gets a better truck....well, I might as well take the leap.

 

post this thread over in the 04 05 F150 fourm. You will get a lot of people talking about it then! The new F150's are better then ever!!!

 

Triton, I'm glad to see you of all people have a positive response, after all the stuff you have been through.
the 04 IMO looks better that the 03 and yes the 04-05 is worth the extra $

 

I think it is.

 

What rock have you been living under?! Is an '04 better...

 

'

well forgive me

you're talking to a guy who will be buying only his first F-150 in July.....I suppose the 04 is bound to be an improvement.

I checked KBB, a 2004 regular cab with a 5.4 and auto, 2wd is about 19 Gs, not bad....though I'm hesitant to buy a 2wd truck where I live in the Northeast.

Hmmh....decisions, decisions...

 

After owning a 1999 and a 2002, my 2005 is MUCH quiter, but I kinda miss the old seats. I definitely like the body style MUCH better on the 2005.

Other than that, I personally don't have opinions one way or the other.

 

I have two old body style F-150s, and I bought my 2004 late last year. The new style is unbelievably quiet and the ride is better than most luxury cars (in my opinion anyhow). Reasonable mileage, killer interior.

I'm a little worried about the cast aluminum lower controls arms in the front. They might be nice for soaking up road harmonics but I really doubt they'll last off road for very long. Aluminum doesn't bend, it breaks.

-Fatz

 

I imagine it's an aluminum alloy, and not pure aluminum. My friend has an 04 Reg Cab STX, and I rented an 04 S-Crew while my 98 was being fixed. It's a nicer truck no doubt, but having my 98 for 123k mainly trouble free miles makes it a nice truck alsol. I like the ride, and it's actually pretty quiet for having true duals. I have a system to drown out road noise anyway, so I never really notice it much. ,,,,98

 

I think the 1997-2003 bodystyle is awesome... Even Motor Trend called it "timeless" Ford hit the nail on the head with that one.

Another mag said the 2004 was a step "backwards" in exterior design from the 2003 shape, and it would seem that the 1997-2003's would be replacement for the 2004 body style...

That said, there's no denying that the 2004 is awesome. The refinement has improved every year since 1999- the interior on the 04 - 05's are nice too..

You can't go wrong with either bodystyle. If you like flaresides, go with a 1997-2003; they look better than the new flaresides. But, smart money is always spent on a newer vehicle (warranty).

I'd be doing you a disservice not to also recommend a new Ram. You can get a Crewcab Ram for $19,900 when they're on sale. It's hard to beat brand-new...

 

Don't smash into things, you won't have to worry about the aluminum suspension bits.

I take any magazine and most opinions (mine included) with a grain of salt; go out and drive a few, form your own opinions. The '04+ interior and exterior styling sold me. I'll admit, I wasn't too terribly impressed when dealers first started getting things like low ball XL and XLT (no offense to our XL and XLT owning brethren, of course) models on their lots, but the first Lariats and FX4s I saw sealed the deal for me.

 

i like the interiors on the new models but i think my seats in my 97 are more comfy.. then again they are conformed to be now lol. but theres much more room and their super quiet but feel slower and not to mention the new 5.4ls are having the VCT problems. and the rust through on the rear fenders. when are they gonna push the 3v 4.6 in the F150's... that's gonna be bad ****:-p

 

lol now you are starting to sound like dzervit.

I say that it's hard to go wrong with either style, I find that while i love my 04, the 97-03 body style is growing on me. If you have the money to do it, can't hurt to go with the newer model, if not, get an older one and sleep well, it's still a great truck.

 

I bought a 2003 model in the summer of 2003. I could have ordered a 2004, but it wasn't worth an extra $6k at the time. Almost 2 years later, I am still glad I didn't spend the extra money. However, now that Ford is putting incentives on the new style, the resale market is closer. Is the 2004 model worth 2-3k more than a similarily equipped 2003 model? Yes, because it is one year newer and that much better. It is worth $5-6k more? Not IMO.

As for 2wd vs. 4wd, 4wd just holds its value. Whatever extra you spend on it up front you will get back when you sell it. That said, 2wd + LSD is all most people really need.

 

The PN-96 was in last place in the offset crash tests.
The P221 is in first place in the same offset crash test.
Sure the P221 is heavier, but it's a heck of alot safer.