Large pickup truck; Built in USA
  • crew cab
  • crew cab
  • ext. cab
  • ext. cab
  • ext. cab
  • reg. cab
  • reg. cab
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $7,100 – $51,200*


2009 Ford F-150 Front


2009 Ford F-150 Rear


2009 Ford F-150 Interior


2009 Ford F-150 Interior-2

Pros:
  • Passenger and cargo room (SuperCrew)
  • Serious off-road capability (Raptor)
  • Towing/hauling capability
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Close-quarters maneuverability
  • Rear visibility (regular cab)

The redesigned F-150 improved in almost every way. Ford paid particular attention to the needs of SuperCrew buyers and commercial users-which together make up the vast majority of sales-and it shows. Surprisingly, Ford still doesn’t offer a 4WD system that can be left engaged on dry pavement; but in most other respects, the Best Buy (2009-12) F-150 is a strong competitor and a must-see for those shopping full-size pickups.

Overview

Ford redesigned its highly popular full-size pickup for 2009, giving it more power, greater passenger room, and numerous new features. A 248-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 replaced a 202-hp V6 as the base engine, and it mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A 292-hp version of the 4.6-liter and a 310-hp 5.4-liter V8 also were available, both matched to a six-speed automatic. The 5.4-liter V8 was capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel, yielding 320 horsepower. F-150 pickups might have rear-drive or four-wheel drive, which could not be left engaged on dry pavement but included low-range gearing for off-road use. Standard safety features included antilock brakes, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

Three cab styles again were offered, though not on every model: regular cab (which deleted its former rear access doors); SuperCab (extended cab), with rear-hinged back doors that did not open independently of the fronts; and SuperCrew (crew cab), which had four conventional doors and gained six inches in length, mostly benefiting rear-seat legroom. Cargo box choices included 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot Styleside beds and a 6.5-foot Flareside bed. Seven trim levels were offered: base XL, sporty STX, off-road-oriented FX4, midlevel XLT, uplevel King Range and Lariat, and new line-topping Platinum.

Newly available features included a hideaway side step for access to the pickup bed, a tailgate step, a retractable cable lock to secure items in the bed, and a capless fuel filler. New electronic devices included Ford’s Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system, a voice-activated navigation system that could provide real-time traffic information, and a rearview camera. For fleet users, the F-150 could contain a built-in dashboard computer with available printer, a tool inventory system, and a vehicle tracking device. Also new was an SFE (Superior Fuel Economy) package for 2WD models with the 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. That package included low-rolling-resistance tires and a different axle ratio for a 1-mpg increase in the EPA highway fuel economy estimate. Maximum payload capacity was 3030 pounds on regular cabs, 2650 on SuperCabs, and 1760 for CrewCabs. Peak towing capacity was 11,300 pounds on all models. Large-pickup rivals included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.

Yearly Updates

2010 F-150
Ford’s full-size pickup lineup expanded to include a revamped Harley-Davidson model, as well as an off-road-oriented version called the SVT Raptor. Launched during the 2010 model year, the Raptor could hold a new 6.2-liter V8 that generated 411 horsepower. More than 7 inches wider than a regular F-150, Raptors got specific trim and an off-road suspension. The Harley-Davidson pickup had all-wheel drive with low-range gearing, as well as a sport suspension. Its SuperCrew cab featured unique exterior and interior trim. Ford’s 6.5-foot Flareside cargo bed was discontinued, except for the Raptor. All 2WD models with the 4.6-liter “3V” V8 engine got improved fuel economy (15/21 mpg), comparable to the previous SFE edition. King Ranch and Platinum models added second-row heated seats and a power sliding window with defroster.
2011 F-150
The 2011 Ford F-150 lineup received several new engine offerings, including a newly standard 3.7-liter V6, a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, and more powerful V8s.
2012 F-150
Only minor changes marked the Ford F-150 for 2012.
2013 F-150
2013 was a year of evolutionary changes. On the outside, all models got a revised front grille along with optional power folding and telescopic exterior trailer-tow mirrors. Inside, you could order the brand’s MyFord Touch interface. Joining the lineup this year was a new top-end Limited trim level.
2014 F-150
Changes were minor for 2014 as Ford prepped an all-new F-150 that would debut for the 2015 model year. However, Ford did add a sporty new Tremor model with the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Through 2010, Ford offered two 4.6-liter V8 engines and a 5.4-liter V8 in the F-150. The 248-horsepower 4.6-liter mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. Both the 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 and the 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 mated with a six-speed automatic. (When running on an E85 ethanol blend, the 5.4-liter V8 develops 320 hp.) An F-150 may have either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that could not be left engaged on dry pavement. Only the Harley-Davidson model added for 2010 was offered with AWD. SVT Raptor models, added in 2010, could hold either the 320-hp 5.4-liter V8 or a 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 with six-speed automatic. For 2011, the base engine became a new 302-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Available on most models was a new 360-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Newly standard on the Raptor and Harley-Davidson and offered on some other models was a 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Added midyear was a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 365 horsepower. The 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 are capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission for all models.

