OK... I'll confess. I like Ford trucks. I've owned a few, driven a bunch more. In the past, I've liked them "because I did." Sometimes it was in the vein of the old Mazda "it just feels right" commercials - I'd drive a Brand X truck that was technically superior in all respects, but couldn't stand it because it didn't feel right.
I had an Explorer for three years. One of the most unsightly ungainly beasts ever made. But... it was flexible, and did the job I needed it to do. It carried lots of crap around for the better part of those 3 years. And it felt right.
I'm really fond of the current Expeditions. They drive better than my Explorer - and even feel more nimble.
But... I'm not a "truck person." I don't want to own a truck. As I've said, I've done it before. It's a pain in the ass since every friend you've ever had needs your truck - or more specifically needs you to help - them move something. And it's always something that you really don't want mucking up the bed of your truck. Plus, trucks are highly efficient at converting gasoline to CO2 and water...
So why this ramble?
I was pleasantly surprised this afternoon when I decided I'd had enough with the *#&$* Taurus rental I've been trying to kill for the last two weeks and stopped by Enterprise to see what they might offer to appease me. They handed me a shiny new (though smoked in with the a/c on recirc - when are they going to teach people not to do this????) F-150. It's just as competent and nimble as the Expedition. Not sure why I was surprised by this, but I was.
I'm also pleased to see that the non-towing package F-150s seem to run with the automatic in "Tow Mode" all the time - holds 1st longer even under light throttle and makes very smooth shifts both up and down. Downshifts are quick and smooth when asked for. Why can't they make their cars do this? I guess it's the old "no substitute for cubic inches" thing when it comes to a "feel good" slushbox.
I'll shut up now. Any of you guys own one of these pigs?
