1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Review
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sports car-like acceleration with a bold, yet not overdone, appearance.
Cons
- It's still an F-150 at heart, so don't expect to out-maneuver any Corvettes.
What’s new
Ford has revived its F-150-based performance truck with all-new features like an Eaton supercharger, performance suspension and Z-rated Goodyear tires.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$315/mo for F-150 SVT Lightning Base
F-150 SVT Lightning Base
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Take Ford's latest F-150 truck in shortbed, flareside form, add in a healthy mix of SVT philosophy and components, and Lightning will strike.
In this case, the spark is supplied by a reworked 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine with forged pistons, reduced compression, and a 112 Roots-type supercharger from Eaton. Complete with an intercooler and a two-channel throttle body, this engine belts out 360 horsepower (100 more than a standard 5.4-liter Triton) and 440 foot-pounds of torque. Aided by a beefed-up automatic transmission, 9.75-inch rear axle and 12.1-inch front-disc brakes, the Lightning guarantees a thrill ride with the first turn of the key.
SVT didn't stop with the drivetrain. To keep all those extra horses from getting out of sorts, a unique suspension setup was created for the Lightning. This includes a lower front and rear ride height, specially calibrated shock absorbers, and two antiroll bars. These components ride on 18x9.5-inch five-spoke wheels with 295/45-18 Z-rated Goodyear tires for extra stick during acceleration and handling maneuvers.
The standard cab holds a radically non-standard interior featuring black-on-white SVT instrumentation (complete with boost gauge) and black-and-white leather seats. The driver's seat is power-adjustable and an optional six-CD changer can be ordered to beef up the standard, premium sound system.
Exterior enhancements are limited to a special front air dam with twin driving lights, a black grille, custom rocker panels, the aforementioned 18-inch wheels, and twin ceramic exhaust pipes. Color choices are limited to black, red or white. A soft bed cover, as well as a Class III tow hitch can be added to accent the truck's looks and utility.
Ford's SVT continues to offer out-of-the-ordinary products for out-of-the-ordinary people. If a combination of performance and utility is what you seek, you'll want to test drive the '99 Lightning.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning.
5 star(94%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
18 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
My fifth Lightning, Not Kidding!
BadBolt, 11/07/2010
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
New 2000 New 2001 Used 1999 Used 2001 Used 1999 It's a sickness. I guess I can't get this truck out of my blood. The Lightning is now a legend. Get yourself a low mile one while you can. They are going to be more difficult to find from here on out. I have never had any issues with the five I've owned. They tow like crazy. I think this will be my last, as I have the one I want for the … long run. Only drive this one in the summer and it's never seen salt. The only thing about the 99's is the spark plug threads in the cylinders only has four and if you're not keeping up on maintenance, you can have a plug blow out. Just make sure you check them for gentle tightness and don't over-boost the motor
4.63 out of 5 stars
This is one Great Truck
Bill, 11/08/2005
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
From new it turned heads, beat muscle cars and sports cars. The most surprising vehicle I ever owned. Still has fresh looks and will for years. Excellent reliability. No mechanicals but two recalls performed without issue. Traction can be an issue in damp conditions due to extreme horsepower. Where else can you haul hay, tools, boat or camper while beating all but supercars up to 1/4 … mile. Takes only chip upgrade and air filter to equal 400hp. Bullet proof drive train up to 500hp.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Incredible Truck
Greg, 04/07/2006
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
This truck is incredible. The horsepower & torque is neck snapping. Didn't realize there was a truck built that was so fast & that handles so well. Love the interior styling. This vehicle equals my Corvette in speed.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Lightning Bolt
Santopete, 02/19/2010
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
Bought this truck used in Jan 2010 with only 39K miles on it. One of the prior owners added a pulley, a Diablosports tuner and quite possibly a demon in the engine. The reason I mention that is because I was already traveling at about 60 mph when for the first time, I really hit the gas and literally got pinned back in the seat. The whistle of the Supercharger only added to the thrill … while the truck accelerated to blatantly illegal speeds almost instantly. At no time during that experience did I feel that the truck was topping out, it just kept pulling. There is no hesitation at any speed and the power can best be described as instant and indefinite.
1999 F-150 SVT Lightning Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $315/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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