Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews
Used F-150 for sale
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!
Ford F-150 SB Stepside
Reggie Tommie, 08/21/2002
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall, I've been pleased with my truck. It's been reliable.
1997 Ford F-150 for sale near you
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Built FORD tough!!
Mr. D, 06/17/2022
updated 06/20/2024
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought truck new in 1997, it now has 345,886 miles on it. Original engine and transmission, no major repairs to either. I have 4WD model. I have another engine and transmission when time comes for replacement. This is the BEST truck I’ve ever had. I replaced the radiator, water pump, alternator 1 coil, half-shafts and rear axles, heater core and blend door. It has regular oil changes on 3500 mile average. Changed plugs one time, normal front end hardware and brakes as needed. If it completely falls apart tomorrow, it owes me nothing!! Update 6/19/24, It’s still going, I think it will last longer than I will!! 365,000 miles on original engine, transmission and exhaust.
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Awesome Truck!
Chauncey, 02/10/2008
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought w/100k on it. Other than tires and oil no major repairs needed. 140k now and replaced front and rear brakes 1 time and replaced 02 sensor and 3 spark plugs and that is it. I use for landscaping so most miles I put on are hard work miles and it does great. Unbelievable traction, comfort. Out of 5 other trucks, this is the best truck I have ever owned and would buy again if I could find one like it.
good truck
laddco enterprises, 07/18/2002
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
good truck. very reliable
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.
F150 Can't go wrong!
Michigan trucker, 12/03/2010
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my F150 with just under 100,000 miles on it it now has 126,000. No problems to report. This truck is the nicest one i have owned. I always buy used and have been wrong in my choice a couple of times. This purchase was not one of them. The style and motor/transmission combo is great. the interior is well designed with room to spare. Seating is big like you would expect in a truck but it is also comfortable. The rear bench is has good leg room but really its not where any adult wants to sit for a long trip but it is prefect for the kids or the dog. I would highly suggest a F150 with this motor its is excellent. No rust after all these years!
Stone Cold Reliable
BTE, 09/16/2006
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
My F-150 has been a pleasure to own. I do wish for more torque from the 4.6 at times, but that is really due to the OHC design which predictably displays the opposite power making characteristics of what should be in any 4x4 truck. I added 4.10 gears to mine to make up for the lack of torque and it improved off the line performance considerably with little effect on gas mileage. At 140,000 miles all I have done is standard maintenance and it runs like a champ. The interior has held up well too. It seems better built than the new F-150s (noticed the cheap plastic fuel door on the current trucks). My tailgate is heavier than some but if you can't lift it then buy a Honda or a Subaru.
Built Ford Tough
nascar_nfl, 11/24/2009
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck new in 1997 and it has held up great ever since. I now have almost 190,000 on this truck and it runs perfect. I have installed lots of aftermarket parts to the truck and have always taken care of it. I live in the Mountains of Southern West Virginia so this truck sees alot of road salt during the winter but still has no rust. I take this thing off roading alot to and it NEVER gets stuck and Ihave been in some deep mud and water. The interior has plenty of romm and I am 6'3". It is also stylish and has good sound from the speakers. Built Ford Tough!!!
4.2 engine a bust
Disappointed, 04/13/2010
1997 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab LB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle not even a yr ago, had been driving Fords for over 20 yrs with my job. But will never again purchase a Ford product until they make a engine that is reliable again. What a disappointment. Ford, you can do better or else stand by your product. 4.2 liter engine a bust.