The new box length tops a long list of other new options, features and equipment, including a new 20-inch wheel, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, chrome appearance packages for XLT and Lariat models, Traction Assist and, later in the model year, the option of a standard-length cargo box on SuperCrew models and a flexible-fuel 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine.

The F-150 offers the widest variety of body configurations among full-size pickups, including three cab choices, three box lengths, two box styles and five unique series: the entry-level F-150 XL, fun and athletic F-150 STX, all-purpose F-150 XLT, powerful F-150 FX4 and the luxurious F-150 Lariat – to which the King Ranch version adds even more luxury. Also new this year is the Harley Davidson edition. All cabs feature four doors for easy access.

With a maximum tow rating of 9,900 pounds when properly equipped and a maximum payload capacity of 3,060 pounds, the F-150 is the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds.

Inside, the F-150 boasts passenger comfort and style. The flow-through center console gives you the option of two captain's chairs with a floor shifter on FX4 and Lariat models. Vehicles equipped with a 40/20/40 split front bench seat have a different instrument panel center stack optimized for middle-passenger legroom.

The F-150 offers the popular and useful modular overhead rail system that allows you to customize interior storage options by snapping in additional modules, such as first-aid kits, toolboxes, flashlights and two-way radio holders.

The mainstream F-150 offers three engine choices for 2006: a 4.2-liter V-6 engine, a 4.6-liter Triton V-8 and the top-of-the-line 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8.

The 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine offers increased power along with quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. It delivers 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. Later in the model year, a flex-fuel version that can use up to 85 percent ethanol (E85) will be available.

Engineering advances in the F-150 have led to exceptional handling, ride and quietness. The fully boxed frame with hydroformed front rails is the strongest in its class and reduces shake and shudder on rough roads. The liquid-filled engine mounts or "hydromounts" on V-8 engine installations help decrease much of the engine's noise and vibration before it can reach the passenger compartment.

Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double-wishbone front suspension with cast-aluminum lower control arms. The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces.

The strong hydroformed front frame rails are built to help manage crash forces. In an impact, these areas of the frame are designed to collapse in an accordion fashion, dissipating energy before it reaches the passenger compartment.

As a result, the F-150 is the only pickup in its class to earn NHTSA's five-star rating for driver and right-front passenger frontal crash rating and receive a "Best Pick" in frontal offset crash testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The F-150's portfolio of safety features includes the Ford Personal Safety System and occupant-sensing technology for the first-row passenger. Whether it's a spinning reel, a child or an adult sitting there, the technology determines if the air bag should be on or off. The frontal air bags offer multiple deployment levels that tailor inflation force to the severity of the crash, to the driver's safety-belt use and tp the driver's seat position as determined by a sensor mounted on the seat track.

At each corner, four-wheel vented-disc anti-lock brakes are standard. This year, 4x2 V-8 models can be ordered with Traction Assist to improve acceleration and stability on slippery surfaces.

Together, all of the F-150's features make it one of the best pickups in the field, and our choice for all of our outdoor adventures. For more information, visit www.fordvehicles.com.