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 248
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 294
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic 15/19
ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 292
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 320
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 15/21
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.7/226
Engine HP 302
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 278
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 17/23
ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.4/330
Engine HP 310-320
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 365-390
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 14/20 15.8
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 360
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 380
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 15/21 16
Turbocharged dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/214
Engine HP 365
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 420
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 16/22 16

Road Test

Performance, as expected, varies with the engine. A 4WD Lariat SuperCrew with the 5.4-liter V8 delivered good acceleration away from a stop, in around-town driving, and in highway passing. Ford’s six-speed automatic transmission kicks down quickly under part-throttle application, but downshifts are sometimes delayed when the throttle is floored. One test truck suffered rough upshifts from low speed. Among the new-for-2011 offerings, the base 3.7-liter V6 has enough muscle to move a 2WD crew cab truck and two passengers, but it never quite manages to feel quick. The 5.0-liter V8 is notably stronger in any situation, with satisfying grunt. The available 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 is impressively strong. It has a nice flat torque curve, and at worst minimal turbo lag. In towing demonstrations organized by Ford, EcoBoost-powered F-150s navigated rolling sections of freeway with ease while pulling 6900-pound trailers. The Raptor’s 6.2-liter V8 is extraordinarily powerful, with a transmission that delivers decisive, yet smooth shifts.

Fuel economy sets no frugality records, but falls in line with big pickups. A test 4WD Lariat SuperCrew with the 5.4-liter V8 averaged 16.0 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. A 4WD SuperCab with that engine averaged 14.6 mpg. All engines run on regular-grade gasoline. The 5.4-liter V8 can also run on an E85 ethanol blend.

Smaller bumps are easily absorbed, but even moderate-size jolts are followed by a reverberation that’s typical in pickup trucks. The tail end can hop on rough roads without some weight in the bed-also typical of pickups.

Firm, responsive steering complements capable handling to make the F-150 among the more agile-feeling trucks in this class. But like other big pickups, it’s ponderous in tight maneuvers. Brakes offer good pedal modulation. While very quiet overall for a pickup, the F-150 still suffers noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.

Gauges are easy to read but might seem small to some drivers. Audio and climate controls are mounted high, just out of easy reach. Basic functions aren’t absorbed by the optional navigation system-a significant plus.

Lower-line models are rather stark inside. Even though the uplevel Lariat has few padded surfaces, it features faux wood and aluminum trim that helps dress up a two-tone cabin. Overall, that looks about as good as hard plastic can.

Front occupants get plenty of room on comfortable, supportive seats. Step-in is high, particularly on 4WD models, but large doors and available running boards aid entry/exit. Visibility is generally good in SuperCab and SuperCrew models-the latter aided by side pillars that are thick, but now mounted 6 inches farther rearward. However, the regular cab, which forfeited its former access door, has huge rear pillars that block a lot of the view to the back corners.

SuperCrews added about 4.5 inches of rear-seat legroom over the pre-2009 model, leaving abundant space for the largest occupants-even with the front seats all the way back. A wide seat and flat floor allow easy three-abreast seating. The SuperCab’s seatback was further reclined to aid comfort-which it does. There’s enough headroom and legroom for an average-size adult as long as the front seats aren’t pushed far back.

