1998 Ford F-250 Review
1998 Ford F-250 Review
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Used F-250 for sale
Appraise This CarFord F-250 model years
Ford F-250 types
- Extended Cab
- Regular Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big and brawny, this is a serious workhorse for those who actually need a full-size truck.
What’s new
The 1998 F-150 gets a 50th Anniversary decal affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield. Other changes include making the locking tailgate standard on XLT and Lariat trims, optional on XL and Standard models. Foglights become optional this year on all four-wheel-drive models except for the Lariat, which gets them standard. An STX package featuring 17-inch tires, aluminum wheels and color-keyed grille debuts as an option for the XLT 2WD. The Lariat receives a color-keyed steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and outside power signal mirrors. Silver Metallic paint replaces Silver Frost paint, and Light Denim Blue replaces Portofino Blue.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Ford F-250 XL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$307/mo for F-250 XL
F-250 XL
vs
$259/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
When Ford introduced the new family of F-Series trucks in 1996 as a 1997 model, there was an uproar among old-school Blue Oval fans. Gone were their beloved Twin-I-Beam suspensions, pushrod engines and traditional styling. The new model appeared with a short- and long-arm front suspension, overhead cam engines and more swoops than a Dairy Queen sundae.
Now that the vehicle has been out for two years, naysayers have put their fears to rest. The SLA suspension provides excellent on- and off-road articulation, giving the most demanding drivers the best ride available in any truck. Overhead cam engines provide capable acceleration and enough power to tow Rhode Island to the West Coast. The swoopy exterior means that parking an F-Series truck in a crowded parking lot may be a bit of a challenge, but the outstanding visibility it gives when off-roading more than makes up for its somewhat sissified shape.
The Ford F-Series' interior is also a breakthrough. Stepping out of one of the competitive vehicles, like a Chevy or Dodge, and into the F-Series is like going from a Yugo to a Lincoln. All of the Ford's hard edges have been softened, and the interior materials are not something that one would expect to see in a vehicle meant for a hard day's work. When put to the test, however, the Ford's interior can stand up to the rigors thrown at it by the meanest of foreman and orneriest of ranch hands. Until this vehicle came onto the scene, ergonomic and truck were not words that we were likely to use in the same sentence. The positioning of the F-Series' controls, however, make this vehicle easier to drive than many midsize sedans.
Our main gripe about the new F-Series is its overly twitchy steering and the tall step-in on the four-wheel drive model. Not too much to complain about, if you ask us.
After driving several F-150s, 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-150 has been the best-selling truck on the market for the last decade. Ford redefined excellence when it introduced its latest full-size truck; the others are still trying to catch up. Chevrolet will be coming out with a new model for the 1999 model year, but we don't think that there will be any serious competition for Ford's F-Series trucks until then.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Ford F-250.
5 star(70%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
23 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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Ford F-250, so we've included reviews for other years of the F-250 since its last redesign.
1998 F-250 Highlights
Extended Cab
XL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $289/month |
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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