Ford's F-150 Supercrew Lariat Platinum Edition 4x4

What's New:
America’s best-selling vehicle has been reworked from the inside out. While the F-150 retains its traditional boxy exterior styling and all of the amenities expected in a work-horse, it has all of the luxury amenities typically reserved for premium-class luxury sedans in Ford’s first ever Platinum Edition, which is only available on the Supercrew.

Must Have Goodies:
If your occupation requires a truck or if you’re just a truck fanatic, step up and get Ford’s all-new package – The Platinum Edition. The interior of the new F-150 flagship is so car-like it’s hard to believe you’re driving a vehicle with a payload of 1,500 lbs and the ability to tow up to 11,100 lbs. The F-150 we reviewed came equipped with Ford’s Platinum package, which consisted of leather-stitched two-tone heated and ventilated front seats, a center mounted gear shift selector integrated in the front seat center console, power foldaway running boards, large chrome power side-view foldable mirrors, a rear-view backup camera with an audible reverse sensing system, rain sensing windshield wipers, an adjustable power pedals for short folks, a driver’s side security key pad and 20-inch all-terrain tires, chrome tow front hooks (4x4 only) and 60/40 rear heated split bench seats.

Furthermore, in the bed of the truck, buyers can consider opting for the cargo management system or as Peter, the organizing guru, from The Oprah Winfrey Show would refer to as the organizer. And lastly the luxury truck was equipped with an optional navigation in–dash single disc DVD/CD radio system.

What Rocked:
The two-position memory driver’s seat automatically sliding forward and backward, along with the wood and leather self-adjusting steering wheel rocked! We’ve never seen these luxury features in any truck before. In fact, we were extremely surprised that the Supercrew we reviewed was capable of carrying five to six large adults. This vehicle is not only great to take off roads but to tool around town, too.

And Ford’s industry exclusive hidden access steps rocked too, which is like having your own personal step ladder to easily access items from the side or rear of the truck. The Platinum Edition truck we reviewed also includes Ford’s industry exclusive Sync computer system, which allows the occupants to utilize their cell phones, access text messages and get turn-by-turn voice activated information at the touch of a button. All of the latest technology can be integrated into the F-150, ensuring a safe and rewarding driving experience. When the F-150 is equipped with the Sync system, it allows the driver to stay connected (wired), conducting personal or professional business while you’re on the road hands free.

What We Hated:
While we had no complaints regarding the workmanship and/or the overall durability of the $49,225 Platinum edition truck we reviewed, most of our concerns were relatively minor. For instance, we didn’t like the location of the two-way power programmable seats, which were positioned on the side of the seat, as opposed to on the center console or the front door. And since the truck’s steering wheel adjusted electrically, it wouldn’t hurt if the steering wheel had a telescopic feature, too. Added to that, Ford should strongly consider integrating a Blind Spot Monitoring System, which will be available on the 2010 Taurus. This high-tech safety feature alerts drivers of vehicles in its blind spots, before changing lanes.

Any Juice:
A 5.4-liter 8-cylinder Triton engine is outfitted underneath the hood, kicking out a healthy 310 horses to pull this mammoth truck.

Verdict:
While we were truly impressed with the workmanship and quality of the Platinum Edition and all of the nifty luxury .....

..... accessories, in this day and time, paying $49,000 is sort of steep for a truck. However, ordering the Platinum Edition makes you wonder why the Lincoln division failed twice at its attempts to offer a luxury truck. Besides Lincoln offering a longer warranty, Ford has it all plus a true work package in its all-new Ford, which is available as 4x2 or 4x4, with a 5 ft. 5 in. bed or 6 ft 5 in. bed (cargo area) before adding the optional extendable cargo management system. There isn’t another truck on the market today that can easily convert from being a work-horse to a luxurious people mover. If it wasn’t for the cargo area, one would assume you’re were driving a fully loaded Lincoln Navigator. The Platinum Edition starts at $44,055 and easily rises to over $50,000. Like with most trucks, you should be able to negotiate a pretty good deal.

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Competition:

Chevy’s Silverado Crew Cab LTZ, GMC’s Sierra Denali, Dodge Ram’s 1500 Crew Cab Laramie, Nissan’s Titan Crew Cab LE and Toyota's Tundra Crew Max Limited.