KansasCity.com's view

Ford’s 2002 F-150 Harley-Davidson SuperCrew is a truck with a twist. Or more specifically, a couple of twists.

The first twist is a supercharger, heretofore applied only to Ford’s SVT Lightning pickup, that turns the Triton 5.4-liter, SOHC V-8 into a titan with 340 horsepower and 425 foot-pounds of torque. Stomp your boot on the throttle and it belts you with a steady surge of power not unlike what you get when you twist the throttle of its Harley-Davidson namesake. The subtle whine of the “blower” is accompanied by blurred scenery as this big truck leaps forward. This is the third Ford vehicle to have a supercharger, but the other two come from the SVT division.

Superchargers, which are belt-driven, typically add low- to mid-range power and torque, and the 5.4-liter V-8 profits nicely from the boost. Although this truck weighs nearly 4,700 pounds, 340 horsepower serves up full-sized portions of acceleration.

The second twist is cooperating with Harley-Davidson to design and create a truck that is as plush and comfortable as a luxury car. Making the Harley-Davidson package available on the four-door SuperCrew is smart because it offers four captain’s seats and full-width rear doors. That makes this truck viable for families. Last year’s Harley trucks were offered only in black, but this year they also come in a dark, metallic gray with barely noticeable flame decals along the top of the bed. The look is tough, yet sophisticated. It rides on 20-inch chrome wheels and a lowered suspension. The front fascia is different, too. Approximately 12,000 will be built in Ford’s Claycomo plant.

The interior uses yards of leather that is soft and supple. Seats are upholstered in perforated, two-tone leather with the Harley-Davidson logo embossed near the headrests. The flame motif is embossed into the leather on top of the consoles that sit between the front and rear bucket seats. The tachometer and speedometer have silver faces that look like machine-turned metal. The AM/FM/CD stereo sounds good.

Because of the large cab, the bed is slightly less than 5 feet long. Folding the optional bed extender out onto the tailgate gives a normal cargo length. It has a 4,500-pound tow rating. Even though the suspension has been tweaked to lower the truck, its ride is smooth without being too soft and taut without being harsh. Shock absorbers are mounted on either side of the rear axle for better ride quality. The Harley-Davidson package is not offered with four-wheel drive, and that could be an issue for some. Anti-lock brakes are standard, along with a limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 axle ratio.

The Harley-Davidson SuperCrew blends the cachet of the Harley name with street-rod looks and an inviting interior. That’s a potent combination.

Price
The base price of the test truck was $36,495. Options included the power sunroof, sliding rear window, bed extender and heated front seats. The sticker price was $37,895.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point: The F-150 SuperCrew is a nice vehicle on its own, but the Harley-Davidson package adds a bit of zing. Big, chrome wheels and yards of soft black leather make this one of the most appealing and comfortable trucks around.

Counterpoint: A supercharged V-8 gobbles gas. The hot rod look may be a bit too gaudy for some folks, and the lack of a four-wheel-drive option could affect winter driving.

SPECIFICATIONS: Engine: 5.4-liter, 340-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 138.5 inches
Curb weight: 4,697 lbs.
Base price: $36,495
As driven: $37,895
Mpg rating: 12 city, 16 hwy.