Skate-Wear Central

Ford Tough

Ford F-150 Surviving Despite Stiff Competition

Ford’s F-Series has become the world’s most popular pickup but despite the newest and best F-150 lineup, the competition seems to be gaining on them. Take for instance the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado which was awarded North American Truck of the Year and Toyota’s Tundra which rumbles up from a new plant in the heart of truck country Texas, which is made bigger and more powerful than ever and offered in various trims.

With all the competition that Ford is facing it is not surprising that the automaker is already feeling the impact on its sales. According to the trade journal Automotive News, F-Series sales in 2006 reached only 796,039 which decline from 901,463 the year before. The sales figures of the F-Series continuously fall by 13.4 percent in the first two months.

Despite the decline experience by the iconic Ford F-150, the low sales figures are not enough to completely pull the truck down whose roots date back to 1948 when the F1, F2, and F3 trucks hit the market. That very same year has started a remarkable run of automotive endurance which has given birth to the phrase “Ford Tough” – symbolizing the trucks’ ability to perform imposing work on farm fields and construction sites.

However today aside from power and performance, family-friendly is also a moniker that weighs greatly with consumers, and the F-150 and the 4×4 Supercrew four-wheel drive Lariat passed that criteria. The F-150 however has remained big with its 150 inch wheelbase, as well as remained tough just like its predecessors.

The base price of the F-150 is $35,000 and with the addition of a limited slip axle, navigation/upgraded audio package, a power sliding rear window, 20-inch aluminum wheels, leather-trimmed captain’s chairs, and a few other features the price increases to $42,000. That is still not high price for a utilitarian truck that can be used as a transport to the construction site, haul plenty of lumber over the weekend, beats its way over rough terrains and bad weather conditions and still provide a family of six with all the comforts similar to that of a luxury SUV.

No matter how great a vehicle is it won’t hurt to improve it further. The F-150 requires some updates of its own starting with its 5.4 liter V8 engine that needs to be made more fuel efficient. The four-speed automatic transmission of the F-150 lag behind what some other companies are offering like for instance the four-six speed features the are offered by General Motors and Toyota.

Another thing is the handling of the F-150 which is a bit jumpy especially on bumpy roads as compared to the Tundra or Silverado. The F-150 produces 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. — Not weak but not that strong either. The transmission is smooth in upshifts and gentle in downshifts but it can get loud when pulling out to pass which would not be much of a problem if only the F-150 has a fifth or sixth gear and a much better engine.

And speaking of better engines Ford has reported that the next generation F-150 that will be unveiled for the 2009 model year will feature an upgraded diesel, V8 together with a hybrid gasoline-electric power plant that can be linked to a six-speed automatic.

In terms of looks the F-150 is one good-looking truck but again the addition of some truck accessories here and there won’t hurt. When it comes to truck parts the F-150 is loaded with only the best in quality truck part that Ford can provide. That’s why it’s not surprising that despite the truck’s shortcomings it remains as a top contender in the Truck segment.

F-150 Basics:

Base price/as tested: $35,465/$41,965

Fuel economy: 15.1 miles per gallon in Globe testing/regular fuel

Annual fuel cost: $2,307 (at $2.68 per gallon, regular, 13,000 miles per year)

THE SPECIFICS

Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive

Seating: Five or six

Horsepower: 300

Torque: 365 lb.-ft.

Length: 235.8 inches

Wheelbase: 150 inches

Height: 76.0 inches

Width: 78.9 inches

Curb weight: 5,343 pounds

About the Author

Gertrude Sayzer finished her degree in Marketing at Western New England College. She is passionate about writing and loves to travel as well. At present, this 32 year-old mother of three works full-time at an Ad agency in Boston.

Ford Tough!

Mens Carhartt Tough Shirt Graphic S/S $25 Tough Shirt Graphic S/S

Nixon Watches TPS Speakers $79.95 Compact, modern, powerful, and expandable, the TPS fills a small package with sleek design, big sound, and a slew of features. Headed to the beach or out for a skate? This tough aluminum body is built to resist the elements. Out for the day? The six-hour battery life has you covered. Need even more volume? Link two together and experience stereo sound in a big way.

O’Neill Tough Love Dress $39.5 Being a little strict sometimes isn’t a bad thing – but it’s hard not to come across as a beezy when you’re trying to put your foot down – right? I think O’Neill has found a way to fix this dilemma with the Tough Love dress. Sometimes we have to be tough – with whomever it may be – but I promise they won’t even notice that you are – they’ll be too busy checking out this sweet little number.

Hurley One and Only Pretty Tough Rasta $68 The Hurley Pretty Tough Triangle Bikini Top. Hip Rasta Style.  Removable soft cups. Content: 84% Polyester 16% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Hurley Kids-Kids One Piece Swimwear-Tough Enough-Hurley $36 Silly boys this one’s for girls. She’ll be tough enough in the Hurley Tough Enough One Piece Swimsuit. With an all over ditsy floral print and frilly ruffle she will be ready for whatever comes her way. Color: Flamingo (Pink). Content: 84% Polyester 16% Spandex. Made in California USA.

