| First Drives
Fancy injection, a 10-speed tranny, and tons-o-tech freshen America's best-seller
ManufacturerPhotosFrank MarkusWords
There's no debating the fact that Ford is nuking its competitors in the pickup sales war. Last year, total Ford F-Series sales outmuscled the Chevrolet Silverado light- and heavy-duty truck sales by 245,923—a margin that's greater than the total number of GMC Sierras (and Nissan Titans) sold last year. A case could therefore probably have been made for redirecting midcycle development dollars elsewhere, but let's face it—no dominant world power ever truly slashes its defense budget. Hence the arsenal of upgrades rolling out on the 2018 Ford F-150 includes some dramatic powertrain spiffs.
Ford dubs its base 3.3-liter naturally aspirated and 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engines "all-new"—a moniker that's only partially hyperbolic. The 3.3-liter is heavily based on the 3.5-liter it replaces, but it hasbrand-new cylinder heads that make accommodation for both port and direct fuel injection. The bore and stroke are reduced by about 2.0 and 1.0 millimeters, respectively.
The 2.7-liter represents the second generation of this compacted-graphite-iron-block engine, with lightened cams driven by a new dual-chain setup that saves weight and reduces friction. A new electrically actuated wastegate provides more accurate turbo boost control. It also gets the port/direct injection setup—as does the merely "enhanced" 5.0-liter V-8. (Enhancements include Ford's first mass-produced application of the plasma-transferred wire arc spray cylinder bore lining process Ford introduced on the GT350's 5.2-liter engine.) All engines also get auto engine start/stop, and all but the base 3.3-liter get mounted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. (Note that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 got the dual injection, auto-start/stop, two-stage or fully variable oil pumps, and the 10-speed tranny last year in normal and high-output Raptor states of tune.)
Why spend so much money doubling the injector count and adding an additional higher-pressure fuel-delivery circuit on all these engines? To boost both economy and performance.
When you mash the go pedal for a dramatic freeway merge or to scale the Davis Dam with your camper in tow, the fuel that gets injected directly into the cylinder cools the intake charge enough to prevent knock despite increases in compression ratio on each engine. (The naturally aspirated V-6 goes from 10.8:1 to 12.0:1, the EcoBoost increases from 10.0:1 to 10.3:1, and the V-8 jumps from 10.5:1 to 12.0:1.) Then when you set the adaptive cruise control on a long, flat freeway as you cruise along in top gear in any of these engines, the port-injected fuel mixes nicely and thoroughly as it whooshes into the cylinder and burns more completely and efficiently as a result of that higher compression ratio.
The results are dramatic. Output increases on each engine, and EPA fuel economy improves. The 3.3-liter gains 8 hp and 12 lb-ft of torque while picking up 1 mpg on the city and highway cycles in both rear- and four-wheel drive; the 2.7-liter twin-turbo was tuned to optimize torque, adding 25 lb-ft at the same power level and picking up 1 mpg in the city on rear-drivers and 1 mpg each on city and highway with four-wheel drive. The 5.0-liter gains 10 hp and 13 lb-ft while adding 2/1 mpg city/highway with rear-drive and 1 mpg each with four-wheel drive. (See the spec panel for all the numbers. )
Naturally these upgrades pay dividends elsewhere in the bragging department, adding incremental pounds here and there to the max payload and trailering ratings for each configuration. Somehow the top trailer rating for the largely carry-over 3.5-liter EcoBoost rear-drive truck even managed to grow by1,000 pounds to 13,200.
