In the world of pickups, styling boundaries are determined by a three-box layout: one for the engine, one for people, one for cargo. And the 2008 Ford F-150 shows the evolution of 70 years of function. Angular means easy to clean, easy to park and gives maximum inside volume for outside space. The F-150 is easily recognized in any trim level by the circular front lights within a rectangular housing, stepped front window ledge, opening rear doors on the Regular Cab, and the tall bed. In this case, it's hip to be square.

The door edge that allows a lower glass line at the front is stylish but also very useful; it allows a better view of front quarters near the truck and means you can have a good-sized mirror that doesn't limit forward vision because you look over it rather than around it. For 2008, extendable dual-element towing mirrors bring the F-150 in line with the bigger Super Duty pickups, as well as the Ram, Titan, and Tundra. Any cosmetic sacrifice is well worth the extra visibility with a trailer behind.

Pillars between the doors may yield a blind spot for those who sit more rearward and everyone should appreciate the windshield pillar designed to help preserve forward vision. Relatively square shoulders on the hood make it easy to see the edges of the truck, a bonus for tight parking lots, plow operators, and squeezing between trees or rocks en route to outdoor recreation.

The F-150 is a rarity in modern pickups in that it offers two bed designs. The Flareside is shaped to mimic pickups of old, where the box walls were between the wheels and you could stand on the sides for loading. The Flareside really is more stylish than the Styleside bed, that which is essentially a box with some character lines in the sheetmetal, and more space within. In either case you can get a locking tailgate and a rearview camera in the gate latch fitting.

The Harley-Davidson Edition features black paint with red stripes in a scheme that's in keeping with the tradition established by this model. The chrome Harley badges are a bit much for some of us, but it drew many admiring looks.