Can't quite figure out how anybody can have any driveability issues with the EcoBoost, unless they don't know how to operate a turbocharged engine. I've driven various F-150's with the Eco and the 5.0. Both are good engines. The 5.0 does not have the response or the "pullability" the Eco does, and the difference is very noticeable if you get the 20" tires on the 5.0. The 5.0 does not have near the torque the Eco does, and develops its torque at a much higher RPM than the Eco does. The fuel mileage is about the same, the Eco is rated 1 mph higher. The only real street difference there is in driver technique. I get an easy 18+ in various everyday driving, 22 mpg easy at 65 highway, and 24-5 is possible at a steady 55 mph. And I love surprising the hemi guys. :)
The mentioned intercooler (Charge Air Cooler) issue can occur in very limited circumstances... between 32 and 40 degrees, very wet outside, driving steady, then stomping on it. The charged air condenses in the high humidity and low temp, a small amount then sits in the CAC outlet, and it gets sucked into the engine when the operator stomps on it. Unnerving if you're the one experiencing it, I'm sure, but fairly rare. Fords fix is to install a new CAC with a redesigned outlet to those that claim they experienced this issue.
My only issue with my Eco has been mentioned in this thread a few times. RR tire wear caused by the high torque at low RPM, and the underpanel falling off when the bottom-of-the-food-chain oil changer doesn't install it correctly. Mine came off at 10,800 feet in the Rockies at Wolf Creek Pass, two days after the oil was changed at a Ford dealer.
The Eco is a GREAT engine, hope they put one in the SuperDuty soon. A turbo-ed version of the 5.0 would be nice.
