The 2006 Ford F-150 is available in six distinct trim levels. The XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, and King Ranch each boast their own interior style and features. Engines, suspensions and cab configurations are designed to meet specific needs. A myriad of configurations and options within these model lines ensure buyers can select the right pickup for them.
The 2006 Ford F-150 SuperCrew (crew cab) is available with a 6.5-foot bed, mounted on a new 150.5-inch wheelbase. Wheelbases as long as 163.0 inches (e.g., a SuperCab with the 8-foot long bed) are available.
Three engines are offered: a 4.2-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8, and a 5.4-liter V8. The V6 offers a choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission, but comes in only the most basic F-150s. In the models most consumers will buy, the 4.6-liter V8 is standard. Both V8s come with four-speed automatic transmissions, although the 5.4 comes with a heavy-duty unit.
XL is the budget-priced F-150 with a work-truck interior: vinyl-covered 40/20/40 bench seats, black vinyl floor covering, and an all-plastic dashboard housing a basic AM/FM radio. XL is readily identifiable by its black grille and fascia, painted silver bumpers and 17-inch steel wheels. Regular cab and SuperCab (extended cab) styles are available, and the latter comes with air conditioning (an $850 option on regular cabs). An F-150 XL Regular Cab 2WD short wheelbase model with a 4.6-liter V8 and automatic retails for $20,635, or $18,790 with a V6 and manual gearbox; a SuperCab long-wheelbase 4WD with a V8 and automatic retails for $27,275. Chrome bumpers and cloth seats are optional.
STX is sportier than the XL, with body-color bumpers and body-color trim for the black grille, and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. Cloth seats, a CD player, and air conditioning come standard. STX comes in Styleside and Flareside body styles, in regular cab or SuperCab, with either a 6.5-foot or a 5.5-foot cargo box. An audiophile sound system with subwoofer and six-disc CD changer is optional. An STX 2WD Flareside retails for $23,030.
XLT is the most popular model, nicer and better-equipped than XL. It comes with chrome bumpers and a honeycomb grille that sets it apart from the other models. XLT comes in regular cab, SuperCab or SuperCrew; and depending on cab style buyers can choose 5.5-, 6.5-, or 8-foot bed lengths, plus Styleside or Flareside beds. Carpeting is standard, as is a premium cloth upholstery on the standard bench seats or optional captain's chairs. The XLT instrument panel gets more flash than either the XL or STX dash; and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry are standard. The XLT features an overhead rail console system that the owner can tailor to his or her needs. Fog lamps come standard on 4WD XLTs. An XLT SuperCrew 4WD 5.4-liter V8 automatic retails for $34,055.
FX4 is a special off-road model. The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a floor shifter, and chrome accents; while the exterior is distinguished by a unique grille, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, and body-color or Dark Shadow Gray bumpers, depending on paint choice. FX4 is available in regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles, but the long (8-foot) bed is not available. The standard engine is the 5.4-liter V8. The FX4 has its own instrument package with carbon mesh accents on the metallic dashboard. Captain's chairs in cloth or leather are optional. An F-150 FX4 SuperCrew 4WD retails for $35,495.
Lariat is the luxury model, distinguished visually by a unique grille design (chrome housing around Arizona Beige insert) and bright-finish 18-inch aluminum wheels. Bumpers are chrome or Arizona Beige. Lariat features black-on-cream instruments, lots of wood trim and brushed metal, a multi-function steering wheel, and a shiny floor shifter mounted in a floor console. A power-adjustable and leather-trimmed 40/20/40 split bench seat with seat memory is standard, along with power-adjustable floor pedals, an in-dash message center, and climate control. Heated power leather captain's chairs are optional. Lariat 2WD models are available in all three body styles, but 4WD versions come only with Styleside fenders. An F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 2WD starts at $32,995; with 4WD it starts at $36,450.
King Ranch features rich Castano leather designed to capture the spirit of the historic Texas cattle ranch. It is built only as a SuperCrew, and distinguished by a color-coordinated grille, Arizona Beige running boards, and other special trim. Inside are power-adjustable and heated captain's chairs in front, a 60/40 split bench seat in back, and unique interior trim. Power-fold heated side mirrors with approach lamps are standard. King Ranch 2WD starts at $36,155
Dozens of options are available at every level, including mechanical or automatic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, skid plates, limited-slip axle, traction assist for 2WD V8s, 35.7-gallon fuel tank, fog lamps, two-tone paint, 20-inch wheels, chrome dress-up packages, a six-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, a heavy-duty payload package, a trailer tow package, a snow plow package, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Also available is a limited-production Harley-Davidson edition ($34,625) finished in Monotone Black with red and blue accent stripes, and flashing 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, a chrome billet grille and blackout headlamps. The Harley edition offers conventional 2WD or full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD), the latter a first for any F-150. Interiors are finished in black airline leather with chrome and Piano Black details. The only available body configuration is a SuperCab with a 6-1/2-foot Styleside box.