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After my first glance inside the brand-new 2004 Ford F-150 FX4 truck, I thought "flight-control." The dash control panel sweeps up from the center console with lots of gauges, switches, knobs and controls, along with the overhead storage-light-track units that provide a space shuttle, cockpit-like interior. The business-like gunmetal dash, console and interior are splashed with chrome to add to the effect.

The interior is well-laid-out and spacious. One unusual standard feature is an industry-first modular overhead rail system that allows you to customize the interior overhead storage options to suit your needs. The model tested featured optional leather-trimmed captain's chairs with flow-through console and floor shifter.

Seated in the driver's seat, the first thing I noticed was the glass expanse. Visibility is extremely good, due to a wide but low and flat dash with no obstructions. More vertical tumblehome (the inward bow of the side windows) adds visibility as well.

Another thing I immediately liked about the dash was an overmolded, recessed holder in the top. The semi-soft-surfaced recess is great for holding items such as cell phones, GPS units or binoculars.

Seating is very comfortable and the interior is ergonomically designed for ease of use. Large cup holders in the front of the console and solid in-place cup holders on the back end of the console were well appreciated. Even the molded bottom front door panels have "cup holders." Although that brings up one small criticism. Late in the evening our test vehicle was delivered, and we had a typical wet Missouri snow that left 6'' of the stuff on the ground. The next morning when I got into the vehicle, a load of snow dumped into the door panel box from the roof. There are no drain holes so I had to sponge the water out.

Actually, the storm began as rain, turned to ice, then dumped snow. That evening, my daughter and I had a concert to perform about an hour-and-a-half away. Since the vehicle had an optional tonneau cover, we decided to put it to the test. We loaded the amps and stuff in the back and headed out into the twisting, hilly Ozarks. Handling was extremely good on the Ozark roads many flat-landers hate.

This is a very easy vehicle to drive. There is no discernible oversteer, braking is steady and solid, and acceleration smooth when you need it. The new F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor. This provides for improved durability, driving dynamics and a good ride. The rear suspension on these new models places the shocks outboard of the frame rails for the first time. This allows for more precise turning and improved ride and handling. Wider leaf springs increase the suspension's resistance to side loads, providing increased control.

There's plenty of power with the new 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower at 5,000 r.p.m. The all-new aluminum cylinder heads feature two intake valves and one exhaust valve per cylinder. This provides 24 valves in total. The engine also features an improved cast-iron block built on Ford's modular V-8 engine platform. The Triton is Ford's first modular V-8 to use variable cam timing.

Matched to the new engine is a new 4R75E four-speed automatic transmission. A torque-based electronic throttle control, a first in this vehicle segment, uses driver input from the accelerator pedal to actively modulate the torque to the drive wheels. With a maximum tow rating of 9,200 lbs., and maximum payload of 1,550 lbs., the new F-150 SuperCrew 4X4 we tested is the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 GVWR.

Two days later, with the typical Missouri snow melt, we got a chance to test the off-road capabilities of the vehicle. The ducks had finally arrived on Truman Lake-a favorite lake near our home. We loaded about 10 dozen decoys, three hunting buddies, all our gear and my lab, Missy, and headed to one of our favorite spots near the lake. One hour and probably 200 lbs. of Missouri gumbo mud later we were in place and, when it became legal shooting time, we were into ducks big time. The only problem was the time I spent pressure washing and vacuuming the truck when we got back home.

The new SuperCrew model tested now features four doors for ease of access. Also, some of the new features, like the front-end design, have both ergonomie and stylistic advantages. For example, attaching the grille to the hood promotes better panel fit and gives shorter people a convenient way to pull the hood closed.

The model tested came with several options I really appreciated. The first was the power signal heated mirrors. My hearing is gone: Too many years as a gun writer and shooter, plus a few years in a country rock band, did the job. I wear hearing aids, but even with that, sometimes road noise prevents me from hearing the "faint" turn-signal clicks, so I love the side flashers. The optional powersliding and defrosting rear window, as well as the power-adjustable pedals was also well appreciated.

Other options included the driver's side keypad, autolamp, delayed accessory power, outside temperature/compass display on the dash, speed control and AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer.

With 55 years of legendary F-Series trucks, the new 2004 F-150 Ford offers the industry's widest variety of body and trim configurations. The new F-150 models are available in five distinct series: XL, STN, XLT, FX4 and Lariat and in Regular Cab, Super-Cab and SuperCrew.

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL: 2004 Ford F-150 SuperCrew FX4

MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Co. (Dept. AR), P.O. Box 6248, Dearborn, Mi 48126; (800) 392-3673; www.fordvehicles.com

ENGINE: 5.4L TRITON 90 degree V8 SOHC SEFI (sequential electronic fuel injection) three valves per cylinder

TRANSMISSION: electronic four-speed with automatic overdrive (4R75E)

AXLE: 3.73 ratio limited slip

BRAKES: four-wheel power disc with ABS

DIMENSIONS: overall length, 224'', overall width, 78.9''; overall height, 75.5'', wheelbase, 138.7'',

SUSPENSION: front, independent double wishbone with coil shock on shock and cast aluminum lower control arm (gas-pressurized shocks); Rear, solid axle with 3'' wide leaf spring and outboard mounted gas-pressurized rear

MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY: maximum loaded trailer weight 9,200 lbs.; GVWR 7,200 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 30 gallons

BASE VEHICLE PRICE: $34,185

OPTIONS AS TESTED: Dark Shadow Gray C/C accent, preferred equipment package 505A; P275/65Rx18 all-terrain tires; 3.73 ratio, limited slip axle; 7,200-lb, GVWR package; power adjustable pedals; tubular running boards; power sliding rear window; trailer tow package; audiophile; deluxe mirror package with power signal heated mirrors and electric rear view mirror; 18'' machined aluminum wheels; reverse sensing system; sport leather trimmed captain chairs; power driver seat; and lower two-tone paint.

PRICE AS TESTED: $38,930 (including destination and delivery charges). The tonneau cover was dealer-installed. The uninstalled price of the tonneau is an additional $271.