1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews

Built Ford tough!

Written by: jim dence on 05/11/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I have owned 35 cars to date and my F- 150 is by far the best vehicle that I have owned. Turn the key and it starts every time . Best truck for overall reliability and comfort . I still get compliments on how great it looks for it's age .

Favorite Features

The stepside has a very sporty and agressive look to it that draws attention wherever it goes.

Suggested Improvements

With todays fuel prices it's quite costly to fill up, but worth the price in the long run for its safety and reliability.

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Awesome Truck!

Written by: Chauncey on 02/10/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

Bought w/100k on it. Other than tires and oil no major repairs needed. 140k now and replaced front and rear brakes 1 time and replaced 02 sensor and 3 spark plugs and that is it. I use for landscaping so most miles I put on are hard work miles and it does great. Unbelievable traction, comfort. Out of 5 other trucks, this is the best truck I have ever owned and would buy again if I could find one like it.

Favorite Features

Comfort, awesome 4x4,long bed, extended cab

Suggested Improvements

Wish they were easier to find. Took a year before I found this one!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Old Blue

Written by: Indy2007 on 08/20/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

My father purchased this truck off a used car lot. It was a one owner and the owner was a old man who wanted a new vehicle. He bought the truck with a little under 1000,000 miles on it. He had to put a new exhaust on it as well as fix a cracked injector and normal wear and tear parts. This was a family truck with a 5.4 triton motor that worked great for pulling our 26 foot camper(6000 pounds roughly). Due to his job he had to buy a 4x4 and gave his son(me) the truck. I drive it to and from college(about 2hrs). and it is wonderful. I have gotten up to 18 mpg(driving senible) but if you drive it hard it can go under 14 mpgs. It's has 150,000 miles and still looks and runs as good as a new one.

Favorite Features

It's got the power. Love the bench seat. Lot of room in the cab up to six. Who wouldn't like a rwd with a 5.4 triton motor?

Suggested Improvements

No problems with my F-150!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2007 Update on '97 F150

Written by: Scout on 06/05/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

I purchased this vehicle with 60k miles on it 5 years ago. It has towed a trailer on 1,000 mile trips, been a daily driver. Oil change every 3k, and all scheduled maintenance. I just had the rear differential noise issue arise, and had the dealer use the factory ring and pinon kit...rather then trying used axles. Also new shocks. Other then that, it contines to run well. The ball joints squeak, the truck feels like it is out of alignment when it is not. No complaints otherwise. The 4.6L V8 is okay, not great for power. Likewise 17mpg is as good as mileage gets. If you can find one of these used in good shape, save yourself $20k compared to a new truck.

Favorite Features

Handling, comfort, styling

Suggested Improvements

Squeaky ball joints, rear view mirrors flimsy and expensive.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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F-150 Satisfied Owner

Written by: Joe Reynolds on 06/03/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr Lariat Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

10 years and 130,000 trouble free miles have been my experience with this vehicle. Excellent in all respects. I got one of the first new 150 body styles.

Favorite Features

Exterior appearance. Paint has been especially durable. It has never been waxed.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel mileage.

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Best Vehicle I've Owned

Written by: jrg on 05/15/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

My ten year old F-150 extended, short bed has paid for itself time and again. It has 133,000 miles, and have only had to replace tires and brake pads. The greatest expense was wire damage thanks to a local rodent. Ford wires must taste good. I get a constant 19 miles per gallon with the 4.6 V-8.

Favorite Features

Comfort, handling, and power.

Suggested Improvements

Ford has already taken care of this, as the F-150 gets better each year.

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Great Truck

Written by: srr7sk8r on 05/08/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr Lariat Extended Cab SB

Review

This truck is now 10 years old and I have owned it for 3 years. It is still reliable everyday and beats the style of the new F-150's by far. The Tritin V8 delivers 210hp and the lariat towing package is a class 3 so i have never had any problems towing anything. Plent of room for up to 6 in the cabin, unlike most tundras. F-150 is all around great american truck, wish they still made them like this. Only improvement would be gas mileage.

Favorite Features

Towing ability, comfort

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Should Not Have Broken

Written by: I got a Lemon on 01/24/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XL Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

Poor fuel economy. Transmission died at 77,000 miles. A/C was blowing a foul smell. Turns out to be a leaking heater core. Replaced that at 105,000. Both were expensive repairs and neither should have gone out that soon. To top it off, I replaced the battery and got two starts out of it. Not the vehicle's fault, but leaves me wondering what is next. I don't trust my Ford to be there for me. I'm looking at other manufacturers.

Favorite Features

Tight turning radius.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy and more reliable parts. Maybe mine was a lemon but I'm turned off from Ford.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Best truck I ever owned

Written by: Jerrys Truck on 11/29/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

I now have 275,000 miles on my 97 F150. The only thing I have had to do to it is new front brake pads, new fan belt, 1 new battery, change plugs and plug wires twice, 3 sets of tires, 1 set of shocks, 1 coil pack, and kept the oil changed. Everything else is original. If this truck was to quit on me today I would buy another one. I park it on a concrete driveway every day and there is not one drop of fluid where it sits. I love driving a truck that is paid for and I can depend on!

Favorite Features

Best riding truck I have every road in. Still looks new.

Suggested Improvements

Stereo system needs better speakers!

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

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Fun, Strong, Workhorse

Written by: Justin on 11/18/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab LB

Review

I love my truck! It is so much fun to drive and comfortable to boot. The engine is plenty powerful for all applications and the truck can haul some mega weight. The only complaint I have is the back window which leaks in around the seals. Apparently it was a design flaw by Ford and can be fixed easily at a glass place (providing you have the money to do so!). As far as the gas mileage, it's what you would expect for a truck (*slurp**slurp*).

Favorite Features

I really enjoy having the 8 foot bed on the truck. I also like the room in the rear of the cab.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy, different back window design so it won't leak and a tighter turning radius.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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