Cargo space excels. The SuperCrew’s rear seat cushion can be folded up to reveal a wide, flat-floor load space along with handy grocery-bag hooks. Cabin small-item storage is quite good, with the huge center console and a few small bins making up for a tiny glovebox. The cargo bed might be outfitted with dual side rails that can host adjustable tie-down cleats, removable bins, a bed divider, and a collapsible bed extender. Other available accessories have included a retractable cable lock for tools or equipment, and a computerized tool inventory system so that needed tools aren’t accidentally left at the shop or job site.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2009 Ford F-150

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 9
90%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 60

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
144.4 231.7 78.9 74.3 5137
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1420 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 40.3 41.4 43.5
crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
156.6 243.7 78.9 74.3 5270
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1430 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 40.3 41.4 43.5
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
133 219.9 78.9 74.4 5042
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1460 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 39.7 41.4 33.4
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
144.5 231.7 78.9 71.5 5048
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1480 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 39.7 41.4 33.4
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
163.2 250.3 78.9 75.9 5485
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2660 26.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 39.7 41.4 33.4
reg. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
126.0 213.1 78.9 74.6 4693
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1640 26.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 NA 41.4 NA
reg. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
144.5 231.7 78.9 76.2 4803
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1850 26.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 NA 41.4 NA
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2009 F-150 crew cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: The complete caliper assembly may need to be replaced because of sticking or binding front brake caliper. (2011)
Transmission leak
Description: Transmission leak from bell housing and transmission case. (2012-13)
Vehicle shake
Description: The driveline may shudder when accelerating, requiring adjustment of the rear pinion angle. (2009-10)
Vehicle shake
Description: A slip-bump may be felt upon light acceleration or braking on trucks with a two-piece driveshaft. This requires lubrication of the slip yoke on the shaft. (2009-10)
Water leak
Description: Water may leak at the right side grab handle on the A-pillar if the truck is equipped with satellite radio, requiring sealing with silicone sealant. (2009-10)
Transmission problems
Description: There can be noise from the front-hub-intergrated-wheel-end in 2WD drive. Noise will stop when vehicle is shifted to 4WD. (2011-13)
Transmission problems
Description: Planetary gear assembly may fail, resulting grinding, gear slippage, vibration, and loss of reverse. (2009)
Software problems
Description: There may be excessive background noise on phone calls, poor voice recognition, failed USB port, or USB not working on non-Apple devices or with the SYNC system. Revising the module software and replacing the microphone is required. (2009-10)

Recall History

2009 F-150
Description: Brake stop lamp switch on some vehicles may be improperly adjusted, which could result in delay in lamp illumination when brake pedal is depressed; or, with very mild brake application, stop lamps may not illuminate at all.
2009-2010 F-150
Description: In the event of a side impact crash, the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open. Owners will be initially notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer if any interior door handle is loose or fails to return to the stowed position after activation.
2011 F-150
Description: These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (IDS) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (BCM) serial number. Based on the serial number the BCM was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a BCM that required replacement. Affected BCMs may have the potential for an internal short. If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.
2011 F-150 through 550
Description: Due to a brake shift interlock switch problem, truck can be shifted out of park without the driver pressing the brake pedal.
2011-2012 F-150
Description: Transmission may not go into reverse when the drive puts the shift lever into position for reverse. When vehicle is in reverse, dashboard “R” light and exterior back-up light may not illuminate.
2012 F-150
Description: Occupant classification system module (OCSM) has faulty software that can affect whether or not the passenger airbags deploy and when.
2013-14 F-150
Description: The brake master cylinder rear seal cup may be defective and allow brake fluid to leak. This could lead to brake failure.
2014 F-150
Description: Occupant classification system module (OCSM) may inaccurately register passenger weight and improperly suppress airbag deployment, increasing risk of injury in an accident.
2014 F-150
Description: Brake stop lamp switch on some vehicles may be improperly adjusted, which could result in delay in lamp illumination when brake pedal is depressed; or, with very mild brake application, stop lamps may not illuminate at all.
2014 F-150
Description: Faulty electronic power steering could lead to to total loss of steering control.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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