The 2009 Ford F-150 pickup is new from the chassis to the finest detail on the brand new dashboard. New features, systems and technologies abound. Whether it is towing, hauling or errands, the ’09 F-150 does it better than before.

The first impression of the 2009 Ford F-150 is conveyed by its brawny new look. Some of the “big” look is due to a new chassis with beefed up construction for greater torsional rigidity and strength. The F-150’s bulked up grille projects plenty of attitude, and the fatter fenders make it look like the F-150 is flexing its muscles. From the rear, there’s a spoiler built into the tailgate. That’s aerodynamic, of course, and lots of work has gone into smoothing and tightening the F-150’s skin to make the air flow as smoothly as possible over its shape.

The tailgate also features a new, built-in step to provide easy access to the bed. This optional step came from the Super Duty models. It features a handhold that flips up, making climbing up even easier. When not being used, the step slides into the tailgate, hiding it from sight. There’s a new, foot-operated side step located just behind the cab on each side that makes it a cinch to climb into the bed from the side.

Pickup bed functionality is much improved with nearly as many ways to carry and secure stuff, as there are different loads. For example, there are cleats capable of withstanding 600 pounds of force. There’s an available track system designed to work with various bed dividers and storage bins. Plus, there’s a nifty new bed extender that breaks down easily and stores in a side cubby when not in use.

The F-150 not only tows heavier loads, it can be rigged to make towing easier. You can specify the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller along with a Trailer Sway Control system that ties into the ABS and Roll Stability Control to tame swaying trailers through application of the brakes to individual wheels. An optional rearview camera makes hitching up much easier. For 2009, the rearview camera adds the capability to display its picture on both the rearview mirror and in the navigation display. Properly equipped, an F-150 can tow more than 11,000 pounds.

Climb into the F-150 cab, and you’ll find the best fit and finish Ford has ever achieved in a truck. Technology is high-end, as well, with the availability of Ford’s highly regarded SYNC hands-free, voice-activated, wireless communications and entertainment network. A new eight-inch center navigation display is an option. It's much easier to read than the previous nav screen and can display subscription-based real time traffic alerts and fuel price information from SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The cab layout and style manages to be handsome without seeming fussy or overdesigned. For example, the switchgear is sizeable with a rugged feel, suitable for use by gloved hands. There’s more room, too, especially in the SuperCrew four-door cabin where an extra six inches of length goes to good use giving easier access to the front seats. It also provides much more room for rear seat passengers and, because the B-pillar has been moved rearward, better visibility to the sides for the driver. The crew cab rear seats fold out of the way to create a flat floor and space measuring more than 57 cubic feet in volume.

The enlarged console has rails molded into the edges to make it easy to drop in hanging file folders. The new F-150 features more storage than ever before. More than 30 cubbies, nooks, trays and boxes are built into the interior of the truck.

All 2009 F-150 models come with a V8 engine – a 4.6-liter 2-valve V8, a 4.6-liter 3-valve V8 and a 5.4-liter Triton V8. Ford says the engines have been tuned to produce more power, yet deliver improved fuel economy. The 5.4-liter is capable of running E85 ethanol. A V6 will not be offered, but Ford says the base 4.6-liter V8 matches the fuel economy of the outgoing V6. All models get a six-speed automatic transmission with a deceleration fuel cut-off system for added economy.

For 2009, passenger car safety systems come to the F-150. Rollover curtain airbags, as well as individual seat side airbags are standard on all models. Traction control with the ABS-integrated trailer sway control system is standard on all models.

There are now seven trims that include three work truck grades (XL, STX and XLT), a factory off-roader (FX4) and three upscale models (Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum). Prices range from an XL at $24,345 (MSRP) to a Lariat at $32,185 and on to the new, top-of-the-line Platinum at $40,440. You have seemingly endless choices in bed lengths, cab sizes, wheels, drivetrains and engines, andaA new sculpted power-dome hood raises the truck's front profile two inches for more presence.

Big improvements have been made to the 2009 F-150. Ford committed more than 1,000 engineers, designers and staff to the revision program during the F-150’s development period. From all indications, the Ford F-150 team has recreated the benchmark pickup truck in this class. There are good reasons why the Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup in America, and the 2009 model simply adds more to the list! Come on in and give one of these bad boys a turn. Why not schedule a test drive today?