DRIVERS LOG.(News)

2004 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab

Date in fleet: Aug. 5-11 As-tested price: $35,435 Powertrain: 5.4-liter V8; 4wd, four-speed automatic HP: 300 @ 5000 rpm Torque: 365 @ 3750 rpm Curb weight: 5495 pounds MPG (EPA COMBINED/AW OBSERVED): 15.9/11.05

KOVACH: The interior is simple, clean and user-friendly. In my brief time in the new F-150, I was stopped twice by anxious truck guys who had to look it over, like it was a Ferrari. Maybe to true truck guys it is. On my pothole-filled commute into work, I bashed over the bumps I usually try to avoid in regular vehicles. The F-150, unloaded, soaked 'em up impressively, with no big bounces.

GRITZINGER: I may be one of the few so far to drive the new F-150 back-to-back with the latest competitor, the Nissan Titan. I can say the F-150 remains the best truck for the masses, with smooth power, solid, quiet and comfortable ride, instant brake response and superb interior. Nissan's full-size truck entry is a touch more powerful (Titan is 5 hp and 14 lb-ft stronger, and is geared for more low-end power), rides on a tauter suspension, has a tighter, heavier steering feel, and sports more in-your-face styling. I'm not surprised that Ford's latest take on the big truck attracts attention. It has enough of the Mighty Tonka concept styling to make the little boy in all of us want to go play in dirt piles for days on end. Vrrooom, vrrooomm.

STOLL: Throw me in that dirt pile. I like this truck, a lot. And I really like the way the F-150 carries itself down the road. Yes, the interior is spacious and symmetrical, exterior styling subtle but masculine, but it's about driving. The first test was to maneuver through the parking garage, tight squeezes and all. It behaved marvelously, tackling a sport coupe's task with a grace and dignity never expected from a full-sizer. Great brakes, stellar rack-and-pinion. Next, I drove around Detroit for an hour and wished that I could extend my stay in the truck to a full week, throw some weight in the bed or pop it ...