Motor Trend Names Ford F-150 2004 Truck of the Year
Press Releases
By: Brad Nevin | Ford Communications Network
Motor Trend magazine has named Ford's all-new 2004 F-150 Truck of the Year.
KANSAS CITY, MO -- Ford's F-150 is Truck of the Year.
The editors of Motor Trend magazine have given the all-new F-150 their coveted Golden Calipers award. After driving and testing seven contenders, they found the F-150 best represents value, superiority in its class and significance in new product development for the truck market. This year, the competition for 2004 Truck of the Year honors included the Chevrolet Colorado and SSR, Dodge Ram SRT-10, GMC Canyon, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra Double Cab.
"The new F-150 represents a huge step forward in pickup truck design, styling, refinement and overall performance," said Kevin Smith, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "Ford has practically reinvented the pickup, and its impact on the marketplace cannot be overstated or ignored. For all these reasons, we are delighted to recognize the Ford F-150 as the single most important truck of this year."
To select a winner, Motor Trend editors spent weeks evaluating the performance, features and functionality of all contending vehicles. They examined engineering, technology, ride, handling, styling, design, interior fit and finish, utility and value. They also gave particular attention to pickup-exclusive features, such as towing, loading and securing cargo and performance with a fully loaded bed.
"We live with these trucks for weeks to truly test them in every way a buying consumer will," said Smith. "We take very seriously our responsibility to identify the most worthy contender."
In September 2003, Ford dealerships set an all-time monthly sales record for F-Series. In October, Ford sold 12 percent more F-Series trucks than the year before. In November, the increase was 10 percent. That's a double-digit increase over three consecutive months -- a sales record typically unheard of in the automotive industry.
"We didn't get to be the best-selling truck in America for 26 years by resting on our laurels," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "We knew when we did a new F-150 we had to take it up, not just a notch, but several notches on the belt.
"We are pleased that the Ford F-150 has been named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year because this honor is the one most recognized by consumers."
With more than 20 best-in-class capabilities and class-exclusive features, the 2004 F-150 is resonating with buyers. F-150 boasts revolutionary interiors with the industry's largest selection of configurations. It leads its class in towing, payload capacity, cargo box volume, low-end torque, frame strength and interior quietness.
"This is an outstanding vehicle," said Jim Padilla, Ford Motor Company executive vice president. "Ford Motor Company is the leader in the pickup business and we're going to keep it. This product proves it every time."
Motor Trend's complete report, "F-150: 2004 Truck of the Year," will appear in the magazine's February 2004 issue, which arrives at newsstands Jan. 7. Additional coverage and images will be posted on Motor Trend's Web site at www.motortrend.com.
"Motor Trend's award is like the new F-150 – it carries a lot of weight," said Lyons. "We look forward to adding it to our trophy case."
Press Releases
By: Brad Nevin | Ford Communications Network
Motor Trend magazine has named Ford's all-new 2004 F-150 Truck of the Year.
KANSAS CITY, MO -- Ford's F-150 is Truck of the Year.
The editors of Motor Trend magazine have given the all-new F-150 their coveted Golden Calipers award. After driving and testing seven contenders, they found the F-150 best represents value, superiority in its class and significance in new product development for the truck market. This year, the competition for 2004 Truck of the Year honors included the Chevrolet Colorado and SSR, Dodge Ram SRT-10, GMC Canyon, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra Double Cab.
"The new F-150 represents a huge step forward in pickup truck design, styling, refinement and overall performance," said Kevin Smith, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "Ford has practically reinvented the pickup, and its impact on the marketplace cannot be overstated or ignored. For all these reasons, we are delighted to recognize the Ford F-150 as the single most important truck of this year."
To select a winner, Motor Trend editors spent weeks evaluating the performance, features and functionality of all contending vehicles. They examined engineering, technology, ride, handling, styling, design, interior fit and finish, utility and value. They also gave particular attention to pickup-exclusive features, such as towing, loading and securing cargo and performance with a fully loaded bed.
"We live with these trucks for weeks to truly test them in every way a buying consumer will," said Smith. "We take very seriously our responsibility to identify the most worthy contender."
In September 2003, Ford dealerships set an all-time monthly sales record for F-Series. In October, Ford sold 12 percent more F-Series trucks than the year before. In November, the increase was 10 percent. That's a double-digit increase over three consecutive months -- a sales record typically unheard of in the automotive industry.
"We didn't get to be the best-selling truck in America for 26 years by resting on our laurels," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "We knew when we did a new F-150 we had to take it up, not just a notch, but several notches on the belt.
"We are pleased that the Ford F-150 has been named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year because this honor is the one most recognized by consumers."
With more than 20 best-in-class capabilities and class-exclusive features, the 2004 F-150 is resonating with buyers. F-150 boasts revolutionary interiors with the industry's largest selection of configurations. It leads its class in towing, payload capacity, cargo box volume, low-end torque, frame strength and interior quietness.
"This is an outstanding vehicle," said Jim Padilla, Ford Motor Company executive vice president. "Ford Motor Company is the leader in the pickup business and we're going to keep it. This product proves it every time."
Motor Trend's complete report, "F-150: 2004 Truck of the Year," will appear in the magazine's February 2004 issue, which arrives at newsstands Jan. 7. Additional coverage and images will be posted on Motor Trend's Web site at www.motortrend.com.
"Motor Trend's award is like the new F-150 – it carries a lot of weight," said Lyons. "We look forward to adding it to our trophy case."
