1997 Ford F-250 Review
1997 Ford F-250 Review
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Used F-250 for sale
Appraise This CarFord F-250 model years
Ford F-250 types
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Ford's F-250 joins the F-150 this year in a dramatic redesign. The new model has swoopy styling, a greatly improved interior, a much more rigid chassis, and carlike handling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Ford F-250 XLT 3dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.6L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$295/mo for F-250 XLT
F-250 XLT
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
For nearly two decades, the Ford F-Series has been the best selling pickup truck in the United States. For more than half that period of time, it's been the best selling vehicle, period. Understandably, Ford execs were a bit hesitant to completely overhaul their Golden Child. After all, the F-Series, which hadn't seen substantial engineering improvements since 1980, seemed to be selling just fine as it was. Reality was, though, that deadlines for some stringent truck standards were approaching fast, and the F-Series was getting long in the tooth. The redesign was approved.
Five million development miles later, Ford introduced a radically new F-150 in January 1996. The bold look, passenger car accouterments, overhead cam engines, and short and long arm front suspension of the new pickup are either embraced or shunned by die-hard Ford truckers used to the traditional styling, bare bones interior, rugged pushrod motors and Twin-I-Beam suspension of the 1996 model. For 1997, the F-250 joins its little brother in the new styling
So what about this new truck? Overall length is up for all models, and SuperCabs provide substantial improvements in rear passenger leg and hip room. SuperCab models feature a third door as standard equipment, as more and more full-size pickups are purchased for personal use. Styleside and Flareside cargo boxes will be available for both cab styles. Dual airbags are standard, and the passenger side restraint can be switched off in the event that a rear-facing child safety seat has been installed. The new F-Series meets 1999 side-impact standards for trucks, and a four-wheel anti-lock braking system is optional across the board. New options include leather seats, a six-disc CD changer, and an anti-theft system.
Two engines will initially be available, followed by a third in the fall of 1996. A 4.6-liter V-8 is the standard engine, and it makes 220 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 290 foot-pounds of torque at 3250 rpm. That's more than GM, Dodge or Toyota. The second engine is a 5.4-liter V-8 which makes 235 horsepower and 330 foot-pounds of torque. The third engine is a 7.3-liter turbo-diesel unit for which we don't yet have information. Tune up intervals occur every 100,000 miles thanks to platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Sounds good to us. After driving several F-Series trucks this year, it appears that Ford has taken a path designed to bring more personal use buyers into the Ford fold without alienating truck buyers who work their pickups hard. Styling, always a subjective point, might turn potential buyers off with its free-flowing forms and smooth contours. We, however, like its clean lines and lack of clutter; particularly around the grille. If you are in the market for a full-size pickup, you need to see why the F-Series has been the best selling truck on the market for the last decade.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Ford F-250.
5 star(84%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
19 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
One of the best Trucks EVER!
Flover5076, 10/15/2002
1997 Ford F-250 HD XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.8L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
After driving this truck for snow
plowing, pulling a 30 foot boat, and as
a daily driver I have come to one
conclusion, that this truck can perform
at anytime you want. This is a great
truck for doing anything.
5 out of 5 stars
Ford f250 long box, with 351.
BonnyDunn-brown , 07/21/2019
1997 Ford F-250 HD XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.8L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Well after 20 years of owning this truck, I have finally decided to upgrade. This has been a fantastic vehicle. Granted it isn't a daily driver. In fact we use it when we need it. It has 98,000 miles. Ask we have ever done to it is spark plugs and oil changes. It doesn't even need brakes. The only reason I got a newer one. I'm getting older and need a automatic. Plus we have no need for …
the heavy duty amy more.
4.38 out of 5 stars
F250 4X4 SC HD LB DIESEL
phasers, 01/10/2003
1997 Ford F-250 HD XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.8L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Great truck. I've had a lot of trucks
in my business, many Fords.
My experience has always been a big
truck with a little engine and lots of
gears. Poor power to weight and
constant shifting.
The Navistar DIT diesel is definetly
the way to go with a truck. When the
turbo spools up, there's no catching
it. It'll pull a house off the
foundation and gets good mileage … (for a
truck) as well. There are plenty of
chatrooms for Q & A on this setup if
you have a problem, and the guys will
give you lots of responses to keep it
going.
4.63 out of 5 stars
F-250 4wd HD 7.5L
Mike, 03/14/2008
1997 Ford F-250 HD XL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (5.8L 8cyl naturally aspired 5M)
We bought this truck from a drilling company after it had 155,000 miles on it. Its a tank. The drilling company obviously did not take it easy on it and we have had minimal problems with it. The head gasket blew on it and some minor brake issues. With the 7.5L 460 and a 5 spd it has alot of power. The fuel milage is not the best because of the large v8. The truck is very solid and … reliable. Suspension is very strong for hauling and towing. Lots of power and braking control with large trailers.
1997 F-250 Highlights
Crew Cab
HD XLT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 10,000 lbs. |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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