Used 1997 Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) Consumer Reviews
Used F-150 for sale
F150 XL 6 cylinder (4.2 L) Auto Trans.
Steve 1, 01/14/2003
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.
4.2L Engine
Scot , 04/26/2005
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.
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1997 4.2 v6 manual.
Samuel Villegas., Tulsa, OK, 12/27/2018
updated 01/06/2022
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
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After The Warranty
pgg, 11/26/2002
Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My XL started having trouble in 2001 and seems to continue.The heater core blew costing $600.00 to have put in.The Water pump went costing $100.00 plus to fix.My starter went out for another $130.00.The oxygen sensors were bad and had to be replaced.The sliding rear window has leaked in the rain from day one.Silicone seems to help.I have owned Fords all my life.I might change!
great truck
gary mullen, 06/19/2002
Ford F-150 XL 3dr Extended Cab SB (4.2L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great truck over the last 5 years. The only thing I have had trouble with has been the brakes.