Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews
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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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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.
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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!
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.
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.