2018 Ford F-150
The Family Hauler
Ford
#truckstuff
We’re not your typical “go with the grain” family. We have our own vision for what the American dream is. We don’t care about social norms or how it’s been done before. We’re always on the go and enjoy our time together.
How does that relate to cars? Well, it means that there’s a snowball’s chance in hell that you’ll ever find me carting us around in a minivan, but my family deserves a spacious versatile vehicle to take us on our adventures.
Much to our surprise, the 2018 Ford F-150 has fit the bill perfectly. Our family travels in comfort and I get to do #truckstuff whenever the opportunity presents itself. This is our first truck, but the F-150 has basically guaranteed that we’ll always have a truck in our garage.
It's in my blood
The truck on the right was my dad’s 1979 Ford F-150 and it’s a big part of some of my earliest memories. I can still fondly recall the smell of its thick nubby tires and how I would try to climb them to gain access to the cab. Once inside you felt like you were in the cockpit of a 747. There was a myriad of switches, knobs, and gauges that gave the impression that you had to command it instead of drive it down the road.
Going somewhere was a theatrical experience. The lopey V8 engine, shifting gears, and the hum of the tires completely ruined me. Because of that truck, I have never seen cars as an A-B necessity.
I always hoped that I’d be able to give my children a similar experience, and I’m pretty pumped to bring that dream to life.
Vehicle Specs
Ford’s Ecoboost engines are powerful and arguably the best all-around engine for the F-150. However, sometimes logic has to take a backseat to our primitive desires. I wanted my first truck to sound like my childhood so I went with Ford’s 5.0L Coyote engine to power my F-150. With nearly 400 horsepower, it’s no slouch and does a great job at giving me that little bit of nostalgia that I was looking for.
Vehicle Modifications
My vehicles don't maintain their stock form too long. Check out the list of mods below to see what is in store.
View the complete list of mods in Google Sheets
Features
This iteration of America's best-selling truck series introduced significant enhancements, making it a standout choice for truck enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Engine Excellence. The F-150's varied engine lineup, including the introduction of a 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, caters to diverse needs, ensuring both power and efficiency. The 5.0 liter Coyote V8 is a favorite among truck enthusiasts for its blend of traditional V8 power, great sound and modern efficiency.
Military-Grade Aluminum Body. The 2018 Ford F-150 features a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body, which is a significant aspect of its design. This innovative use of aluminum reduces the truck's overall weight without compromising its durability and strength. The lighter body contributes to improved fuel efficiency and handling, while also enhancing the truck's payload and towing capabilities. The use of aluminum also helps in resisting rust and corrosion, extending the vehicle's longevity and maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.
Interior Comfort. The 2018 Ford F-150's interior is designed for comfort and spaciousness, catering to both driver and passengers. The cabin is well-appointed with quality materials and offers ample legroom and headspace. Seats are designed for long-haul comfort, with higher trims featuring luxurious touches like leather upholstery and heated options. The F-150 also includes advanced technology features for entertainment and connectivity, enhancing the overall in-cabin experience. This combination of comfort, space, and technology makes the F-150's interior a standout in its class.
Customizable Options. The 2018 Ford F-150 offers a variety of options and trim packages to suit different needs and preferences. These range from the practical XL and XLT trims to the more luxurious Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. For those seeking off-road capabilities, the Raptor provides specialized features, while the Limited trim offers top-of-the-line luxury and comfort. Each trim level offers unique styling cues, technology options, and performance upgrades, allowing buyers to customize their F-150 according to their driving requirements and lifestyle.
Exterior Design. The 2018 Ford F-150's exterior styling is both rugged and refined, showcasing a bold front grille, distinctive headlamp design, and a muscular stance. The truck's design emphasizes its capability and durability, with a range of options to customize its appearance, including various grille designs, wheel sizes, and exterior colors.
Summary
In short, it may be very "'Merica" of me, but a full-size pickup truck has been a great choice for me and my family. If you haven't driven one, give it a chance. You may be surprised.
The Good
I have to give these top scores for roominess. The interior of this vehicle is downright cavernous. I’m very happy with the composed ride and interior comfort. I just love the sound of a Ford V-8.
The Bad
The headlights on this truck are a liability. I can’t believe that these headlights are actually legal! The 10-speed transmission is constantly racing to get to the next gear and is sometimes very rough. The Sync 3 makes me truly appreciative of Apple CarPlay.
Be sure to check out the other vehicles in my garage
Do you want to know more about my fleet of vehicles – What mods have I done? What episodes of TSTDRVR are they in? Look no further.
