2003 Ford F-150 XLT (La Mesa, CA)

2003 Ford F-150 XLT

Quieter and more carlike than ever the Ford F-150 continues to be the light-duty pickup truck by which all others are measured. The world s best-selling truck continues to evolve into a sedan with a handy bed attached. All 2003 models get a new noise control package 75 improvements in all according to Ford for a 10-percent quieter ride. Audio system choices now include a cassette CD player and an in-dash six-CD changer. All 2003 F-150s now have the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) systems as standard equipment. SuperCrew features rear seats that can quickly be converted into covered cargo space. The full-size SuperCrew far exceeds a compact four-door pickup for space and comfort but rides on a light-duty chassis rather than a heavy-duty platform with its excessive weight rougher ride and greater fuel thirst. Overall length is kept reasonable by using an ultrasshort bed that measures just 5-1 2 feet. Air conditioning is standard equipment on almost all F-150s and power-adjustable pedals are standard on all models for 2003. Antilock brakes (ABS) are standard throughout the F-150 line and remote keyless entry is standard on XLTs. The F-150 is a stylish truck one that pays more serious attention to aerodynamics than either the Dodge or GM pickups. It s rounder friendlier and looks more like a car. That may be part of the reason it outsells all other pickup trucks by a considerable margin. The F-150 s aerodynamic hood drops away very rapidly from the base of the windshield so it s easier to see what s immediately in front of the truck handy for maneuvering off-road for parking and when navigating in the city. Its fenders seem to make small rural roads smaller. In tight quarters this feels like a big truck. The F-150 takes its interior design cues from the company s passenger cars. The designers simply adapted these cues to the pickup s larger cab. The curves surfaces textures instrumentation and graphics inside the F-150 are more adve