So how do they drive? Starting out in the 2018 F-150's 3.3-liter V-6, the max acceleration rate felt perfectly competitive with other base engines. The low and fairly guttural engine note seems to have been tuned to encourage driving enthusiasts to spend a bit more for 2.7- or 5.0-liter, but the skin-flints, government workers, fleet jobbers, and others who get stuck driving their boss' penurious purchase will certainly never fear for their ability to join the flow of traffic when merging. The yawning gap between second and third gears in this legacy six-speed automatic draws attention to itself when driven on the same day as several 10-speed F-150s, and the performance will no doubt be improved someday if volume production drops the 10-speed's per-unit cost enough to find a home in this truck, but don't hold your breath. The good news: A Sport drive mode greatly improves throttle response and gear-selection strategy, brightening performance up considerably. (Six-speeds just get Normal, Tow/Haul, and Sport modes—the 10-speeds add settings for Wet/Snow and Eco. )
Moving up the line to the 2018 F-150's 2.7-liter brings a big bump in performance. Drop the hammer, and the transmission instantly selects the ideal ratio for peak acceleration from your current speed, always landing in a sweet spot along the broad, flat torque curve and frequently delivering a sharp jolt of acceleration. Yeehaw! And there's enough torque on tap at low rpm to permit use of 10thgear at cruising speeds of 55-60 mph in an unladen truck—far better than many nine-speeds we can name that never see top gear until at least 10 mph faster than that. Touch the +/- gear-selection lever, and you'll light up a vertical display of the gear numbers, with the selected gear in red. It's interesting to note which gears get skipped during part-throttle acceleration—and sometimes it's several of them. Wide-open throttle from rest always uses them all. With a 7,500-pound trailer attached (9,000 is the rated max), the 2.7-liter accelerated fine and seemed to maintain speed on gentle inclines with little need for wider throttle openings or transmission kickdowns.
If you value engine sound over everything else (which probably almost nobody does), then the 5.0-liter is the compelling choice. It doesn't sound like a Mustang. It sounds like a burly truck V-8, delivering its luscious fourth-order cross-plane-crank V-8 solo in a baritone/bass register, stripped of the Mustang's tenor-range tones and frequencies. Acceleration feels as strong as or slightly stronger than the 2.7-liter, but the naturally aspirated torque curve doesn't deliver quite as effortless a feeling at cruising speeds with the trailer attached. Maintaining the 55-mph posted limit required deeper digs at the throttle and a few kickdowns. It should be noted that the Sport driving mode works even better in the 10-speed paired with either the 2.7-liter or 5.0-liter. This truck's sport transmission logic is better at quickly grabbing the right gear, holding it when bending into a turn and upshifting more sharply than the transmissions in many so-called sport sedans.
On a base 2018 F-150 XL regular-cab truck, the upcharge for the 2.7-liter/10-speed powertrain is $995; for the 5.0-liter V-8 it's $1,995. After spending some time in each of them, the 2.7-liter seems to hit a sweet spot in terms of power, torque, capability, acceleration, and cost. That one is Ford's secret weapon, which is probably why it's hitting the target with the largest number of buyers—a situation that's sure to intensify for 2018 with 25 more lb-ft and four more gear ratios on tap.
| 2018 Ford F-150 | |||
| BASE PRICE | $34,265 | $35,260 | $36,260 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 2-6-pass, 2-4-door truck | ||
| ENGINE | 3.3L/290-hp/265-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6 | 2.7L/325-hp/400-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6 | 5.0L/395-hp/400-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8 |
| TRANSMISSION | 6-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | |
| CURB WEIGHT | 4,100-4,800 lb (mfr) | 4,150-4,850 lb (mfr) | 4,250-4,900 lb (mfr) |
| WHEELBASE | 122.4-163.7 in | ||
| LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT | 209.3-250.5 x 79.9 x 75.1-77.3 in | ||
| 0-60 MPH | 7.0-7.3 sec (MT est) | 6.3-6.5 sec (MT est) | 5.8-6.3 sec (MT est) |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 18-19/23-25/20-22 mpg | 19-20/24-26/21-22 mpg | 16-17/22-23/18-19 mpg |
| ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY | 177-187/135-147 kW-hrs/100 miles | 169-177/130-140 kW-hrs/100 miles | 198-211/147-153 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 0.91-0.97 lb/mile (est) | 0.87-0.93 lb/mile | 1.01-1.06 lb/mile |
| ON SALE IN U.S. | Fall 2017 | ||
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FAQs
What engine is failing in 2018 F-150? ›
Some of the more recent F150s that run the Coyote engine, namely the 2018 to 2020 models, began experiencing fuel injection system issues. As a result, the affected trucks would lose power, hesitate upon acceleration and generally show signs of fuel starvation.
Is there a recall on the 2018 Ford F-150 transmission? ›Ford has issued a recall on nearly 350,000 vehicles due to a transmission issue that may result in the car moving after it has been placed in park and the driver has removed the keys. This Ford recall includes 2018 Ford F-150 trucks and 2018 Ford Expedition SUVs that are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
At what mileage does Ford F-150 start to become unreliable? ›Be Wary of 2004-2009 F-150s Due to Frequent Reports of Motors and Transmissions Failing as Early as 100,000 Miles. In general, the Ford F-150 holds a reputation for being reliable.
