Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews
Used F-150 for sale
10
phili, 11/28/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ilove to drive my truck.
I love Ford
Brian P, 01/04/2004
1997 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
'97 F-150 Workhorse
Paul, 11/08/2005
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best vehicle I've ever owned. 164,000 miles w/no major repairs needed.
I love my F-150
zach bereiter, 12/13/2005
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
tms98, 03/06/2004
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with this truck,no major problems with anything.Rides very smooth,has a great body design very flowing
ford tough
Schidler, 04/02/2004
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
mbehr55, 03/07/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
1997 F150 4.2L Ext. Cab
Cranky, 05/21/2004
1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Truck
BBinTEX, 06/30/2004
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 F-150
Trux369, 07/04/2004
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Dependability pure and simple
galaxie64, 07/20/2004
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
great
stsi, 10/08/2004
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
AWESOME!!It has a lot of raw power. Must buy
Tough FORD
srr7sk8r, 10/23/2004
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
F-150's are the greatest trucks out there. Haven't had any problems and no complaints. Built tough.
F-150 Built Tough by Ford
Fraedna, 11/27/2004
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
My Truck's my best friend
Collin Stoddard, 11/29/2005
1997 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
F 150 junk
cchfd, 09/21/2006
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No more Fords for me. Truck has extensive work done to it from transmissions to exhaust manifolds. Not reliable and would never own another one.
A Good Friend
Rocky Mountain High, 04/01/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Best Vehicle I've Owned
jrg, 05/15/2007
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My ten year old F-150 extended, short bed has paid for itself time and again. It has 133,000 miles, and have only had to replace tires and brake pads. The greatest expense was wire damage thanks to a local rodent. Ford wires must taste good. I get a constant 19 miles per gallon with the 4.6 V-8.
Ford F-150 There's no mistaking it!
Michael WPa, 04/21/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Make sure to have the tailpipe moved behind the rear passenger wheel or your cap on the back tire will start to turn green. I have turned many friends and family members to the Ford F-150 and they have been singing the praises since moving from Dodge and Chevy!
2007 Update on '97 F150
Scout, 06/05/2007
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle with 60k miles on it 5 years ago. It has towed a trailer on 1,000 mile trips, been a daily driver. Oil change every 3k, and all scheduled maintenance. I just had the rear differential noise issue arise, and had the dealer use the factory ring and pinon kit...rather then trying used axles. Also new shocks. Other then that, it contines to run well. The ball joints squeak, the truck feels like it is out of alignment when it is not. No complaints otherwise. The 4.6L V8 is okay, not great for power. Likewise 17mpg is as good as mileage gets. If you can find one of these used in good shape, save yourself $20k compared to a new truck.
F-150 Satisfied Owner
Joe Reynolds, 06/04/2007
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
10 years and 130,000 trouble free miles have been my experience with this vehicle. Excellent in all respects. I got one of the first new 150 body styles.
F150 Reg Flareside 2wd 4.2(v6)
Paparoach, 01/19/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle! Will be buying a new Ford Truck when this one is 10 years old.
Trucks kick ass
ATL Chic, 03/05/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's is an awesome truck -- for me a big change though because I had a Mustang GT
1997 fORD PU
Tito, 07/16/2002
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Ford PU is a very good truck for the person who does not desire to have a lot of bed space,, I use mine primarily to go back and forth to work for a total of 28 miles per day 5 days per week. The mileage is about 15 miles per gallon with the automatic that I have
Never Again. Ever.
RandallFord, 06/22/2009
1997 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
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.
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.
my ford truck
raisen, 07/06/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
simple good truck for price.reliable.
Don't Buy a Ford
shags, 05/10/2004
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 21 people found this review helpful
Shortly aftr purchasing this vehicle (it was used) I discovered it had a problem with maintaining adequate oil pressure. The truck had only 39000 miles on the clock! A local Ford dealer as well as an independant mechanic told me the engine was shot and they would gladly replace it for 3500 - 3800 dollars. Ford Motor Co. refused to make a good faith adjustment for a problem that was clearly a defect. This will definately be the last Ford product I'll ever own. It will be my life's mission to discourage anyone else I know from ever buying their junk!!!