1996 Ford F-150 Review

Great Pick-up

Written by: Matty on 05/18/2008

Vehicle

1996 Ford F-150 2 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Just recently purchased this vehicle. Quite simply, the 302 with 3.55's and 32 inch tires is gutless. Don't expect to tow much. That being said, I have nearly 200,000 miles on this truck and she runs perfect. She's even been in a wreck and still is rock solid. All mechanical aspects perform flawlessly (altho I'm a Chevrolet guy, so the Mazda manual transmission is a bit tricky for what I'm used to). Beautiful, high-quality vehicle. Besides for the lack of power, the only other problem is if you're anything less than 6 feet tall (I'm barely 6 foot) you'll have a heck of a time reaching the pedals yet still being comfortable (my Girlfriend can't drive her). Overall, for me, a 9+ rating!

Favorite Features

Dual fuel tanks, comfort (6 feet tall and over), style.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel mileage, pedal set-up, power, needs better traction control, interior amenities

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Built to last

Written by: Snookfever on 03/31/2008

Vehicle

1996 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

5.0L V-8 (302 ci) Great truck! bought it with 40K miles in 1998, currently has 143K miles 2008. Paint still looks great. No major drive train problems ever. Poor gas mileage 13/17, but it has never left me on the side of the road. Love the dual gas tanks, you will need them for long trips. Horsepower is a little low compared to newer V-8 trucks 195 vs 300.

Favorite Features

Styling, quiet ride, can't tell the engine is running at stop lights.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage

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Dodge man gone Ford

Written by: patrick on 03/01/2008

Vehicle

1996 Ford F-150 2 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Standard Cab LB

Review

I got my truck for $2000 two years ago. Tows my 32ft travel trailer like a dream. Rides nice. Strong, fast & comfy. Couldn't be happier

Favorite Features

The 4x4 is very strong & smooth

Suggested Improvements

Bench seat, they could of put a 60/40 in all of them

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This truck paid for itself

Written by: DB on 12/09/2007

Vehicle

1996 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab LB

Review

I purchased this truck new in Nov 1995. In 12 years, the only unscheduled maintenance I've had to do was a radius arm bushing in 2002 and a starter which gave out in 2006. I've moved myself cross country (saved thousands of dollars), been off-road on a regular basis in the mountains of Colorado and pretty much beat the truck to death (after all, it is a truck) and still it delivers. Through three wrecks, I've not had to make any repairs. The things I hit weren't so fortunate. After 220,000 miles, it's pretty much at the end of the line. The engine still purrs, but other things are starting to wear out (suspension bushings, interior trim, dashboard lights, A/C hoses, etc). Thanks, Ford

Favorite Features

Durability / reliability (built to last) On-the-fly 4WD engagement Interior layout split bench seat w/ lumbar support back seat fold flat for putting boxes, etc in the cab

Suggested Improvements

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Why not - its a Ford pickup

Written by: CDK on 11/30/2007

Vehicle

1996 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab LB

Review

Excellent experience. In 108,000 miles, I've replaced the starter solenoid, cracked windshield and the torque converter seal. Of course I've gone through a couple of batteries and one thermostat. The design of the cooling system was well engineered. There is a bypass channel around the thermostat. When the thermostat failed closed last summer the engine indicated temperature never reached the redline. The original tires were terrible, had 2 of them come apart prior to the recall. The truck still has the original exhaust system and has never failed the TX annual state inspection. Overall, except for gas mileage, super pickup. In 1996 gas mileage was not that important.

Favorite Features

6'-10" bed. Overdrive. Power mirrors & locks. Engine size and reliability. Cooling system. Clearcoat -still looks brand new (when I wash it). Very reliable oxygen sensors (never replaced).

Suggested Improvements

Hard to improve a vehicle that has reached 108,000 miles with no major problems and the original exhaust system.

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