Can anyone tell me what magaizine had the article about the F150 FX4 Off Road Truck? I think it was back in September maybe later.

 

If I recall, MotorTrend did an article on the 02 FX4 a couple of months ago. You should be able to go their web page and check.

 

This months Car And Driver does a comparo on all four big pickups. With off road packages, ext cabs, etc. Here is how they fared.

#1 Dodge
#2 Chevy
#3 Toyota
#4 Ford

Car and Driver hates the FX4 option. I may have #3 and #2 inverted. I left the mag on the back of the toilet. I will double check later.

 

I think 4 Wheel and Off Road (maybe Four Wheeling) had one too. It was just a couple weeks ago, but the mag is at home (and I'm at work).

 

I read that the other day. Car and driver bases their opinion on the latest amentities, etc. If you're into REAL 4-wheelin', the FX4 is the best of the bunch. It seems to be setup for that. What I couldn't figure out is that this is supposed to be an enthusiasts' mag., and yet they pick the slowest one. The Dodge. I would think if you want the latest, biggest, they should've picked the Chevy. Of course, I wouldn't have anything but the Ford.

 

Sadly, Car and Driver couldn't find much of anything good to say about our Fords. It does seem to be the trend for them to choose the most recently updated models as the best. But a Dodge with a wimpy engine?

A couple of other things stood out as strange and disappointing to me as well.

I'm not surprised that the 4.8L Chevy runs with the 5.4L Ford when empty, but whats puzzling is that when they dropped 1000 Lbs. in the bed, the Chevy beats the Ford to 60 by .5 seconds. We're talking torque ratings of 285 lb-ft @ 4000 rpms to 350 lb-ft @ 2500 rpms. Granted, the Chevy has the HP advantage 275 to 260 and weighs a bit less. The 5.4 should have a clear edge here.

They also rate the Ford last in "fit and finish". Behind the Toyota, sure. Behind the new Dodge, maybe, but not likely. But, behind the Chevy? Come on! Have you walked around a Chevy lately? Sat in one and played with the ***** and switches? Flimsy junk. What are they smoking over there, anyway?

And another thing! I wish they stop including the Tundra in full size truck comparisons. It is a nice vehicle, but it is not a full size truck.

There, now I feel much better

Clem

 

Chevys are geared real low. That may be the reason on the loaded test thing.

 

I don't see how that magazine could put-down the Ford for fit and finish. My 2001 has flawless paint and every panel lines up perfectly. You have to look long and hard to find a Chevy this good. Plus, I don't see how the Toy could be any better. The Dodge is so ugly, I couldn't get myself to get close enough to judge one.

 

Welcome to the site Diane! I can't answer this question but I just wanted to say hello & say that I hope you enjoy being a member here!
Do you have a truck now or are you looking around for 1? Either way you'll find tons of advice & helpful suggestions so be sure to visit often & feel free to post more questions too.
See you on the boards! BTW - we have an open chat every nite around 8:30 or 9PM (EST) so stop by & introduce yourself. Some nites it can be pretty busy in there & you can meet some of the nicest guys anywhere! Hope to see you soon! Bye!