Redesigned F-150 is not alone
The F-150's major overhaul took place in 2004. For 2009, Ford further honed the big truck's styling while making a vast array of improvements in a pickup that was easily considered at the top of its game. But it's a good thing they did as Dodge completely re-worked their Ram for this year, intensifying an already pitched battle between the two heavies in the segment.

For 2009, Ford further honed the big truck's styling while making a vast array of improvements in a pickup.

Both of these re-workings come on the heels of GM's attempt to influence the full-size pickup market with their new-for-2007 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado cousins.

Not wanting to be left out, Toyota brought us their redesigned Tundra in 2007. In effect, the last couple of years have been good for pickup trucks and those wanting to arm themselves with plenty of trucking might without sacrificing the trappings of luxury and comfort.

Visual changes for 2009 enhance curbside appeal
Visually the F-150 has gone upscale, looking more like Lincoln's Mark LT pickup, (which is replaced in 2009 by the ultra-loaded luxurious F-150 Platinum Edition). A new grille is evident along with a lengthened cab and a re-positioned C-pillar that now sits further to the rear, taking it out of the driver's peripheral vision.

New taillights and an overall sharpening of the F-150's body completes the new exterior design, and I have no hesitation is commending Ford for their work. The F-150 Lariat Supercrew, as tested, exemplifies the ability of our domestic designers to create visual appeal on a grand scale.

The enormous Supercrew cabin is full of well-planned form and function, not to mention eye candy. The lengthened Supercrew cab renders a rear seat domain that's massive in proportion. Flipping up the rear seat reveals a load floor as broad and flat as the Prairies, or so it seems.

I've had the opportunity to spend time in the cabs of all the pickups mentioned during the introduction of this road test, and I can earnestly attest to none matching the F-150's living space for artistry and architecture. Of course, we're talking about the Lariat trim level, not one of the more work-oriented plebian cabins found further down the hierarchy.

Flipping up the rear seat reveals a load floor as broad and flat as the Prairies, or so it seems.