Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews
97 4.6L Ford Lariat F150 4x4
I recently just bought this truck and so far so good. She has been very well taken care of by the condition of the interior. Mileage unknown only thing is from the dealership the coilpack was replaced that and a front right wheel bearing other than that look out for the Body Control Module going out it's also considered a GEM module other than that it is one tough ass truck to be the year. Hopefully it will last me a long time as long as I keep up with the maintenance cheers. Also the truck is from Dearborn Michigan if that has and constitution.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Its ok
I have had the truck for a couple months now and it ran fine until a couple weeks ago. First off the truck supposedly has 129,000 miles on it but I wouldn't know exactly because the odometer doesn't work, this is common on most fords of this time, secondly the fuel sensor doesn't work. But the big problem is that the truck won't start because of a dead battery, but the battery is not even a month old and is already dead i had it checked and the alternator is fine, so something I don't know what it is is draining the battery down, also the interior plastics are very cheaply made and will break very easily if you try to remove them, and just put new spark plugs and wires and still has a miss on cylinder 6 and still has enough compression to run, it is really a hit or miss if you get a good or a bad truck.
Built Ford tough!
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 .
A pleasure to drive
Power nothing, but A/C & Cruise control makes for a more comfortable ride. I was a bit skeptical about the 4.6L V8 since Ford ditched the 302 from their truck line, but its run out very well for me. My only problem is a clunking noise in the rear end when taking off. I plan on having it looked at soon. Other than that its been a dependable truck for me.
Great truck
Overall, I have enjoyed owning & driving this truck. I have not put as much mileage on mine as most would have in 6yrs, so we'll see how she holds up at the 75K mark. The only major problems: 1)rear end bearings went out @ 40K, gears are already pitting (I'm told this is a notorious Ford issue). 2) rear window leaks. Would've loved to see more power out of the 97' 4.6L.
Definite Workhorse
The 60/40 seat style is right out of the 50's as are the springs bounciness. However easilly fixable with quality bucket seats via after market. Weak rear Axle needed replacing by 30,000 mi. Otherwise, pure pleasure I'll keep till the wheels fall off.
Old Blue
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.
Great Truck
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.
not that shabby
not all the F-150s break down. I bought mine used with 90k miles on it, now have it up to 112k. Never have had engine problems. Only things were new tires, passenger side window motor replaced, battery replaced at 100k, taillights replaced. Rides a little rough b/c of worn down suspension. V6 is lousy for quick power needs, go with a V8. Interior is plain, nothing great about it, but for a good truck overall it can't be beat.
Overall very nice truck
Very comfortable ride. Quiet engine. Mileage good for large truck. Has 100,000 miles on it. Looks and runs like new truck
Great Truck
I have had a squeaky control arm. The only problem is the replacement one does not have a grease point. Why pay $500.00 to fix a squeak for it to squeak again in 6 months?
1997 4.2 v6 manual.
I bought a 1997 f150 4.2 manual. Because I had read about their "reliability" the reliable one is the v8 the unreliable one is the 4.2 v6 absolutely gutless. And it is problematic as hell It overheated and i found a leak on the back of the motor so i replaced the head gasket. The sludge was bad and the pistons looked worn out but i couldn't afford a new motor. 3 months later it spun a crank bearing. Odometer did not work and im sure it had more than 200K on it. Even though it read 128K Maybe it was just abused by the previous owner idk.. But I would go with the 8 cyl. And leave this bag a worms alone. The manual trans is great. Shifts good. The engine is garbage. Besides that it's a nice truck
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Slightly modded, but was fine before.
I own a 97 Ford F-150 XL Step-Side, 4.2L V6. Of course the V6 is lighter and quicker then the 4.6L I run all over 4.6's Tranny went out before I bought the truck, which suprised me, usually Ford trannys, especaily manuals are indestructible. Nothing at all has gone wrong with it other than that. I have 115,000 miles on it now. I installed a belltech 6" drop for better handling. Very tight turning radius. Very lightweight. And I get better mileage than my dad's 4.6L. Very well built truck. Fun to drive, starts effortlessly every morning. I never worry about anything.
Junk!
Motor had radiator fluid in the vents, Walker Ford completely finished off the motor trying to fix it! I drove it in and had to tow the truck out!
I do not trust this vehicle
I like the drive but I cannot keep it on the road because I've had numerous problems. I have replaced the engine twice in less than a year and the transmision during this time and now I am experiencing a vacuum leak. I will never invest in anything that has the name Ford on it, even if it is a toy.
Unreliable after year 5
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.
Great Truck
I bought this used, with 78K miles. First owner had taken very good care of truck with a lot of highway commute miles. I have continued with good up keep, only having to replace lower ball joints and front brakes and disks. Only wish 4.6L had more pep. And gas milage is poor.
