Overall, the interior is standard F-150, with an all-business dash, easy-to-read gauges, and switches within the driver's reach. The leather-wrapped steering wheel offers not only extra grip and beautification, but also a measure of isolation from steering-column vibration. An extra 12-volt power plug is convenient for radar detectors--essential equipment for this ticket magnet. The most notable interior element of the Lightning package is the pair of cloth bucket seats with adjustable lumbar and thigh supports. The rugged, soft-burlap-bag-like upholstered seats are embroidered with a striking Lightning logo. Between the seats of our test vehicle was a large center console complete with a pair of cupholders. Several staffers would have preferred a bench seat to increase seating capacity to three, likely in response to the number of people asking for rides in the red rocket. For '94 Ford began offering a well- bolstered bench seat that features a fold-down center console--the perfect compromise.

Many surveyed owners desired more room; more than 10 percent wanted that room to come in the form of a Super Cab, probably figuring that if the smaller Ranger Splash can have an extended cab, why can't the Lightning? Most Motor Trend testers found that the interior, supplemented by the numerous storage nooks and useable cargo space behind the seats, suited our lifestyles just fine.

Most owners bought the Lightning to haul something other than cargo, so SVT compromised the maximum payload and trailer weight to improve handling. Cargo capacity was cut in half from the F-150 XLT 5.8L, from 1485 to 745 pounds. The Lightning's 5000-pound towing capacity, however, falls only 600 pounds shy of the F-150's standard maximum. Properly equipped, an F-150 can pull up to 12,000 pounds; in contrast, the work-limited Lightning could rightfully be thought of as a Mustang with a cargo bed.

Fans of this muscle truck found it to be a fun-loving daily companion, and our logbook notes recorded an undying passion for the Lightning even after months of driving. Owners mirrored these sentiments: "The Lightning has lived up to all of my expectations. After two years of ownership, I still find myself making excuses just to get out and drive it," wrote a man from Missouri. Many others supported the high ratings for this vehicle with similar words of praise, such as "There isn't a better truck avaiable."

Our only complaint, as succinctly worded by an MT staff member, was that the Lightning "slurps fuel like a whale eats plankton." Fuel economy measured in gallons per yard is forgivable for a purpose-built performance vehicle that does its job so well, but it still has drivers digging deep in their pockets. Dual fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 35 gallons, however, stretch out intervals between gas stops enough so that it doesn't feel as if the Lightning spends more time at the filling station than on the road.

Performance enthusiasts are drawn to the Lightning, as illustrated by the number of surveyed owners who brought their hot-rodding ways to the truck. Over 80 percent of these owners bolted on aftermarket go-fast components in an effort to make a good thing even better. The most popular mod adding a K&N air filter, is also the easiest. From there, trucks were improved with bed covers, Borla exhaust systems, high-performance computer chips, running boards, bug deflectors, and stereo upgrades. A significant percentage of the Lightning legion tested their modifications at the dragstrips, especially those whose modifications included engine work, aftermarket ignitions, headers, and other serious upgrades.

Whether stock or modified, the limited-production Lightning offers an exclusive American muscle experience. Its custom looks, agile feel, burbling V-8 sound, and real-world performance offer a privileged ownership experience for those with gas in their veins and a heavy right foot. Sadly, '95 marks the last year for the Lightning as the Ford truck-production facilities switch over to building the new F-Series. Termed a success with high owner satisfaction and strong corporate image boosting, the Lightning concept may be applied to the new-generation trucks in the not-too-distant future. A more-refined suspension, modular engine, and added safety features would be worth the wait. We'd like to put our request in now for a '97 Lightning V-10.