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Used 1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
132 reviews

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2 out of 5 stars

1997 4.2 v6 manual.

Samuel Villegas., 12/27/2018
updated 01/06/2022
1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought a 1997 f150 4.2 manual. Because I had read about their "reliability" the reliable one is the v8 the unreliable one is the 4.2 v6 absolutely gutless. And it is problematic as hell It overheated and i found a leak on the back of the motor so i replaced the head gasket. The sludge was bad and the pistons looked worn out but i couldn't afford a new motor. 3 months later it spun a crank bearing. Odometer did not work and im sure it had more than 200K on it. Even though it read 128K Maybe it was just abused by the previous owner idk.. But I would go with the 8 cyl. And leave this bag a worms alone. The manual trans is great. Shifts good. The engine is garbage. Besides that it's a nice truck

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Slightly modded, but was fine before.

Al Hoyt, 08/08/2008
1997 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I own a 97 Ford F-150 XL Step-Side, 4.2L V6. Of course the V6 is lighter and quicker then the 4.6L I run all over 4.6's Tranny went out before I bought the truck, which suprised me, usually Ford trannys, especaily manuals are indestructible. Nothing at all has gone wrong with it other than that. I have 115,000 miles on it now. I installed a belltech 6" drop for better handling. Very tight turning radius. Very lightweight. And I get better mileage than my dad's 4.6L. Very well built truck. Fun to drive, starts effortlessly every morning. I never worry about anything.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

HCR, 06/21/2005
1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have had a squeaky control arm. The only problem is the replacement one does not have a grease point. Why pay $500.00 to fix a squeak for it to squeak again in 6 months?

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2025 Ford F-150
At a Glance:
  • 7 Colors
  • 1 Trim
  • 3 Packages
  • $38,810starting MSRP
Build & Price Ford.com
Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included.

2.25 out of 5 stars

Junk!

jeff, 11/15/2010
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab LB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 10 people found this review helpful

Motor had radiator fluid in the vents, Walker Ford completely finished off the motor trying to fix it! I drove it in and had to tow the truck out!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

I do not trust this vehicle

ice cream man, 07/03/2008
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful

I like the drive but I cannot keep it on the road because I've had numerous problems. I have replaced the engine twice in less than a year and the transmision during this time and now I am experiencing a vacuum leak. I will never invest in anything that has the name Ford on it, even if it is a toy.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Unreliable after year 5

cougar10, 06/08/2009
1997 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful

My family purchased this truck new for my brother. My brother didn't like it so my dad drove it and when I got my license I inherited this pile of junk (it was 10 years old). When i first started driving it it was ok but lately its been making sudden jerks and noises. After i drive it for a little bit the motor keeps on making noise. The temperature gauge has caused it to die. I have to hit the tailgate to open it. My family has only had Chevys before this and we are all going back to Chevys. Built Ford Tough is a big understatement. I can't wait to get something nicer.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

PETER LOVEITT, 01/28/2005
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 bought this used, with 78K miles. First owner had taken very good care of truck with a lot of highway commute miles. I have continued with good up keep, only having to replace lower ball joints and front brakes and disks. Only wish 4.6L had more pep. And gas milage is poor.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Tough truck just keeps on goin'

Givingman, 10/13/2003
1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

As the first vehicle I have ever kept longer than the 4 year payment plan, this Ford is a winner by default. It tows, carrys, and rides all day in comfort. Still gets compliments on its looks and runs like new. Cruises at 85 on the highway as smoothly as my wife's Avalon (OK, a bit noisier) and can then tramp through the woods like a champ. I still smile everytime I see it in the parking lot waiting for me. And in rush hour traffic you can see over Explorers and other lesser beasts to anticipate problems and reduce claustraphobia. Winner all the way!

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5 out of 5 stars

F-150

B Davis, 10/18/2003
1997 Ford F-150 XLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best vehicle I have ever owned. Brakes,tires,gas and oil is only money i have spent on this truck. Thanks Ford.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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