My dad bought a 2011 F-150 3.5L

[dodge man]

I expect it to work out O.K. 30 years ago, I'd say no, but with the better metalurgy, and tolerances, it will work.

 

[handirifle]

4000 hours is 6 months..... kind of doubt a private tester did this.

Never said it was a private tester. It was Ford's factory test, done by Ford personnel, on a Ford dyno, done around the clock. If run for 6 months, 24/7 than that actually equals 4320hrs, so is easily doable.

I am not pushing the Ford, as I stated, I am STILL skeptical of all the technology, and am a HAPPY '06 Tundra owner. I changed from a life long dedicated GM fan, till I took gave the '06 GMC 1500 back to GM on the lemon law, and was told by the dealer I ought to buy a Toyota, so I did. Best advice I ever got fro ma car dealer. That said, no matter who you buy from, in my opinion, it's a crap shoot.

Yes there are suckers born every day, but I am not one of them. There are surely gaps in the test, and there is never a mention if anything else on the truck ever broke, but they do say the engine never did. Truth? Time will tell, but I'd like to see my Tundra, someone elses GM or Ford or Dodge do the same test. THAT would be interesting.

 

[davygp38]

I am not a Ford person. That said I applaud them for this effort and I hope it works out. If this technology pans out it will force other makers to up the ante so to speak.

I am all for a full size P/U that gets better mileage and has reasonable power for lighter duty towing jobs. I have a diesel for the real work.

Time as always will tell the story!

The price of a new truck is so high, that I do not know how anybody can consider buying a new truck, because they are loyal to a brand. These Factory spec sheets, and torture tests are helpful. You have to start somewhere when your looking for a new truck. I am looking for a new 1 ton Diesel. I have the factory specs for Ford GM, and Dodge. I then look for the torture tests, and the "expert opinions." After that, real world opinions. From there I have an idea what I want to test drive. I will admit I do give some weight to past experience with the truck brand. I can truthfully say that when I pull the trigger I know I did my homework.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The price of a new truck is so high, that I do not know how anybody can consider buying a new truck, because they are loyal to a brand. These Factory spec sheets, and torture tests are helpful. You have to start somewhere when your looking for a new truck. I am looking for a new 1 ton Diesel. I have the factory specs for Ford GM, and Dodge. I then look for the torture tests, and the "expert opinions." After that, real world opinions. From there I have an idea what I want to test drive. I will admit I do give some weight to past experience with the truck brand. I can truthfully say that when I pull the trigger I know I did my homework.

If you are looking at Dodge check out the new Car and Driver, the one with the Boss 302 on it. The have some interesting comments on the long range test of a 2500 Cummins.

Chris

 

[slowzuki]

Was at a dealer the other day, the price to go to an ecoboost in a stripped out base model 2wd reg cab was only 1000$ more on the door sticker. It included the beefy rear axle upgrade and increased towing and payload capacity in that price. I was really impressed to say the least.

 

[TCowner]

I drove the 2011 F150 XLT 4x4 from Rochester MN to Milwaukee WI on Saturday for the Bon Jovi concert. On the trip down I got 18.9 mpg which was a bit of disappointment. I was expecting better. I set the cruise at 70-72. But we were in a heavy downpour from Rochester to Tomah WI and I94 going into Milwaukee is being reconstructed and we were down to 15-30 mph for about 20 miles. It also included some stop and go traffic as the exit to our hotel was closed and we were re-routed. I admit, I struggle in the big city.

The trip home however, resulted in 20.4 mpg. It was a clear day with light traffic and the traffic heading West out of Milwaukee moved nicely and we were able to maintain a steady speed of 60-65. Once out of the construction we went up to 70-72 again. With the exception of a lunch stop it was clear sailing the rest of the way.

So, over all, not too bad. I was hoping for about 21 but that is all the EPA rates the truck at. Perhaps a little more conservative driving like a steady 65 mph would have gotten me the 21 mpg.

The same trip 3 years ago with my 5.4 Triton in the 2004 F150 I got just over 17 mpg. So the 2-3 mpg improvement that I was hoping for seems to be there. Plus, there is no comparison in the power. The 3.5 TT is a hot rod compared to my 5.4.

If the new engine can live as long as the old engines then I think Ford has a hit on their hands.

 

[Dmace]

The trip home however, resulted in 20.4 mpg.

How many miles on the truck? Quad cab or Extended?
It may improve with break-in.

 

[Diamondpilot]

How many miles on the truck? Quad cab or Extended?
It may improve with break-in.

Just to add to that what fuel? In Indiana where I live all fuel is required to have a minimum of 10% ethanol. From my testing in 2005ish, 10% equaled a 1.5mpg loss of economy compared to pure gas. This was all done at the 87 octane level.

We are only allowed pure gas for off road use. I can get it at 3 Marinas in my area and when I fill my boat there versus the local gas station were I am getting 10% Ethanol I can tell a difference also.

You can bet that Ford just like any other manufacture is putting the best foot forward when testing. Light truck, perfect atmospheric conditions, perfect fuel, no wind, tire pressure right on, ect.

Chris

 

[deerefan]

The 3.5 is impressive and time will tell on longevity. I am surprised no one is mentioning the 3.7 which quite honestly fits probably 80% of us and our needs. If i remember correctly, it gets about 20mpg and has a tow cap of 6k lbs or so. Good all around engine too and cheaper in cost and repairs than the 3.5.

 

[TCowner]

The ecoboost F150 has around 1500 miles now. It is the crew cab (4 door) and I was using regular unleaded which I believe in blended with 10% alcohol.