The f-150 is not the best truck on the market...no truck can claim that tilte...If your knew to the truck world, you have to asses your needs and how much you want to spend. My 04 had a charging problem that was corected by a reflash, flue pump was replaced, now have brake issues...wait and see on that one...Brand loyality mean's nothing to me, I go where I can get the best deal...Ford Did improve the 04 f-150, it's so improved over the last generation, BUT. Ford cut's cost's for those improvements......Crappy tires.....Cheap Rotors and Brake pads...Seat Fabric ( Cloth ) Floor carpet on the XLT is really cheap.....on the + side my truck gets excellant mpg with the 5.4.....I'm one of the few who can say that...so far I'm happy with my 04 f-150...but trhe brake problems got me heading to the fence.