Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews
Used F-150 for sale
Sold it.
Martin, 04/15/2019
updated 04/19/2022
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
It's been sold. It's now happy living out it's retirement years doing yard care. With barely 105k on the clock and a fresh tune up... it's good to go for a while. It was just time to downsize and stop paying Allstate to park it. Don't know why it's not listed, but ours was the 5.4.
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- Value
Want the truth?
Blake, 05/03/2016
1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have a '97 XL Extended cab 3-door, with a 4.2L V-6, 5-speed manual transmission, and 2WD. This is a good truck, with just a couple of exceptions. Unless it has been repaired or replaced in the truck you're looking at, beware of the 1997 4.2-liter V-6. This engine was initially built with a too-thin intake manifold gasket, which caused many of these engines to leak coolant into the #1 cylinder. The resulting hydro-lock caused many of these engines to grenade at around 100,000 miles (ranging from as low as 60K to 140K), and send pistons, rods, etc., through the block or oil pan. HOWEVER, if the gasket has been replaced with the updated one, or if the long block has been replaced after a blown engine, then these engines are totally reliable and powerful. I bought mine at 114,000 miles with a new long block, and at 182,000 miles it runs perfectly. Mine is a little spare in 'creature comforts,' but it's a truck. PS, PB, tilt wheel, cruise, but otherwise cloth bench seats, vinyl flooring, and an adequate sound system. It has the tow package, with hitch, trailer brake, and both 4- and 7-pin connectors. Mine also has a bed liner and matching cap. The truck tows beautifully, with only one real concern- the extended-cab is so long and the front wheels located so far to the front of the truck, that this mandates small, gentle steering inputs to prevent 'sphincter-slamming' yaw and veering one way or the other. You learn quickly to use an easy touch. Estimates for gas mileage are at best, laughable. Mine ranges from 12 in the city to as high as 14 highway... tops. Period. And yes, the engine was properly run-in; I did it myself. Got the truck with only 600 miles on this engine. Doesn't leak or burn a drop of oil or coolant, and is as dependable as any vehicle I've ever owned. I love this truck, and I do not plan to replace it. Ever.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
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- Value
1997 Ford F-150 for sale near you
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- XLTMSRP: $14,50082 mi away
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My 1st Truck
04 Desmo, 08/01/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Never thought about getting a truck, but an implulse buy made me glad I did. It has moved me 3 times over the last 3 years. This thing is very reliable, and for 115000 miles still work like a charm. The 4.2 V6 w/ 5sp has a bit of get-up and is fantastic on the highway. Great control location, and the interior design is highly functional and comfy. Exterior design is OK. Residual is alright for a 1997, but I have no plans in selling it. I'm trying to put in a CD player, but the 1997 stereo is unique, and I can't find one!
F150 XL 6 cylinder (4.2 L) Auto Trans.
Steve 1, 01/14/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Overall the vehicle has been pretty reliable. Although the brakes (disc front/drum back)seem to need replacement more frequently than most, transmission torque converter went out at 65000 miles, this model has sealed front end ball joints and had to be replaced also at about 65000 miles, gas mileage has been about 12 city/ 19 highway. Truck is well maintained with no heavy towing or abuse and regular maintenance. Good low end torque for 6 cyl.
Original Owner, Great Value Truck
Bad da Bingg, 02/13/2009
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
10 yrs ago the seller said she's a great old truck
Jodi, 01/15/2019
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Lots of miles and lots of looks and she still trucks
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- Reliability
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LOVE MY TRUCK
josh, 02/28/2010
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned a 2000 Silverado before my ford . The only thing i miss is the Eton Locker in the rear and the AUTO 4WD. This truck gets GREAT MPG i hand calculated it at 22 mpg! that was at 65 mph and 295/85R16 BFGoodrich all terrians and the A/C on!!. my favorite part is the sound it has a mean growl in the exhaust that makes all other trucks wet there oil pans!!!. Also the engine in it is a 4.6 TRITON. I LOVE IT!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Pull's like a dream i regularly pull 4 Big polaris quads on a 15 foot trailer.
my ford truck
cos, 04/29/2002
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
excellent purchase, would not trade it for the world. always reliable, always has power when you want it!
4.2L Engine
Scot , 04/26/2005
1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really like the truck, overall design outside, and interior room. I have had the truck since it was new, mine was equipped with the 4.2L engine. At 88,000 miles the transmission went, at 89,200 the engine went. I was very much disappointed with that. I had the transmission rebuilt and purchased a new engine from Ford, I think it runs better now than when I first purchased it (WAY MORE POWER)! I would buy the truck again but would stick with at V-8 engine. If you're buying used be careful about the early 4.2L; my understanding is it had a lot of problems, the newer ones are supposed to have all the problems fixed.
Fix Or Repair Daily
bigruss, 10/25/2008
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!