Today’s trucks are getting so sophisticated and comfortable, one can easily forget they are traveling in one. Well, not exactly. At least pickup-fans wouldn’t think so. It’s just that they are so much more friendly than pickups of the past, they are quickly becoming the vehicle of choice for men and women alike.

No surprise then that sales of Ford’s world-beater F-150 pickup are up 10 percent from 2003. According to stats, at this writing, Ford has sold 64,737 F-Series trucks so far in 2004. And with this all-new for 2004 F-Series Ford has added even more refinement as it strives to remain America’s best-selling pickup.

However, in May of this year, Ford Motor Co. offered to pay as much as $1,500 for some of the light-duty F-150 pickup trucks sold that month to its dealers. The cash program was yet another sign of cutthroat competition in the industry as sales failed to meet expectations. The new F-150 pickup, which went into production last September, was poised to beat Ford’s 2001 sales record when they sold more than 911,500 F-Series trucks.

Offering the industry’s largest variety of configurations, the F-Series is available in three cab choices, three box lengths, two box styles, and five unique series: entry level F-150 XL, F-150 STX, all-purpose F-150 XLT, F-150 FX4 and the F-150 Lariat. For 2005, Ford will offer an all-new F-150 King Ranch. All cab versions will feature four doors.

Our test F-150 FX-4 Super Crew carried a MSRP of $34,185, a lot to pay for a pickup, you might think. By the time it was done, the FX-4 Super Crew was a whopping $37,050 ($795 destination) with six options. The options that came on our test F-150 included Sport cloth Captain’s Chairs ($595), Trailer Tow Package ($350), 6 CD changer ($295), Black Tubular Running Boards ($300), Power Driver’s Seat ($285), and Reverse Sensing System ($245). A fairly new feature in the last year or so, this Reverse Sensing System is a must when driving any large vehicle, we think. At best, it’s difficult to see all that may lie behind you, whether it be a pedestrian or an object. We just felt a little safer with this option.

If you don’t see a F-150 pickup you like, look again. There are several models from which to choose, including a Regular cab, Supercab and our test vehicle the Super Crew. Obviously, weights, towing capacity, dimensions and powertrain and chassis features all vary. For 2005, one can opt for a 4.2L V6, 256 cubic inch, 202 horsepower engine, a 4.6L Triton V8, with 281 cu. in. and 231 horse, or a 5.4L Triton V8 with 330 cu. in. and 300 horsepower. You can also choose between a 4x2 or 4x4 version. One reason Ford can brag about 27 years straight of the best-selling full-size pickup success. Ford offers the industry’s largest variety of body configurations: Three cab choices, three box lengths, two box styles and five unique series, from the entry-level F-150 XL, to the athletic F-150 STX, all-purpose F-150 XLT, powerful F-150 FX4 and for those looking for more comfort, the F-150 Lariat and coming in 2005, the F-150 King Ranch. All cab configurations are 4-door for added comfort and accessibility.

Also new for 2005, the Regular Cab and SuperCab body styles will be six inches longer, and on the Regular Cab, "industry-first" rearward-swinging access doors. Passengers in the SuperCab will appreciate the rear door power windows on XLT, FX4 and Lariat, and an optional sliding rear window.

Of course, you’ll be able to order the overhead rail system that houses a DVD entertainment system, as well as other accessories. For those who need to carry lots of "stuff," there are additional modules you can snap on including first aid kits, toolboxes, flashlights and two-way radio holders.

The Captain’s Chairs in our test F-150 SuperCrew make it necessary for the gearshift to be on the floor in this and the Lariat models.

The F-150’s ride is quiet and the handling much improved. Ford uses a rack-and-pinion steering system making response much quicker. This is a large pickup to maneuver, remember, so anything that adds to the ease of handling is in its favor. Trucks aren’t just for "guys" anymore, say statistics. Almost 50 percent of pickup buyers are now women, opting for this type of vehicle as their daily driver.

The F-150 FX4 adds body-color bumpers, front and back, monotone rear bumpers, black "bar style" grille insert, wheel-lip mouldings, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rubber off-road mats, the overhead storage system and sport cloth seats. By the time you’re into the Lariat or King Ranch, you’ve hit the ultimate in luxurious pickup driving.