Ford F-150
2015-2020
The F-150 represents the quintessential American pickup truck, balancing rugged capability with modern refinement. Its aluminum body revolution maintained the truck's legendary durability while dramatically improving efficiency and performance.
Quick Take
The thirteenth-generation F-150 introduced aluminum body construction, reducing weight by up to 700 pounds while maintaining strength. Available with multiple engine options from naturally aspirated V6 to twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost, offering best-in-class towing capacity up to 12,200 pounds.
Best For
Key Strength
Aluminum Body Revolution
Watch For
Interior Quality Lag
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Building on over 40 years as America's best-selling truck, this generation marked Ford's boldest engineering decision with the switch to aluminum construction. The F-150's legacy of innovation continued with advanced powertrains and smart technologies for the modern workforce.
Design Philosophy
Form follows function with purposeful design elements that enhance capability and aerodynamics. The aluminum body allowed for more complex stamping and sculpted surfaces while maintaining the F-150's commanding presence and unmistakable truck proportions.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivers surprising refinement with turbo V8-like torque delivery from low RPMs. Power builds smoothly and consistently, providing effortless acceleration whether empty or fully loaded, with a sophisticated character that belies its workhorse nature.
Chassis Dynamics
Engineered primarily for capability and comfort rather than sportiness, with composed highway manners and confident towing stability. The lighter aluminum body improves front-end feel and reduces nose-dive under braking while maintaining the solid, planted feel customers expect.
Sound Signature
The EcoBoost V6 produces a muted, refined growl that's more sophisticated than aggressive.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
Ford's switch to aluminum body construction saved over 700 pounds while maintaining strength. This weight reduction improves fuel economy, payload capacity, and overall performance while providing better corrosion resistance than traditional steel bodies.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivers 375-450 hp depending on tune, rivaling V8 power with better efficiency. Twin turbos provide strong low-end torque for towing while maintaining respectable fuel economy in normal driving conditions.
Honest Tradeoffs
Despite being America's best-selling truck, interior materials feel cheap and plasticky compared to competitors. The design is functional but lacks the refinement found in Ram or GM trucks at similar price points.
The 10-speed automatic introduced in 2017 has been plagued with harsh shifting, hunting between gears, and premature failure issues. Many owners report needing transmission work within 100k miles.
Ideal Owner
Working professionals and recreational users who need genuine truck capability with daily driving refinement.