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Notes From a First-Timer - 2015 Ford F-150 Long-Term Road Test
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Notes From a First-Timer - 2015 Ford F-150 Long-Term Road Test
A fresh take on Edmunds.com's long-term 2015 Ford F-150 highlights visibility, stop-start, ride comfort and Bluetooth quality.
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My previous '09 XLT V8 was an excellent truck with low mileage. The 2015 in comparison was nimble and powerful- just what I was looking for to tow a 7000# travel trailer. The old truck at times strained to pull the camper, the new one, as if it is not there- huge difference.
I would share that some of the criticisms are questionable to me. The bluetooth works quite well, instantaneous in function. The echoing mentioned has happened to me but only WHEN I had the volume too high. I had Sync in my other truck but this system works much better. The only time I find it slow as many mention is when entering addresses in navigation. It pauses between letters as if it is searching for a match. The fit and finish is excellent though they did have to make a few things right when I purchased it- a cut in the dash and a rear seat heater scorch on the leather seat from factory testing I assume. I have also finally learned how to drive an ecoboost and it is different. They are sensitive to pedal movement. I used the dash Fuel Mileage bar to train with. In other words, when accelerating, hurry up and get on with it, don't slowly accelerate. Once at cruising speed hold the pedal steady- don't pump. I have done this in city driving and raised mpg 2mpg on my average at fill ups. Do not trust any car's mpg computer. Do the calculations by hand.
As a retiring teacher, I had to buy a vehicle by need and longevity. Some mention the turbos. From what I have read, the ecoboost turbos are not high boost or added for hot rod performance. Plus, turbos are used on diesels in the same way and last a long time. I will share that I read about the condition that all companies face with the DI engines and added a twin valve catch can system. And, as far as longevity is concerned, when you start researching facts on engines, there are issues with GM and Honda engines using the cylinder deactivation- acknowledged by both manufacturers- read the report. GM considers 50K high mileage in their response so they are less concerned over the oil usage after that point. I wanted the best choice for power and mpg and, while RAM had power with the 5.7, they did not have the same towing capabilities in a configuration that gave good mpg. The diesel RAM is not a truck for towing heavier things, at least by specs (people do anything). So, I got this truck to serve as a truck. I believe that Ford has given buyers some great choices in engines, etc., but it is important to match intended usage with the truck's configuration. In this, I believe buying a truck is different. Even the comparison studies and reviews often completely ignore truck configurations when testing them and lump them together when it all makes a huge difference. A truck that has coil springs like a car tends to haul lesser loads without wallowing cannot be compared to one that can haul way more and then be compared on ride, etc., the capabilities of a truck in a comparison have to be considered as well. This was lacking in every review I read. The truck runs quiet and smooth, and I get 1mpg less city and close to 1mpg more on the highway than rated (3.5 liter). The rear doors do open hard- strong seal and the ride unloaded can get lively with only a driver on rougher roads. I think it is an excellent truck choice.