Ford F-150: View from the top still grand

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. This revised saying from a famous Shakespeare line carries meaning for Ford, thanks to the wild success of its full-size pickup truck, the F-Series.

The F-Series has been American’s top-selling pickup for more than four decades and the most popular vehicles in this country since 1986. Think about that. I was a kid when this trend started and kids weren’t yet born. Yet we all love pickups.

Now in its 13th generation, the F-Series rules the road. We are going to focus on the most popular of the line today, the F-150, that has expanded from being a working man’s truck to utilitarian transportation with the creature comforts of a sedan.

For 2018, the F-150 comes in six primary trim levels with additional special derivatives, three cab styles, three bed lengths and four engines. The beginning price point is $27,705 for the XL trim and ascends to more than $60,000 for a Limited. Detailing all these options and trims would turn this report into a novel so we will focus on the test truck, a 4x4 SuperCrew Platinum version with a short bed.

This is no bare-bones mode of transportation. The engine is a revised 395-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration is rapid in relation to its size. The ride quality is commendable with only the bumpiest of pavement causing jitters. Even the mileage — 22 mpg on the highway — is acceptable.

Best of all with the SuperCrew is the ability to comfortably transport five people, six if the front has a bench. The base price for our tester is $57,580 and for that you should expect a few amenities. Right off the bat the one that is best received are the power-deployable running boards that allowed my former truck-driving father to easily access the cabin.

There are plenty of other standard features, including a navigation system that can be operated via touchscreen or voice, heated rear seats (front-row passengers get heating and cooling seats) and heated steering wheel.

Safety features that are added at this level are blind-spot information system and reverse sensing system. A few options of note present were a twin-panel moonroof, 360-degree camera and tailgate step. I told you there are creature comforts.

Like other domestic brands, Ford has long been under an international barrage of its cars and SUVs. When it comes to the F-150, though, all competition continues to follow the leader.

2018 FORD F-150 4x4 SUPERCREW