A text message popped up on my phone: “Are you working from home today?” It was from a neighbor I hadn’t connected with in ages, sparking my curiosity. Was it a favor? An invitation? Or perhaps an unexpected windfall?
I replied, “No, but I’ll be home this afternoon!”
His response was surprising: “Great. I’m heading out of town and wanted to offer you my Raptor for the weekend. Enjoy it. See you Tuesday!”
WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED? A weekend with a 2018 Ford Raptor, his concrete grey beast? My mind raced. Excitement surged. I might have even left work a tad early that day, eager to get behind the wheel of this legendary truck.
Now, let me preface this: I’ve never considered myself a “truck person.” Growing up around ranching and agriculture, trucks were always tools, appreciated for their utility. I recall vividly my dad’s early Ford Excursion, a true powerhouse that once effortlessly pulled a stuck Dodge 3500 and a hay-laden flatbed trailer simultaneously. Trucks were about brute force and capability.
Over the years, trucks have evolved, becoming status symbols and luxury vehicles, with price tags to match. While impressive, the appeal of owning one personally never quite clicked. My experiences driving trucks were more about managing a large vehicle than enjoying the drive itself. However, the Ford Raptor was always different. From the first generation, its bold styling, flared fenders, and distinctive roar had a magnetic pull. I was captivated by the Raptor mystique, even without ever driving one.
Until this weekend.
Driving the 2018 Ford Raptor for a weekend was an experience that redefined my perception of trucks. It was phenomenal, surprising, and frankly, a bit shocking. Words almost fail to capture the sheer driving pleasure.
“This shouldn’t be possible!” I exclaimed to my dad, as I confidently navigated a corner at speeds that seemed improbable for such a large vehicle. The handling was remarkably precise, and the suspension absorbed bumps and imperfections with an almost magical ease. It defied expectations for a vehicle of its size and class.
The Ford Raptor commands a premium price. New models start upwards of $60,000, often reaching into the $70,000+ range. Used Raptors also hold their value exceptionally well. Before this weekend, I questioned if the Raptor, despite its looks and features, truly justified its price tag. Was it really that special?
Now, having experienced it firsthand, the answer is a resounding YES. Driving it aggressively reveals where every dollar and engineering hour went. Its capabilities are simply astonishing. Having driven standard Ford F-150 models like the XLT and Lariat extensively, the difference is night and day. The Raptor’s power, handling, and overall comfort are in a different league. Even my wife, who typically dislikes trucks, thoroughly enjoyed driving the Raptor and was genuinely sad to see it go. It’s powerful, incredibly capable, and surprisingly refined to drive, despite its imposing size.
This experience underscored the importance of broadening one’s horizons. I never imagined I’d want a truck, yet here I am, seriously contemplating a 2018 Ford Raptor. It’s an emotional desire, not entirely logical, to lust after a $65,000 desert-running truck that barely fits in my parking space.
After a few days of experiencing the Raptor in various driving conditions – city streets, winding roads, and daily commutes – I confessed to my wife, “I’m not sure who I am anymore.” The Raptor had fundamentally shifted my perspective.
This weekend served as a powerful reminder to explore different vehicles and driving experiences. Will I ever own a Raptor? The price is a significant hurdle. Would it be worth the investment? Perhaps. If budget were no object, would I buy one? Without hesitation. The sheer joy and exhilaration it provided, the constant grin it put on my face, were sensations I usually only associate with my sports car.
So, if you’re considering a truck and have the means, I wholeheartedly recommend the Raptor. It lives up to the hype, possesses a unique and aggressive aesthetic, and remarkably retains its value over time. If you need or desire a truck and can afford it, the 2018 Ford Raptor is an exceptional choice.
While my automotive identity might be slightly in flux, I am immensely grateful for the time spent with the Raptor and the broadened perspective it provided. Hopefully, another Raptor experience is in my future.
Until then, keep enjoying the drive!
