Ford Motor Co. is excited about the customer response to the new F-150’s V-6 EcoBoost engine. The V-6 EcoBoost does as well a V-8 in terms of customer satisfaction, proving  consumers will move in large numbers to smaller engines. The V-6 EcoBoost-equipped F-150 is achieving customer quality ratings on par with F-150s equipped with the popular 5.0-liter V-8 engine, according to data from GQRS, a quarterly survey conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills. The data was gathered from surveys of more than 1,600 F-150 owners who purchased their trucks between September 2010 and May 2011

 “Ford F-150 customers are very discerning so we are pleased they rate our new EcoBoost technology as highly as V-8 engines that some thought truck customers would never give up,” said Doug Scott, group marketing manager, F-Series trucks. “We believe this is a good sign as we plan to roll out this innovative, powerful and fuel-saving technology to most of our lineup during the next few years.”

Electric power-assisted steering, or EPAS – another Ford truck first – is also giving the F-150 a quality edge, with steering that adapts to changing road conditions and vehicle speed, allowing for more confident handling and improved fuel economy. Internal customer data show these technologies have reduced warranty claims with 25 percent fewer complaints for vehicle vibration and 33 percent less reported issues with drifting and pulling. This means customers are happier with the new system than the reliable outgoing hydraulic-assisted steering system.

Ford’s internal quality data compiled by the RDA Group mirror a strong performance by the F-150 in this year’s J.D. Power and Associates’ IQS and APEAL studies.  The initial quality study measures vehicle quality during the first 90 days of ownership, while the APEAL study measures owner satisfaction. The F-150 was the only full-size pickup to earn top awards in both J.D. Power studies.

 “The F-150 is a symbol of how Ford is reinventing its lineup to lead the industry in fuel economy and quality,” says Bennie Fowler, Ford Group Vice President, Global Quality and New Model Launch. “We have demonstrated with our EcoBoost engines that we can deliver new technology with great fuel economy improvements and leading quality.” By Joseph Szczesny