Tough truck just keeps on goin'
As the first vehicle I have ever kept longer than the 4 year payment plan, this Ford is a winner by default. It tows, carrys, and rides all day in comfort. Still gets compliments on its looks and runs like new. Cruises at 85 on the highway as smoothly as my wife's Avalon (OK, a bit noisier) and can then tramp through the woods like a champ. I still smile everytime I see it in the parking lot waiting for me. And in rush hour traffic you can see over Explorers and other lesser beasts to anticipate problems and reduce claustraphobia. Winner all the way!
F-150
Best vehicle I have ever owned. Brakes,tires,gas and oil is only money i have spent on this truck. Thanks Ford.
I love My Truck!!
Boguth it with 25000 miles put 75 on it in about 3.5 years. Just had to put a new alternator on it. Other than that only brakes and general maintenance. Very very well built truck, still drives unbelievably tight.
Don's opinion
Best pickup ever built
10
Ilove to drive my truck.
I love Ford
I have always had Ford Products and they have all gave me great service. This truck has been the best of all it is a tough truck
great truck
This has been a great truck over the last 5 years. The only thing I have had trouble with has been the brakes.
Tough Truck
Our truck has never been in the shop except for routine maintenance. Vacation with the truck in Colorado and have been very impressed with its 4WD and going over very rough mountain passes. We live on a acreage and have used the truck to pull up trees, haul dirt, ect. (would of made a forign truck cry). Comfortable ride.
'97 F-150 Workhorse
Best vehicle I've ever owned. 164,000 miles w/no major repairs needed.
johns 97 f150 4 x 4 ford pickup
bought this truck new, both torsion bars have broke tie rod went while i was driving it and i lost my steering.and transfer box had crack in it.i am going to trade it in for a tundra. this truck was not even beat on on only has 68,000miles on it.
I love my F-150
I've owned my F-150 for about nine months now and haven't been happier! Sure its not the most flashy, but it is a solid truck. It has 107,000 miles on it and it hasn't had any problems so far; well except for the time a drunk person hit me. There are a few things I would change, like the overall fit and finish is poor, and who doesn't like more power? The highs are the handling and the "truck feel" it has, you know you're in a truck. Overall though I love this truck!
nice job
I have been very happy with this truck,no major problems with anything.Rides very smooth,has a great body design very flowing
Mine, Mine, Mine
Great for those who want an all around cool looking 4X4. Very handy getting from A-B. Smooth ride, although I kinda wish I had ext cab.
ford tough
I LOVE MY TRUCK. I bought it used with 79,000 mile on it, it now has 113,000 and I have not had 1 problem. I keep the oil changed and have a K&N filter on it. The only thing I would change is the center console does not lock in the down position. I call it my coffee launcher. If you have a drink in the center console and lean too much on the back of it, it launches the drink all over the back seat. I here they corrected this problem in the later models. I also wish that I had bought the model with the 5.4 liter engine. the 4.6 seems to be a bit weak for the gas mileage that I get (around 12mpg).
1997 Ford F150 Excab with V6
Great truck except the V6 engine blew at 85000 miles. Head gasket or intake gasket leaked water into one cylinder causing hydraulic lockup. Piston broke and rod went through the oil pan.
After The Warranty
My XL started having trouble in 2001 and seems to continue.The heater core blew costing $600.00 to have put in.The Water pump went costing $100.00 plus to fix.My starter went out for another $130.00.The oxygen sensors were bad and had to be replaced.The sliding rear window has leaked in the rain from day one.Silicone seems to help.I have owned Fords all my life.I might change!
1997 F150 4.2L Ext. Cab
Lots of interior room, good instrument layout and enjoyable to drive. Mech. probs. incl. torque converter failed at 60k ($1200), head gasket leak at 93k ($2000) fast brake wear (changed to ceramic pads ($75 pair) reduced freq.of pad replacement), ball joints replaced ($400 cost), gas city ~11 mpg, highway ~16 mpg, oxygen sensor failure at 65K ($40). I have mixed feelings about the vehicle overall but still like the comfort of driving it. New body design on the 2004 is too boxy looking so I probably would not buy a newer model F150 anyway. Too bad, I liked the styling of the previous models.
I love it.
Great Truck. It has not failed me and runs great every time it is started.
Great Truck
144000+ miles with no problems except minor shift problem between 2nd and 3rd that showed up at around 100000 miles. So insignificant that I had not had it repaired when I got another Ford truck. No other repairs or problems except normal tires and brakes replacements.
Ford Tough
Bought this truck from original owner with 60k miles on it. It now has 215k and is like new! Other than ordinary maintenance, I put a new radiator in at 150k and an alternator at 195k. Heads have never been off. It just keeps running and everything works. Paint is unbelievable. People can't believe it's 10 yrs old. I fully expect to get at least 250k from this completely stock 5.4L beauty.
