Orlando Sentinel's view

Ever since Dodge introduced the aggressively styled Ram pickup in 1993, the truck world has not been the same.

Dodge proved that a big truck could be quick, rugged and mean-looking, but also smooth, quiet and user-friendly. As a result, the Dodge Ram has been the best-selling truck Chrysler has ever built.

Ford’s F-150 truck has been the biggest-selling vehicle on the planet since 1977. Although Chrysler doesn’t have the production capacity to build enough Rams to seriously challenge Ford for the title, the Ram is seen as a better truck than the F-150. And its instant acceptance showed Ford that it would have a high standard to beat with the new F-150, which went on sale a few weeks ago.

Ford has more than met Dodge’s bold challenge.

Although I still prefer the Ram’s big-rig styling to the blander appearance of the F-150, the Ford truck has a number of unique innovations that show that resurgent Chrysler doesn’t have all the good ideas in Detroit these days.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

The base model F-150, which starts at a very reasonable $15,045, is outfitted with a 4.2-liter 205-horsepower V-6. But it’s the V-8 version of the F-150 that has been making headlines.

The ’97 F-150 is the only full-size pickup truck in the world that comes with an overhead-cam V-8. The 4.6-liter, 210-horsepower engine is smooth and nearly noiseless. In the fall, Ford will offer a 5.4-liter version of the engine that will have even more power.

An overhead-cam engine eliminates many internal engine parts, such as push rods and other valve-train gear. Overhead cam units generally run more efficiently and generate more horsepower than push-rod engines. They are, however, costly to build.

Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with either the V-6 or the V-8.

Our bright-red, four-wheel-drive test truck came with the V-8 and automatic. Ford’s V-8 is so smooth and quiet that it is nearlyvibration-free. Only when you rev the motor to about 4,500 rpm can you hear it working. The four-speed automatic provides nearly seamless shifts, and a button on the end of the column shifter allows you to turn the overdrive on or off with one movement of your thumb.

To switch to four-wheel drive, all you do is reach forward and twist a knob on the dash. This is the easiest-to-use setup I’ve seen. Once it’s engaged, the all-wheel-drive system does not sap the engine’s power or even alter the F-150’s driving characteristics very much.

Mechanically, the new F-150 conveys a very refined, high-quality feeling. The steering is crisp and precise, and the F-150’s independent front suspension and solid rear axle erase small bumps and provide a quiet ride. When you drive over badly paved roads, you feel only a minimal amount of jarring. The body does not lean when you round a corner.

The four-wheel anti-lock front disc/rear drum brakes are very strong, stopping the truck quickly and in a straight line.

FIT AND FINISH

There has been a move among the Big Three to make their full-size pickups more user-friendly.

With the Ram, Dodge advanced that cause in numerous ways. The new F-150 borrows a little from Dodge as well as from GM pickups.

Like the Ram, the F-150 has numerous areas – such as the center console and the doors – in which you can store small items. Also, the F-150 is very large, even for a full-size truck. The Supercab model that I tested is 7 1/2 inches longer than the old-style F-150, which will remain on sale until the end of the model year.

The F-150’s dash is cleanly styled and logically arranged. Controls for the radio and air conditioner are easy to reach on the dash and easy to use. The cruise control buttons are mounted in the hub of the steering wheel.

Supercab models come standard with a third door on the passenger side. (A third door is an option on the Chevrolet and GMC truck ; Dodge doesn’t offer a third door.) On the Ford F-150, you can open the third door only after the passenger door is open. The extra door makes it easy to get in and out of the truck or to load cargo.

Passengers will find a decent amount of foot and legroom, so they should be fairly comfortable on most trips. Up front, the driver and two passengers are coddled. The bench seats are covered with attractive cloth, and they are firm and supportive.

Visibility is excellent, though it takes a bit of time behind the wheel to become familiar with the dimensions of the F-150.

Lighting inside and out also is good. At night when a door is opened, a big, bright light illuminates the truckbed.

I just have one gripe. Our four-wheel-drive test truck sat so high off the ground that the tires were nowhere close to the wheel wells. It gave the truck a funny appearance, as if the tires were two sizes too small. Behind the wheels, you could see many of the mechanical parts, such as brake lines. It made me feel uncomfortable that these parts were so vulnerable.

Still, the refined F-150 is the best full-size truck money can buy. It’ll be interesting to see how Chevy, GMC and Dodge respond.

Specifications: Base price: $23,790. Safety: Dual air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection. Price as tested: $26,798. Incentives: None. EPA rating: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway.

Truett’s tip: Ford builds the best full-size truck money can buy. The new F-150 is as smooth and quiet as a Lincoln, but it’s also very tough and rugged.