What is the most common problems with Ford F-150? ›Powertrain issues, problems, and complaints are some of the most common concerns that owners of 2021 Ford F-150 trucks have been experienced. Some of the most frequently reported issues include problems with the transmission, engine trouble, and difficulty with the four-wheel drive system.
What are the common problems with 2018 f150 EcoBoost? ›- Intercooler Condensation. Cost to fix: $500.
- Timing Chain Wear. Cost to fix: $2000.
- Ignition Issues. Cost to fix: $241-$284.
- Carbon Buildup. Cost to fix: $400-600.
The IIHS named the 2018 Ford F-150 a Top Safety Pick, but reported structural issues and faulty powertrains have marred the popular truck's near-perfect record. Frozen latches, malfunctioning side steps, and a structural degradation recall are among 2018 model's problems.
How much does it cost to replace a 2018 Ford F-150 transmission? ›2018 Ford F-150 Transmission Cost
The cost of a new 2018 Ford F-150 transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the vehicle, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are considerably less expensive, in some cases costing less than $150.
2018 Ford F-150 Warranty
The Ford F-150 is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Ford F150 Excessive Oil Burn Lawsuit Overview
The Lyman v. Ford lawsuit alleges that the 2018-2020 Ford F-150 trucks with 5-L “Coyote” engines have a high rate of oil consumption. The oil change indicator may light up as soon as 3,000 miles after the last oil change.
Some of the worst model years of the Ford F-150 (and the ones you should avoid buying) are 2004, 2005, and 2010.
What years of F-150 to avoid? ›
Some of the worst model years of the Ford F-150 and the ones you should avoid buying are the 2004, 2005, 2010, and 2015 model years. Although the F-150 has a decent reputation, these models have proven to be quite problematic.
What year model is the best F-150? ›- 2010 Ford F-150. The 2010 Ford F-150 is special in particular as it was the first model year for the SVT Raptor. ...
- 2011 Ford F-150. 2011 was a milestone year for the F-150. ...
- 2014 Ford F-150. ...
- 2015 Ford F-150. ...
- 2018 Ford F-150.
2003-2008 F-150s featured one of two main engine options: Ford's 4.6 L Triton, or 3-valve 5.4 L 3V Triton V8. There were a great many wonderful and reliable trucks and engines in this period, but one to avoid is the 2004 F-150, which is known for having one of the worst engines in the history of automobiles.
What is the best year for the Ford F-150 pickup? ›2015-2020 Ford F-150
Specifically, the 2018 F-150 is easily one of the best and most reliable models of pickup trucks, thanks to its high durability ratings and great mileage. The 2019 model is also a standout with excellent critics and user reviews.
Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Ford F-150 since it combines good reliability with excellent performance, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the high towing capacity, upscale interior, as well as the 4WD system.
Is the 2018 EcoBoost a good engine? ›For the most part, the Ford EcoBoost found in many models has proven overall to be a good and reliable engine. However, due to design engineers trying to improve on a design that already works to improve its performance, it can sometimes turn into one of those “the best laid plans of mice and men” type of thing.
How many miles will a 2018 f150 last? ›But, how long does a Ford F-150 last? A Ford F-150 is expected to last around 200,000 miles when properly cared for. Since the average driver clocks in about 12,000 miles per year, this comes out to roughly 17 years.
Does 2018 F 150 have transmission problems? ›A technical service bulletin in 2018 was issued to dealers recommending reprograming the truck's ECU over harsh shifting. But harsh shifting is still experienced by owners after being returned. And in some cases, as noted in NHTSA complaints, once back from the dealer the issues are worse, not better.
What year did Ford fix the spark plug problem? ›That original 2006 TSB has been updated several times, with the final one being TSB 08-7-6 (you can easily find it on the web). For 2008, Ford redesigned the 3V cylinder head to use a new one-piece spark plug.
What is the drivetrain warranty on a 2018 Ford F-150? ›All new models come standard with a 3-year/36,000-mile Ford factory warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
How often should you change transmission fluid in Ford F150? ›
Transmission Fluid Flush
You should replace your F-150's transmission fluid every 60,000 miles.
As thousands of consumers who have purchased or leased a defective 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta or 2012-2015 Ford Focus have discovered, their transmissions and clutch assembly may contain a defect that causes, among other problems, transmission shuddering, slips, bucking, kicking, jerking, harsh engagement, premature ...