Ford F-150
Ever since we have gotten the truck we have brought it in for 2 diferent services. Oil change and tire rotaion. We have had 0 problems with this truck. we got it almost brand new and still runs like it did when we first got it. Only thing i have against it right now is the power streering squeaks whenever i turn but it will be fixed. Thats my only problem after 7 years of ownership.
The not so reliable F-150
I purchased my F-150 new in 02/97. To date I have spent over $4000.00 in maintenance and repair costs at my local ford dealership. After sinking $2800.00 in the truck over the last 40,000 miles and then having starting problems I was told that the head gasket on the truck was blown and it would need a new engine at a cost of 0ver $3500.00. So, buyers beware, not all ford F-150's are created equal.
Dependability pure and simple
I have over 150,000 miles on this truck and it has yet to have 1 single part break in the drivetrain or anywhere else for that matter. I don't baby it either and have many performance mods yet this truck doesn't leak a drop of fluid and now gets over 15mpg--A really good number for the 5.4L. I plan to keep it for the forseeable future.
f150
Had problems with transfer case caused by defect. It was finally properly repaired after about 3 tries.
great
AWESOME!!It has a lot of raw power. Must buy
A Good Friend
Bought this truck new - it had recalls but nothing major - this truck has done everything asked of it - 4 wheeling it has been through mud, snow, and rivers - over rocks - never got stuck - the ride is smooth and power adequate - the seat comfort is great
Tough FORD
F-150's are the greatest trucks out there. Haven't had any problems and no complaints. Built tough.
So far-so good-
After reviewing this site for several vehicles I was looking at; I'm happy to say that I decided on the F-150. Granted I have only had this beautiful black truck for twenty-four hours! It has high mileage,154,000, but runs and handles real strong. My roommate has a Chevy Quad cab 4wd long bed which I enjoyed driving except it was hard to park and turn corners, but the truck was fun to drive. This truck gives me equal pleasure, with the added bonus of turning corners easily and ease of parking. The ride is smooth, and everything is working at this point. There is a worn ball joint that will need to be replaced soon. Will post again as my time grows with this truck.
I got my Ford
'97 F150 Lariat...what a great truck. I needed to sell my '95 F150 and I knew what I wanted and I found it in this truck. There's no way you would think this truck is 6 years old- it looks good and drives great. My mechanic gave it a clean bill of health when I bought it and it has yet to give me any major problems. Some brake work (replace rear axle seals) and routine maintenance, general TLC, is all I have done for it. Fuel mileage...well, you're driving a truck, not a Honda (a car I could roll over and not even know :-)
F-150 Built Tough by Ford
I own with 0 miles, On the first month of use, I learned it had defective front shocks; the dealer changed them for new ones. It currently has 52,000 miles on it. I've changed the front pads twice for regular wear, change engine oil every 3,000 miles and have already changed tranny oil at 48,000 miles. At 25,000 miles I noticed a problem in the driver side window, so I changed the window motor for one that I bought on ebay. Not a single engine problem. Mileage of 13mpg in city is not so good, but it's a 5,400 pound vehicle with a 5.4 liter engine.
HANDS DOWN BEST TRUCK!
I HAVE TO SAY THAT AFTER HAVING THREE DODGES AND ONE CHEVEY, THIS TRUCK IS THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED! I HAVE A 97 F-150 THAT HAS OVER 185,000 MILES AND I MUST SAY THAT MAINTANACE IS ALMOST NON-EXISTANT. I HAVE ONLY KEPT THE OIL CHANGES UP AND I HAVE GIVEN IT YEARLY TUNE-UPS AND THATS IT. THIS TRUCK IS ALL ORIGINAL RIGHT DOWN TO THE FUEL PUMP! MY ONLY COMPAINT IS THAT THE 4.6 LITER V-8 IS A BIT OF A GAS HOG.
My Truck's my best friend
This truck has been awesome. I wish it had more power sometimes, but it is unstoppable. I pull two horses with it and it has a hard time with that sometimes, and I have spoken to other F 150 owners and they have seen a similar trait of exhaust leaks in the exhaust manifold. I have yet to fix mine, but it hasn't effected performance at all. I have had to fix nothing on this thing in the three years that I have owned it and it has 160,000 miles on it now.
teenagers dream truck
I bought this truck used with 88000 miles because it was a great buy and it was the truck of my dreams. I'm 17 years old and the Ford XLT 4X4 with its Triton v-8 was all I needed to make my senior year awsome. Hunter green exterior and gray interior, it looks and runs great! Gas mileage? What gas mileage! I put Flowmasters on it and next Buckshot tires.Look out mudholes.This truck is a teenagers dream so far!