Although the overall design is fairly handsome, the H3T’s rather plain interior doesn’t quite match its macho exterior. Build quality is solid, but the H3T’s competitors utilize nicer materials. Also, stereo and climate interfaces aren’t as user-friendly as those found in other GM vehicles. Still, the versions with the leather seating have an attractive two-tone color scheme along with contrasting piping on the seats, which spruces things up.

The seats are comfortable, though many drivers may take issue with the high beltline and low-profile window design, as they lead to lousy outward visibility. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and decent support, but taller folks may find themselves uncomfortably close to the roof. The cargo box is about 5 feet long; though this is about the same as the offerings from the H3T’s chief rivals, they typically offer 6-foot boxes as well.

General Motors’ focus on four brands – Buick,Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – indicates for the near term that light-duty trucks and SUVs will continue to be a part of the product mix, with new SUVs in the form of a Cadillac SRX crossover, Chevy Equinox compact SUV, and the GMC Terrain compact SUV among six new models announced for 2010.

While touting leading-edge design, technology, engineering excellence and quality in their ‘re:invention’ strategy, GM might see a glimmer of hope in a recent survey from J.D. Power & Associates, entitled “Automotive Emerging Technologies Study”, released this month. The study, which is designed to measure familiarity, interest and purchase intent for emerging automotive technologies, polls consumers before and after an estimated market price is revealed. For example, in the survey, 67% of the 19,249 respondents indicated that onboard navigation systems to guide them to the nearest Starbucks or other destinations were of interest.When the cost of a factory-installed navigation system was revealed at $1,600, interest dropped to 20% overall, while 45% of those who owned premium vehicles still chose the factory onboard systems versus lower cost off-board systems.

Mike Marshall, J.D. Power director of emerging technologies said, “Although the factory-installed options are considerably more expensive than an off-board navigation system, the price difference is not reflected in a proportionate decrease in consumer interest levels. Among consumers who express interest in both types of navigation system, seven out of ten indicate they would choose a factory-installed navigation system rather than an off-board version—despite the cost premium.”Other technologies fared about as well, and among consumers who listen to their portable digital music player in their vehicle, more than one-half use an auxiliary input jack, while approximately 20% use a wireless FM transmitter. Nearly 2/3s of consumers indicate that they would like the ability to listen to a portable digital music player through their vehicle’s speakers, while 27% express a desire to use a smartphone’s music capabilities in conjunction with their vehicle’s audio system.

Among consumers currently utilizing their vehicle’s Bluetooth functionality, initial interest for wireless connectivity in their next vehicle is 68%, compared with just 47% among those who have the feature but do not use it in their vehicle.Premium surround sound systems garner the highest interest rate among near-term vehicle intenders at 72%, while just 61% of consumers who plan on purchasing a new vehicle in two years or more indicate interest in this feature. “Consumers nearing the final phase of the vehicle purchase process are often more well-versed on vehicle options and features than those in the early stages of shopping, and likely have recently researched the available vehicle specifications,” stated Marshall, who added, “The increased familiarity of the possible benefits and conveniences of these technologies may lead to an increase in interest.”

How this bodes for an industry accustomed to making their profit on all the bells and whistles, and GM in particular with a plethora of trim levels and options, remains to be seen. In addition, how does the automotive aftermarket deal with consumers who are increasingly more interested in having the OEMs integrate these entertainment and connectivity technologies into the new vehicles? Time will certainly tell – but that’s oneluxury automakers don’t have, and a gamble they can’t afford to take.

In SuperCrew form, the 2009 Ford F-150 can comfortably seat five or six people. Backseat comfort rivals the best in the segment thanks to an abundance of legroom, a flat floor and a seatback angle that’s not too upright as in some rivals. Carrying three passengers in the backseat is still possible if you get a SuperCab, though legroom will be noticeably less generous.

All F-150 versions offer simple controls and materials of pleasing quality. Order the navigation system and you’ll get a large (8-inch) screen. Lower trims have a standard 40/20/40-split bench seat with a column shifter, while the upper trims feature captain’s chairs and a console shifter.

Hauling large items is no problem in SuperCabs and SuperCrews, as the backseat quickly folds up to make way for cargo. The SuperCrew’s flat floor allows for secure transport of pets and big-screen TVs alike.

Driving Impressions

Thanks to its stiff frame and double-wishbone front suspension, the 2009 Ford F-150 delivers impressive ride and handling dynamics for a full-size truck. The powertrain enhancements this year also make the truck feel noticeably livelier, thanks in part to the six-speed automatic’s well-spaced gears and cooperative nature. Yet the F-150 is still down on maximum power — to the tune of 60-80 hp compared to the big V8s in the Ram, Tundra and GM trucks — so if you need or want serious oomph, there are better choices.