2001 Ford F-150

Call it man's revenge against chick flicks, power shopping and bubble baths. The 2001 edition of Ford's SVT F-150 Lightning pickup - a truck with a badder attitude than Eminem - must be the most polarizing vehicle we've tested in ages, in terms of male vs. female perspectives.

Funny thing is, our ratings are a lot closer than we thought they would be. As far as Paul is concerned, a vehicle modified by Ford's Special Vehicle Team that has the potential to be a supertruck is seriously flawed by a cheap cabin with appalling assembly quality. The bigger question is, did Anita secretly enjoy driving the $32,610 flame-red Lightning when Paul wasn't around?

He: For once, let me get my two cents in before you go off on some bizarre female tangent that has nothing to do with cars. Let's cut to the chase and talk horsepower. I mean, serious horsepower. Like 380 horsepower, and a whopping 450 pounds-feet of torque to go with it. That's what that nasty supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 pumps out in the 2001 Lightning, which is definitely the hippest, fastest, best-handling pickup Detroit has ever built. Which also makes this the coolest truck on the planet. So sue me. Or better yet, lecture me about the cupholders.

She: I can't believe you used the word lecture. Because that's the exact word I was going to use. Are you having what they call an Al Gore moment?

He: What WHO calls an Al Gore moment? Dick Cheney?

She: You don't have to lecture me because I understand what the SVT Lightning is all about. It's a power trip. I was in it late last night on the freeway, and you can't beat that rumbling exhaust note and intimidating look. People sure got out of my way. I did feel like I needed a cue card or a cheat sheet for all the guys who trailed me and wanted to know stats like top speed and 0-60 times. I'm sure you have those memorized.

He: 142 miles per hour. 5.8 seconds. And for you drag racers out there, the Lightning will scoot down the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds.

She: And for the wives of drag racers, the SVT gets a lousy 12 miles per gallon in city driving.

He: Who wants to talk about gasoline when your testosterone is raging? Aren't you always complaining about your "hormone blitzes?" That's exactly how I feel when I get behind the wheel of the Lightning. Which, incidentally, also has some of the best seats I've sampled in a pickup. Too bad the cabin looks so darn cheesy. And those gaps between the windshield pillars and the edges of the instrument panel! When is Ford going to deal with this problem? Years ago, I mistakenly blamed the poor assembly workers when, in fact, this is a major design flaw that was engineered in from day one. Yuck!

She: Thank God they did significantly better on the exterior design, which along with that great engine got top marks from us. I love the ground-hugging exterior and those gorgeous curves, which seemed to turn every male head. Just moments ago, we passed a cou ple holding hands on Mack Avenue. She was looking in his eyes - and HE was looking at the truck. Isn't that the recurring theme when you drive the Lightning?

He: My real hangup with the SVT is that I want to go fast every time I get behind the wheel. Sure, the Lightning is probably the best-handling truck ever built, with very responsive steering and virtually no body roll. But that rock-hard suspension, along with those low-profile 295/45ZR18 performance tires will practically rattle your teeth out of their sockets, even on paved roads. Thank goodness Ford includes antilock brakes and traction control as standard equipment. Otherwise, you'd never want to take this truck out of the garage for about four months of the year here in Michigan.

She: The Lightning is a nice package with only one option, a $150 soft tonneau cover. And among the standard items is a six-disc CD changer. But it's inconveniently located behind the passenger seat. And here's an interesting little fo ote. New for 2001 - "in response to customer demand," according to Ford - are lighted vanity mirrors. Proof enough that more women are getting into the SVT Lightning. So you can stop your incessant lectures.

He: Yes, Professor.

2001 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning

Anita's rating: Acceptable

Paul's rating: Above average

Likes: Catches the eye of every male construction worker and lawn maintenance guy. Awesome engine with stunning performance and great throaty exhaust rumble. Feels like you're riding a Roman candle. Ground-hugging exterior with gorgeous curves. Best-handling truck we've ever tested.

Dislikes: Cheap-looking cabin with appallingly bad trim fits. Dumb location for CD changer behind passenger seat. Expensive for a limited-use vehicle that has little practical value. Lousy gas mileage. Teeth-chattering ride.

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, three-passenger pickup.

Price: Base, $31,745; as tested, $32,610 (inc. $715 destination charge).

Engine: Supercharged 5.4-liter V-8; 380-hp; 450 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,315 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Oakville, Ontario