The truck I purchased and am reviewing is a 2002 Ford F-150 Supercrew with the "FX4 Offroad" package new for 2002.
I love this truck! If you think about it; when was the last time you were able to pull over at a garage sale with you and three people loaded into your SUV, buy that large enlongated oversized treasure you just had to have, and stuff it into the rear? Only to have to drive home in icy conditions.
Well, this hasn't happened to me yet here in Southern California, but who knows.
The point is, when I first saw the Supercrew a few years ago, I fell in love with the concept. I could still do somewhat oversized hauling, and at the same time fit one ... two ... three ... four ... five ... or even six people into the cabin, and still have headroom. To me, the Supercrew exceeds the practicality of, and in itself is a superior SUV!
The short 5'6" bed is questionable for any type of tradesman. Since I won't be using it as a work truck, it suits me very well. Mine came with a "cargo cage" (bed extender), and will haul my surfboards very handily.
The model I purchased has the 5.4L Triton V8 motor. I find it to have more than enough power. It sounds like a big V8 during acceleration and quiets down nicely when up to speed and cruising. Of course it also likes to drink its lions share of gasoline. I'm not sure what the mileage is, but I don't think I'll expect anything better than 14 mpg on the highway (even with the 3.55 limited slip rear end).
It's equipped with an automatic transmission, and shift "on-the-fly" 4x4 transfer case (I can engage 4-wheel-drive from the dash while driving less than 55 mph).
The FX4 Offroad package upgrades the Supercrew for individuals who like aggressive four-wheeling. It includes skid plates beneath the transfer case, gas tank, and front axle assembly. They lifted the truck (tastefully), and stiffened the suspension with heavy duty shocks. It also includes 17 inch aluminum five spoke alloys, with Goodyear AT/S LT 265/70 tires. They also throw in stainless steel lug nuts. To finish the FX4 package off, they include a red "FX4 Offroad" decal, two-tone paint, and a matching red decal stripe separating the two tones of paint (FMC must be trying to attract sportier, younger buyers).
Personally, I'm not into the offroad thing. I'm looking to buy some acreage with incline, and I do like to go skiing. So this big heavy 4WD without the leather interior will do me fine.
Downsides:
1. The vertical size is such that I wont be able to fit it into my garage if I decide to install any type of rack system.
2. It gets very poor gas mileage, so for those who commute unless money grows out of your pockets, it doesn't lend itself to becoming a daily driver.
3. Being a non-traditional SUV, it's missing a third row of seats, and luggage storage is a problem on trips unless you enclose the bed.
Overall the truck lives up to the image that Ford creates with their 'big-truck-built-tough' advertising strategies. It drives with surprising comfort considering it has the offroad suspension, and doesn't drift like aftermarket lift kits tend to do.
Since it's new, dependability has yet to prove itself.
I also purchased a 2002 Thunderbird on the same day. If you would like to read its review, you can copy and paste:
http://www.epinions.com/content_51622219396
Good luck and happy driving!
