Both the F-150 and Ram 1500 are being introduced for 2009 with major overhauls, and both Ford and Dodge are airing TV commercials saying they have the tougher truck.
The market for these trucks has been cut in half during the last 4 years, with nearly 3 million pickups selling in 2004 and a projected 1.6 million this year. Which pickup is truly the toughest and most deserving of your cash?
I’m going to get to the bottom of this and tell you.
First, the 2009 Ford F-150:
The 2009 F-150 borrows it’s looks from last year’s Super Duty truck and creates one massive and intimidating front end, with a body to match. It’s offered in a near-endless array of trims with prices beginning around $20K and sailing all the way across the $40K barrier. The big news here is that all trim levels have a base 4.6L V8 engine. No more V6’s for the ol’ F-150!
Step up to the 5.4 V8 though and get slightly better fuel economy, to the tune of 15/20. Not bad for a mighty truck!
Innovation in the F-150 includes a trailer towing package that monitors your trailer and adjusts itself if it senses sway, giving you a level of trailer control never seen before. Speaking of trailers: the F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds and offers a payload capacity of 3,030 pounds.
Ride quality though is where the tradeoffs may come, as Ford continues to rely on the traditional rear leaf spring system. Why not though, since no self-respecting truck company would ever build a truck with sissy coil springs. Right?
Enter the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500:
It’s true; they broke the cardinal rule of truck-dom and are using coil springs on the rear. Albeit massive coil springs, but still…
Well not to worry! Dodge took a risk and it looks like everything’s going to work out just fine, though at the cost of not matching Ford’s tow numbers.
Ram is offered with a 3.7L V6, probably for under $20K. Prices and trim levels of course multiply from there, ending upwards of $40K for the top of the line version. Dodge’s 390 horsepower 5.7L V8 Hemi will tow a max of 9,100 pounds and achieve gas mileage of 13/18.
But those coil springs will provide a ride quality never before felt in a pickup.
So which truck should you buy? Well OK, I’ll let you tell me:
Better MPG and higher tow rating of the F-150, or a smoother ride and decent tow capacity with the Ram 1500?
-tgriffith
Ram 1500 FTMW! All Dodge owners know that Dodge Under rates products. and who ever is talking HP, the 4.7L Magnum V8 Makes More HP then the Triton 5.4. and then theres the mighty 5.7L HEMI. DODGE>FORD>GM
Ford is definitely the best and nothing but the best truck out there. Built Ford tough is not just a slogan, it’s in it. GM is like a car in the inside. Dodge is cheesy in the inside. Ford has the toughest frame. Most options to choose from. Looks like a truck in the interior. Only fully flat floor in the rear. Available 700 watt sony system. Available side box step. Has an integrated brake controller. Has a Tailgate step. Best rear backing camera. Any questions look at the videos on the TRUTH ABOUT TRUCKS! Ford Rocks!
Nice post.Ford F-150 engineers are designed like this that could move he earth while having the comfort to everyone. There engine is mounted in front but is a rear-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive.Ford have tried provide all their customer to own unique F150. Seven different trim packagesthree types of grilles, three cab configurations and three bed boxes. Largest payload capability at 3030 pounds and highest towing capacity of 11,300 pounds.Ford is also planning on a 2010 F150 model called the F150 Raptor. For more details refer http://www.macktruck.org/review-of-2009-ford-f-150.html
WELL AM LOOKING IN BETWEEN THIS TWO TRUCKS I HAVE HEAR SOME PEOPLE SAYING THAT DODGE ITS BETTER THAN FORD BUT LET ME TELL YOU IF YOURE LOOKING FOR A WORK TRUCK/FAMILY TRUCK YOURE BEST BET WILL BE THE F150 I’VE BEEN ON THE BACKSIT OF THE RAM AND F150 AND THE F150 HAVE MORE SPACE……….AM NORMALLY A CHEVY/GMC GUY BUT AM SIRIUSLY THINKING ON GETTING ME A FORD.
HO AND ALSO HAVE THE BEST MPG OF ALL
im a ford girl, so f-150 for sure.
Hmm… I do not know unless they changed the location of the shocks on the new F-150 it seems like the ride in the new F-150 is going to be pretty darn smooth since the old one was. Ram needs to stop focusing on trinkits and focusing on economy and power. The bedside toolbox is a cool idea too but it seems to be a good idea only if the truck that it is on is good as well.