1996 Ford F-150 Review

Tough as nails

Written by: Ritz on 07/27/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I unfortunately just had to trade this in. It was my first ever vehicle and very first truck. Had 230,000 miles but was still kicking strong. Never ever let me down. Every month I came home from college- 5 and 1/2 hour drive no problems. Had the 5.0L V8 and it was a beast. Sounded amazing with dual exhaust. Had four wheel drive which routinely got me through 2 feet of snow in a northern WI winter. routine repairs for a vehicle with so many miles, but never anything serious. I cried the day I let mine go, but with gas at 4 bucks a gallon and being a college student, I couldn't hold on it to anymore.

Favorite Features

Chrome bumper because people don't ride your tail at night. Lights shine right back in their eyes. 4wd never failed me- a blast to drive in all kinds of weather. Always felt safe- hit two does one night doing 50 and had no damage to the truck

Suggested Improvements

Put a dual exhaust on it, lift kit, and modify engine for better gas mileage. Never sell it! You will always want this truck back

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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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