Did Ford fix the transmission problems? ›No, Ford hasn't fixed its transmission problems. Ford refuses to repair or replace the 10-speed transmissions, according to multiple lawsuits.
Does Ford have a $100 000-mile warranty? ›Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage, every Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle also comes with 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage (ask your dealer for warranty details).
Does Ford factory warranty transfer to new owner? ›Does the Ford Warranty transfer to a new owner? If you have purchased a previously owned vehicle, you are eligible for any remaining New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage and other warranties based on the Warranty Start Date and mileage of the vehicle.
Did Ford extend transmission warranty? ›This letter announced that Ford had extended the warranty on your transmission to your warranty seven (7) years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Ford also announced that it was directing its dealerships to service your transmission free of charge. Service my transmission?
Is the 2018 F-150 5.0 a good engine? ›Introduced in the 12th generation F-150, the 5.0 Engine has been a solid engine option for owners. Dubbed the “Coyote,” the 5.0 engine is praised for its power, reliability, and overall ease of ownership.
Is there a recall on 2018 F-150 5.0 oil consumption? ›According to Lyman v. Ford, 2018–2020 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 5-L “Coyote” engines consume oil at excessively high rates. The lawsuit alleges that the oil change indicator could light up as soon as 3,000 miles after the previous oil change.
Why is Ford discontinuing the F-150? ›Ford halts production of electric F-150 because of possible battery issue.
What octane gas does a Ford F-150 5.0 take? ›Ford states in their owner's manual for the 2022 F-150, the truck recommended fuel type is 87 octane. So, for an everyday drive, regular fuel is just fine.
Should I get EcoBoost or GT? ›
As you can see, the main difference between the 2021 Ford Mustang GT and EcoBoost is under the hood. Spend a little extra on the Mustang GT and you get more of a classic Mustang performance but, if you want to spend a little less, the Mustang EcoBoost delivers a sporty ride at a friendly price.
Are all F-150 5.0 Coyote engines? ›Is the F-150 5.0 a coyote? Yes. While there are differences between the F-150 5.0 and the Mustang Coyote V8, they share the same block and general makeup.
What years did 3.5 EcoBoost have problems? ›Some 2011-2012 F-150 models equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine may exhibit an intermittent stumble and/or misfire on hard acceleration after an extended drive at highway speeds during high humidity or damp conditions. This driveability concern was due condensation trapped in the intercooler.
What years to avoid 3.5 EcoBoost? ›The 3.5-liter timing chain issues mostly affected the first years of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost from 2010 to 2014. The chain scratches, as most timing chains eventually do.
What is the most unreliable Ford truck? ›Even though Ford has been one of the top-selling trucks for numerous years, the Triton motor found in the early 2000s was a huge mistake. Along with those trucks, the 2008 Ford F-250 and F-350 only had a reliability rating of 6 out of 100, making them the most unreliable trucks on the road.
What year F-150 has transmission problems? ›According to Vehicle History, these problems tend to occur with models between 2017 and 2020. There is even a class-action lawsuit against Ford because of the transmission. So clearly, it has impacted a variety of owners.
What year did F-150 have aluminum body? ›Since 2015, Ford has made their popular F-150 truck out of aluminum. Then, in 2017, they also started creating their F-Series Super-Duty trucks out of aluminum as well.
Which F-150 engine is best? ›Evidently, the best Ford F-150 engine for longevity is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrain. However, if you are a 5.0-liter engine fan, and you are still wondering which F-150 engine is most reliable between the 3.5-liter EcoBoost or the 5.0-liter, the answer is straight-forward.
Which F-150 is the strongest? ›FORD RAPTOR R SHOW
The top of the line sport truck comes with a 700 hp supercharged V8 that makes it the most powerful F-150 Ford has ever built, boasting 250 hp more than the F-150 Raptor's turbocharged V6.
The Ford STX meaning is either Sports Truck Extreme or Sports Truck Extra.
How often should I change the oil in my Ford F-150? ›
When to Change Oil in Your Ford Vehicle. Ford Motor Company recommends that you change your oil every 7,500 miles if your Ford model is from 2008 or newer. If your vehicle is from 2007 or earlier, you should have your oil changed every 5,000 miles.
At what speed is a F-150 most fuel efficient? ›The most obvious way to save gas when driving your F150 is to limit abrupt accelerating and braking. For the best efficiency, limit your speeds to 65 mph.
