Editors' Choice, Truck of the Year: Ford F-150
Most significant truck of 2004

It wasn't that long ago that the F-150, long the US truck leader in terms of sales and reputation, was getting battered by increasingly sophisticated trucks from its domestic competitors. And, to make things worse, Nissan had brought out a remarkable new full-size truck, the Titan, which loomed on the horizon as a serious threat.

You'd think that seven years of selling 900,000 trucks was enough to scare the wolfpack away.

Not so. But what just might do the trick is the new 2004 Ford F-150. As far as we're concerned, the F-150 is such a big step up the evolutionary ladder that right now there are only followers in its class. After 55 years of legacy, it still wins King of the Hill, with best-in-class towing capability, a new engine, new suspension and a quieter, more responsive ride. What stands out is its SUV comfort and convenience, with a completely overhauled interior, along with improved stowage and convenience, as well as its 3 cab sizes, varying bed lengths and two new engine choices. Best of all is its styling, especially the F4X-off road version. With 26 variations in a price range between $21,000 and $37,000, there's an F-150 for just about anybody inclined to buy a truck.