F-150 2008 Truck of the Year

Truck of the Year
The 2008 F-150 was the best all-around truck on the road. Now, the 2009 F-150 replaced it.

That's just the way Ford rolls.

It was a tough task to improve an already great truck. But Ford (please add an "s" if you're from Michigan) managed to improve the truck's towing capability and its payload capacity despite its big V-8 being the smallest among the competition. Ford also overhauled its good interior to make it great and created more room inside the cabin. It also added innovative practical features that will assist the people who use these machines on a daily basis. Some features, such as the tailgate step and integrated trailer braking, were taken directly from the Super Duty trucks, while others such as the box step is all new.

The suite of Ford Work Solutions seals the deal for the F-150 as truck of the year.

From the simple Master Lock bed lock to keep toolboxes safe to the RFID tag reader that can be mounted in the bed to let the driver know if every tool he took to the site goes home is something that many people who need trucks will relish.

The Dodge Ram 1500 was the other true truck to make the final list. Dodge gambled and used coil springs in the rear suspension to vastly improve the truck's ride, and the interior overhaul is equally impressive.

Dodge added a true Crew Cab to its 2009 model lineup, and the RamBox is another innovation that provides lockable storage in a space that was just a fender before.

The all-new Ford Flex may be late to the large crossover party, but it's a vehicle that stands out for all of the right reasons. The polarizing boxy design wins some people over right away, while others shun it.

It seats six or seven comfortably and offers an excellent ride. Its 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission also help it reach 24 mpg on the highway.

The Volkswagen Tiguan was one of the most welcome surprises in 2008. The compact SUV provides plenty of pep with its 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an excellent ride.

The last of the finalists was the Infiniti EX35, a small luxury crossover with more punch than Hector Macho Camacho.

Infiniti has managed to combine sporty performance with an array of technology, including the single best backup camera ever made: the around view monitor.

Something for everyone
Finding the best of the best in 2008 was a daunting task, in part because of the continued improved quality and fragmentation of the market. There's a lot to choose from nowadays. Luxury and compact now go together as well as turbochargers and four-cylinders. Cars and trucks offer more creature comforts than many homes, and there's little these vehicles cannot do.

There seems to be a car or truck or crossover for nearly everyone. No matter what you want, or what you need.

Scott Burgess can be reached at (313) 223-3217 or sburgess@detnews.com.