Which EcoBoost engine is best? ›The 3.5L EcoBoost engine delivers power and torque on more performance-driven vehicles like the GT, or any F-150 trim for enhanced towing ability (the 3.5L engine is standard on the Limited trim). If fuel efficiency is what you're after, the 2.7L option delivers impressive numbers.
Which F-150 engine gets the best gas mileage? ›- The 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, with a combined rate of 22 mpg. ...
- The 3.3-liter V6 engine can get up to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, with a combined rate of 21 mpg.
What Years Were the Most Reliable? The years since the 2017 re-release of the EcoBoost engine, especially the 2018 model, have been the most reliable. The 2018 model remains one of the favorite years for EcoBoost enthusiasts because it offers plenty of features and power without the bugs the previous years faced.
Is the F-150 really the best selling truck? ›DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 03, 2023 – Ford F-Series will surpass 640,000 trucks in 2022, making it America's best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years and America's best-selling vehicle for 41 years after selling an average of at least one F-Series Truck every 49 seconds last year.
What engine failure is Ford recalling? ›NHTSA is investigating 2021 model year Ford Bronco SUVs due t reports of catastrophic engine failure. The failure point allegedly stems from valves dropping into their respective cylinders and causing serious internal damage. This issue could affect over 25,000 Ford Broncos equipped with the engine.
Is the 2018 f150 5.0 a coyote engine? ›The 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote, now with dual-port and direct-injection technology, and a spray-on cylinder bore liner just like the Mustang GT350, makes 395 hp (up 10) and 400 pounds-feet of torque (up 13). It will get the 10-speed.
Is there a recall on F-150 3.5 EcoBoost? ›Ford has issued a recall alert for nearly 280,000 trucks and SUVs equipped with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The vehicles are at risk of a brake fluid leak that could lead to a loss of braking power.
What year is the most reliable Ford F-150? ›2015-2020 Ford F-150
Specifically, the 2018 F-150 is easily one of the best and most reliable models of pickup trucks, thanks to its high durability ratings and great mileage. The 2019 model is also a standout with excellent critics and user reviews.
Are new Ford engines broken in at the factory? ›
All vehicles have a different break-in period, and some have even been broken-in at the factory before they were sent to the dealership. According to Ford, a new Ford engine's break-in period is 1,000 miles.
What is the alleged Ford EcoBoost engine defect? ›Ford's EcoBoost engine may contain a design defect that is responsible for the engine damage that Ford drivers have been experiencing. Unfortunately, it appears that coolant easily leaks into grooves on the engine's cylinder head. Leaking coolant can cause any of the following lemon issues: Overheating.
What is the newest Ford recall? ›Ford recalls 1.5 million vehicles for brake hose and windshield wiper issues : NPR. Ford recalls 1.5 million vehicles for brake hose and windshield wiper issues The automaker is recalling nearly 1.3 million 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans, as well as 220,000 F-150 pickups from 2021.
Is Ford discontinuing the 5.0 Coyote engine? ›While Ford plans to wind down 5.0-liter production in October, two new production shifts are expected to open up at the Windsor plant annex in November. John D'Agnolo, president of Essex plant union Unifor Local 200, saw the move coming.
What's the difference between a 5.0 and a 5.0 Coyote? ›While they are both modern American V8s, the Coyote is a very different engine from the ones GM uses. At 5.0 liters it's significantly smaller in displacement and also uses an overhead cam design vs the OHV setup on the LS and LT engines. The DOHC design of the Coyote has both advantages of disadvantages.
Is the 2018 F-150 5.0 reliable? ›Reliability 7/10 – There are no major mechanical problems on the 2018 Ford F-150. In general models from 2011–2021 are decent choices with good reliability ratings. Performance 9/10 – Performance is okay from the base engines, while the V8 as well as the high-output EcoBoost V6 are very quick for a truck.
What are the worst years for 3.5 EcoBoost? ›What Years Were the Most Unreliable? The 2011, 2013, and 2015-year models tended to be the most unreliable and have more problems. In the 2011 model, there were nine individual issues cited related to the engine. Some of those problems included stalling and loss of power.
What years of F-150 EcoBoost to avoid? ›Some of the worst model years of the Ford F-150 and the ones you should avoid buying are the 2004, 2005, 2010, and 2015 model years. Although the F-150 has a decent reputation, these models have proven to be quite problematic.