Up front, the 2WD pickups use a coil-spring independent suspension, while the 4X4 versions use a torsion bar front suspension.

Power steering is over-assisted, to make it easier to park and maneuver in tight quarters.

We find the brakes on Ford trucks to be average in stopping power and average in fade characteristics, and our test truck was no different in that respect. Good, solid brakes, but not impressive in terms of sheer power.

Although the optional 4.6-liter V8 engine is rated 231 horsepower and 293 foot?pounds of torque, we don't think it's as good a performer in many respects as the small V8 engines from GM and Dodge, most of which are larger in displacement. It's a good, solid engine, with millions of examples on the road, and it sounds good at full throttle, but we find it a little anemic for all-around street use, and we would certainly find it wanting if we had to haul anything heavy or tow a trailer up a mountain road. For any customer contemplating those kinds of duties, the 5.4-liter V8 engine is a much better choice.