Hurley Girls-Two Piece Swimwear-Tough Enough-Hurley Bikini $46 If she’s tough enough to hang with the boys but she does it in pink the choice is Hurley Tough Enough Bandeau Top and Ruffle Bottom.  Sporting a girly vibe with the pink frill on the bandeau top and bottom. This 2 piece swimsuit is sold as a set. Color: Flamingo (Pink). Content: 84% Polyester 16% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Bandeau Bikini-Hurley Swimwear-Tough Enough-Hurley Bikinis $90 In the Tough Enough Bandeau Bikini Top you’ll ready to duke it with the rest on Muscle Beach with the advantage of maximum distraction. With a ditsy floral print this bandeau swimsuit top has removable soft cups a detachable swim strap and piping contrast detailing. Show off your fun and flirty side while kicking it with the boys. Color: Pink. Content: 80% Nylon 20% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Hurley Girls-Tankini-Boyshort-Tough Enough-Hurley Bikini $50 Anything he can do she can do better!  The Hurley Tough Enough Tankini and Boyshort sports a girlish ditsy floral print with contrasted trim. As the saying goes girls rule and boys drool. This 2 piece swimsuit is sold as a set. Color: Flamingo (Pink). Content: 84% Polyester 16% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Bikini Swimuit-Hurley Swimwear-Tough Enough-Hurley Bikini $82 Anything he can do you can do better! The Hurley Tough Enough Triangle Bikini Top sports a girlish ditsy floral print accentuated with blue contrast piping along the neckline.  Removable soft cups and adjustable ties at the neck and back ensure that you ll have plenty of flexibility when roughing with the guys on the beach.  Color: Blue. Content: 80% Nylon 20% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Hurley Kids-Kids One Piece Swimsuit-Tough Enough-Hurley $36 It s plaid baby! She’ll own it in the Puerto Rico One Piece Swimsuit. Details include an updated plaid print faux front tie center ruching and a Hurley logo detail.  With no-fuss features changing into her favorite one piece bathing suit is a snap! Color: Flamingo (Pink). Print Content: 84% Polyester 16% Spandex. Solid Content: 80% Nylon 20% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

O’Neill Tough Love Olive Juniors Full Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt $59.99 Gear up to battle the chill in the air with some sass and Tough Love in this full zip hoodie from O’Neill! It features comfy French cotton terry construction, a faux fur hood lining and brass details for a chic twist on army style that’ll make you look way fierce, girl.

Hurley Girl Kids Tough Tri Two Piece Swimsuit (Flamingo) $38 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Hurley Girl Tough Halter Top Two Piece Swim Suit (Pink) $44 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Womens Fox Tee – Fox Tough Love T-Shirt $23.5 Online Exclusive! Soft light weight fabric. Deep v-neckline. Printed front graphic. 25″ length. 6″ sleeve length. 15″ shoulder to shoulder length. 18″ bottom hem. Measured from a size small. Model is 59″ and wearing a size small.

Gorilla Ford Acid Green Traction Pad $39 The Gorilla Grip Ford Acid Green Traction pad features a slimmer design for smaller feet with a 3 dimensional – tapered – delta shaped arch. It’s designed to lock the foot into the back of the pad for hard turns and has increased sensitivity when the foot is forward in a trimming position.

Men’s Darn Tough Vermont Boot Full Cushion 2 Pair Pack $36.99 62% Merino wool, 34% nylon, and 4% lycra spandex construction for long-lasting performance; High density cushioning surrounds the foot and shin for added comfort; Sold in 2-pair packs; Elastic ribbing at the ankle keeps them in place and helps to reduce blisters; Small: Women’s 4-6.5, European 35-37, UK 2.5-5; Medium: Youth 6-Men’s 8.5, Women’s 7-9.5, European 37.5-41, UK 5.5-8; Large: Men’s 9-11.5, Women’s 10-12.5, European 41.5-43, UK 8.5-11; X-Large: Men’s 12+, European 43.5+, UK 11.5+; Machine wash in warm water gentle cycle with socks inside out; do not bleach, tumble dry on low heat, do not dry clean;

Women’s Darn Tough Vermont No-Show Cushion 3 Pair Pack $37.99 67% Merino wool, 29% nylon, and 4% lycra spandex construction for long-lasting performance; High density cushioning in the footbed for added comfort; Sold in 3-pair packs; Reinforced heel and toe for added durability; Small: Women’s 4-6.5, European 35-37, UK 2.5-5; Medium: Youth 6-Men’s 8.5, Women’s 7-9.5, European 37.5-41, UK 5.5-8; Large: Men’s 9-11.5, Women’s 10-12.5, European 41.5-43, UK 8.5-11; X-Large: Men’s 12+, European 43.5+, UK 11.5+; Machine wash in warm water gentle cycle with socks inside out; do not bleach, tumble dry on low heat, do not dry clean;