1997 Ford F-150 Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 17 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Never Again. Ever.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XL Standard Cab LB
Review
I purchased this new off the lot. I was so proud to be a Ford man like my daddy before me. This truck is such poor quality that you might think it was just a lemon. Sadly, it is all just phenomenally substandard engineering. In the first few years, things seemed good. But at 50k miles the engine began to go south. By 75000 miles, it began drinking my coolant. The dealership could identify no problems. At 102,000 miles the engine blew up. Turns out it honestly was poor design. In a moment of candor, a mechanic said I was lucky I got 100,000 miles. Problems: transmission, breaks, clutch, radiator, electronics, and finally engine.
Favorite Features
The indentations in the bed to create double stacks for hauling. Not practical, but neat. Comfy seats.
Suggested Improvements
Hire new engineers. Take some hints from other makers whose engines last 200k+
Unreliable after year 5
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XL Standard Cab SB
Review
My family purchased this truck new for my brother. My brother didn't like it so my dad drove it and when I got my license I inherited this pile of junk (it was 10 years old). When i first started driving it it was ok but lately its been making sudden jerks and noises. After i drive it for a little bit the motor keeps on making noise. The temperature gauge has caused it to die. I have to hit the tailgate to open it. My family has only had Chevys before this and we are all going back to Chevys. Built Ford Tough is a big understatement. I can't wait to get something nicer.
Favorite Features
Well the only thing is the interior holds up decently over many years.
Suggested Improvements
Well the newer ones look ok but make sure they are reliable for many years because many people like to keep their vehicles for long amounts of time.
ford f150 lariat 4wd stepside fully load
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr Lariat 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB
Review
love love love this truck
Favorite Features
4wd, leather seats, hard taneau cover, extented cab size. back seats fold down, just about everything
Suggested Improvements
gets 15-20 mpg. which is okay since the considering the size of he truck but i would like it run on e85 or something like that.
Original Owner, Great Value Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB
Review
I bought the 4.6 L V8 4x4 XLT when our kids were just small enough to fit easily in the extended cab. Now that they're grown and gone, the truck keeps on doing truck duty. Those are boat hauling, camping, motorcycle transport and skiing. This truck has needed brakes and shocks but nothing else beyond routine maintenance. I look at newer trucks and laugh at the pricing and fuel efficiency, my truck still compares nicely.
Favorite Features
The truck was ahead of it's time in design and features but 4 wheel disc are not included.
Suggested Improvements
Better brakes came in 1998-99?
Fix Or Repair Daily
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB
Review
I have a 1997 F-150 XLT 4x4 with approx 165000 mi, ran well when just bought but developed a heavy cylinder misfiring issue. This is common with many F-150s especially the 4.6L V-8. I had to take the truck into the shop 3 times to fix the issue and the cause still cannot be diagnosed today. It is still misfiring! I do know that I have to keep changing my spark plugs which are almost impossible to gain access to. The total cost of repairs on this issue is now near $500. Another issue with this F-150 is the 4 wheel drive system. It mal-engages and a I hear a big BOOM underneath the cab. I engage it normally by setting it in neutral and then switching it. Ford must improve their quality!
Favorite Features
Sharp looking in and out. Powerful and OK fuel economy for a V-8 truck
Suggested Improvements
Poorly built engine and very hard to work with. (Spark plugs hard to change) 4x4 needs to be constructed better
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