Ok, I'm dumping my 2002 Chevy Z71 Ext Cab because of several problems GM cannot fix to my satisfaction. Only have a mere 18,000 miles on this otherwise showroom condition truck.

Here's my questions:

In doing extensive research, I have narrowed my search down to the F150 SuperCrew or the Nissan Titan.

The major reviews of the 2004 F150 are generally glowing but a couple things keep popping up: Sluggish acceleration as a result of the scale tipping addition of 800+ pounds over the prior model years version, and a few complaints about the seat bottom cushions.

I test drove one the other day and agree with both. It seemed like no matter how much foot I put into the accelerator...the 2004 F150 SCrew didn't feel like it had any "*****".

And the seat bottom cushion felt "ok" but it didn't extend to the bend of my knee (I'm only 5'11") and it just didn't seem like I had a good leg support feel from the seats. Kinda felt like I was sitting on a cheap task seat from Office Max.

Everything else I just loved! Ergonomics were awesome...visual appeal inside and out were awesome.

I did also kind of wish they had some sort of body molding to protect it from the occassional inconsiderate person parking too close to you.

Can I get an overall impression on these things? Please tell me what you really like, and what could be better in your opinion.

Thanks.

 

To be honest I looked at every make, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy etc... and there was just no comparison with the interior of the Ford. I have the Lariat so that may be different then what you're looking at, but to me it's like the Caddi of trucks. I also like the fact that there is no side molding. Just park far, far away from everyone else. I know it may not be as powerful as the Nissan or Dodge, but I have plans Now, if I could just get that vibration thing taken care of

 

Thanks for the reply...tell me about the "vibration" thing.

 

I have a vibration around 45mph that seems to be from the rear end or transmission, The rear has been replaced but its still there. If you do a search using "vibration" I'm sure you'll find plenty to read. I think (hope) its a simple fix, but the dealer hasn't figured it out yet.

 

I love mine. The only time it seems a bit sluggish is when the AC is on max but even then its better than anything I've ever owned. Of course its no 5.0 'stang but its fast and strong.
I think what others might be sensing is the comptuer response. I believe this thing 'learns' the drivers 'style' . If I was buying a used one I'd reset the onboard computer then teach it my style. I don't know how to do that but I'm sure lots of people here at F150ONLINE will know how to do it. Just watch how many response this gets.

 

Make sure its got the fat radiator.

 

ttt

I'm interested in hearing more people's stories.

I've got a 2003 Toyota Sequoia - I traded in my 2000 Lightning for it. I didn't want to, but needed something bigger for work. The Sequoia is okay, but nothing any better than any Ford or GM that I've ever owned. The idea of "Toyota quality" is grossly overstated, IMO. I've had so many minor annoyances that I'm really thinking of making the switch.

A friend of mine bought an '04 'crew 4X4 a month or two ago and I LOVE it. The interior is better than my Toyota and the ride is better than my 4X2!

Keep the stories coming - every bit helps, IMO.

 

I traded in the '02 Screw and got a....HEMI I have nothing against Ford but I couldn't pass up the price...I swear
I never thought it would happen (me buying a Dodge). All I'm saying to you Ford loyalists is that you owe it to yourself to test drive a hemi ram. The back seat is definately smaller (but I don't sit back there), but the front is waymore comfy!!! (yes I said WAYMORE) The interior is totally generic (hey it's a truck) and you'll have to go buy tires on your way home, (it comes with goodyears or michelins) but man this rig will flat run out from under you...just don't buy it from Maxwell Dodge (long story, just trust me on this one).

Cheers, Dale

P.S. Anyone wanna buy an undercover tonneau? I took mine off b4 trade in.

 

Yo Dale29,

Couple of things....do you realize the Dodge Hemi REQUIRES midgrade gas or better? It's bad enough that all the trucks get pisspoor mileage....but why add insult to injury by having to shuck out extra $$$$ for higher octane gas???

