2003 Ford F150

Ford blends traditional truck styling cues, such as a bold grille and rounded body panels. XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels are available.

Regular-cab and SuperCab (extended-cab) models can have either a 6.5- or 8-foot cargo bed. The short bed is available with flared fenders, called Flareside, on regular cabs and SuperCabs. Otherwise, the bed on both models is a Styleside (slab-sided) design.

SuperCab models have narrow back doors on both sides that are rear hinged; they cannot be opened unless the front doors are open. SuperCrew versions have a larger passenger compartment than the SuperCab, but the cargo bed shrinks from 6.5 feet to 5.5 feet. Special bodyside stripes, Harley-Davidson badging and chrome accents go on the Harley-Davidson edition. A power moonroof is optional. The King Ranch models feature chrome tubular running boards and lower two-tone paint, which is optional on other versions. The standard tires measure 16 inches in diameter, but the Harley-Davidson edition rides on 20-inchers.

The F-150 SuperCrew's four front-hinged doors open to the front like conventional doors on passenger cars. The SuperCrew's bed shrinks to 5.5 feet in length. All SuperCrew trucks have Styleside (slab-sided) cargo-bed styling. A bed extender is optional.

From a distance, even the half-ton F-150 looks huge, and the 4WD version feels massive when you're climbing up into the cockpit. This makes the use of the bulky A-pillar assist grip almost mandatory.

Performance with the 5.4-liter V-8 is energetic. Because this is a full-size pickup, don't expect precise steering or a cushy ride. Performance with the 5.4-liter V-8 is energetic. Because this is a full-size pickup, don't expect precise steering or a cushy ride.