Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews
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F-150 4.2L a big disappointment
GBG, 12/31/2002
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased 1997 F-150 4.2 V-6 new and had very poor mileage. 20% less than sticker statement. Currently get @12 MPG. Dealer replaced; mirror switch @ 2,000 miles,transmission w/in 20,000 miles,turn signal switch @40,000, seat belt mechanism 45,000 miles, water pump and leaky seals on timeing chain cover at 60,000 miles, Factory radio failed completely @ 75,000 miles. Drivers side door has metal fatigue crack near window as in MOST '97-'01 f- 150 trucks. Would definetly stay away from the 4.2 V-6 drive train in the future. Currently need complete engine replacement at 88,00 miles due to overall engine wear. dealer wants $4,000 to replace.
Fun, Strong, Workhorse
Justin, 11/19/2006
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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*).
Should Not Have Broken
I got a Lemon, 01/24/2007
1997 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Truck New
JerryT, 04/21/2002
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle I purchased was a great truck till about 85000 miles, then the transmission started acting up. I suggest, if you buy a ford truck to trade it in around 80000 if you plan on keeping it for a while. Whereas transmissions can be repaired, once they start acting up they will never be the same again and reliability will never be above 65% on a rebuilt transmission.
Drive train Headaches
Donald Badstuebner, 02/26/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck is equiped with a 4.2 liter v6 motor. It is pleasant to drive although it is not very peppy. Gas mileage averages about 14 to 15 MPG which is about 65 % highway driving. I recently had a coolant leak in the timing chain cover. A local garage that employed a Ford trained and certified replaced the leaking gasket. I got the truck back and after driving it less than 300 miles the motor lost oil pressure and seriously damaged the engine(needed a new engine @$3800). Ford has had problems with the design and(or) manufacturing of some of their motors in recent years.