Is speed the only reason you went to Dodge?

 

Todd,
I only have 1000 mi on the hemi so far. I've been using regular 87 with no complaints getting 13.9 (city/hwy combined). Though speed was not even a consideration for me, I did eat my first ricer last night and it was pretty cool (I'll bet the kid in the spyder can't believe he got waxed by a 4 door pickup).
My warranty was about 3000 mi from expiration so I thought I should investigate my options, I liked my ford, except for the drivers ergonomics....the seat was painfully uncomfortable (early '02 version) and the steering wheel was too far away and I had to keep it in the full up tilt position. I got internet quotes and had to go look, I really didn't intend to buy a new truck when I went to dodge, but after the test drive and the price they gave me (plus my trade in was an even up) I couldn't say no.

 

Dale,

Tell me, did you find that you were able to get a better deal from the internet quoting services over face-to-face negotiations? I've kind of wondered about that....

It seems like they would sharpen their pencils knowing they were quoting against other "ghost" dealerships if they wanted to get the sale....what are your experiences there??

Also...read up on the car and driver site....you'll find that the Nissan Titan goes even up with the Hemi and even beats it by .7 seconds in one drag race....beware the rice burners....they're coming on strong.

When I sat in the '04 Ford SCrew, I felt like the seat bottoms didn't extend far enough toward my knee for good support...I also felt like the seats were overly firm and "bumpy" to the back. That was my major complaint. They must have had short little chinese guys design the seats. That was an FX4....not sure if they have firmer, so-called sportier seating. I'd rather have lots of cushion, firm, but something that molds better to the body.

 

Last year I bought a suburban over the net, they quoted a super low price, hit a couple of small snags when I went in to buy the truck but it worked out. This time I inadvertantly(?) stumbled onto a pretty slick idea, I got a net quote from one of those dealers out in the boonies, the price was below the come on ads, so I figured I'd go to the nearest dealer and look at one of these trucks just to see if it might really be for me, you know, before I tramp all the way out to "BFE". Like I said, I had no intention of buying this truck when I went in there, but after the test drive I knew I was going to follow thru. When we sat down at the sales desk and I said to the guy, "I've got a quote from dealer "X", and showed it to him. His eyes rolled to the celing and he did the old "I'll run it by the sales mgr shuffle" when he came back, he had researched the truck on my quote (over the net) to the one on his lot (the price was 300 dollars higher) the deal was done.

As for the Titan, they look good but as with the new ford, it's the first run of a new mold, maybe they need to work out some bugs (food for thought), maybe not we'll see. The '04 dodge is quite a bit improved over the '03 so they say.....Hope this info helps!
As for the ford seats.....sayonara!!!

 

Dale, if your hemi ram has 17" rims, don't worry about the Titan. All the tests are done with the hemi on 20's, 20's = slow. Titan commercal where the Titan pulls on the ram 20's, Dodge commercial where the Ram pulls on the Titan, ram has 17's.

 

Something interesting I heard from my brother (ford mechanic). He told me on the 04 with the 3 valve 5.4 engine that they programmed them to mild on the first 3000 miles. To allow for a good break-in period. I don't know if this is true or not. He doesn't usually BS anyone.

I was looking at getting the 04 Screw and told him I didn't notice much more umphh on the test drive. That's when he told me that's what he heard (heresay?). He wouldn't steer me wrong on purpose. Believe what you want. I didn't buy it because my trucks paid off and I didn't want payments again. Besides my truck still runs great and I like just as much now as the day I bought it.

 

Todd, I've got the full power memory heated seats on my 04 Lariat Screw and never had any problem with them being uncomfortable , even on long extended trips(1100 miles in one day). lots of lumbar support and seemingly infinately adjustable too. Also get 19+ MPG with the 5.4 on the open road. I dont race my truck but on several occasions its unexpectedly spun the rear tires, so I have no complaints about sluggish throttle response. The engine does seem to hit harder the more miles it has.
Just my .02