1997 Ford F150 review from North America
"A piece of junk"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine threw a rod on the number 1 cylinder.
General comments?
In researching the problem, I have found on the web that Ford has had many problems with this engine. I seem to have had the misfortune to have purchased one of Fords products where the public was used to test a new product.
This F150 is a truck that has given good service to this point. I have taken meticulous care of this vehicle, changing the oil every three thousand miles and watching normal wear items with an eagle eye. It has not been driven hard nor has it been used for heavy trailer pulling. In fact, I used the truck to pull trailers very few times and then it was a light-weight trailer.
While you may think that 110,000 miles is enough for an engine to last, I most definitely do not. There are many people who think the way I do, that a piece of equipment that is cared for will last a long time. I am not in the habit of buying "throw-away" vehicles, but that is what Ford is making.
These engines should have been recalled and fixed.
Recommended reviews
  | Ford has lost me as a customer due mostly to this truck, Do not buy one or you will regret it |
| 1996 - F150 XL 4.9 (300) 6 cylinder This truck is a very reliable workhorse |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.2L V6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 95000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 110000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 14th April, 2003 |