1997 Ford F150 XL 4.2

Summary:

Keep Away from Children

Faults:

Nothing major until a bolt in the steering assembly came undone (I'm still unsure as to how that happened) causing complete loss of steering during a right hand turn @ 108,000 miles.

She'll need completely new rear breaks @ 110,000 miles (problem with mechanic not servicing them the first time).

General Comments:

This was a vehicle that my parents passed down to me at 98K miles, and I've since done what I could to keep it running. We've never had any problems with it, so I guess no one really questioned if handing it down was a good move or not. Well, I've made my stupid beginner's errors with this truck, and it's ended up causing very serious and costly problems.

It's a good truck if you stay on top of preventative maintenance, and bad as a high mileage first vehicle for your starving college student, no matter how reliable it's history.

I doubt many other people would have the same steering problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

6th Jan 2005, 15:41

It turns out that the steering thing got recalled and my issue with the company has since been resolved in that arena. however, with school becoming increasingly intense, and my starvation becoming more and more problematic, I've decided to allocate all time and money to these endeavors instead. The truck has really taken a beating the past couple years with rough idles, fluid leaks, corrosion of battery cables, and tardy oil changes. The check engine light has remained on, almost continuously, since this review was written and the truck has gained about 25000 more miles.

With all the abuse I've put this poor thing through it has remained drivable and reliable since. Throughout it's entire history it hasn't started twice (see battery cable corrosion above).

I've more or less put the thing through hell, and it keeps on going. Just imagine how well it would run under the care of ever more vigilant individual, such as yourself. Final verdict is that this thing wants to fall apart, but it doesn't necessarily want to self destruct.

Knock on wood.

1997 Ford F150 XLT Styleside 4.6 VS

Summary:

One of the best moves I made was to trade in my Ranger for this year F-150

Faults:

Had to have the multi-function switch (lights, turn signals) replaced about a year ago (as the right blinker would either stick or not "blink") to the tune of $178.00.

Starting to have steering wheel vibration upon braking (may be control arm bushings, pitman arm, etc.) at about 61,000 miles.

Hood paint about faded out, and front bumper chrome starting to fade.

General Comments:

This was one of the first 1997 F-150's, which I bought in El Paso, new.

Overall, I'm impressed with my truck. I've kept up all warranty work (incl. recent 60,000 mile service, had brakes, etc done), so it looks good and runs good. Most folks can't believe it's a '97. Best part is it's paid for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2002

1997 Ford F150 XLT 4.6L V8

Summary:

Dollar for dollar, the FORD is a good value

Faults:

Pinion seal on transfer case has a slight leak, haven't fixed yet. Not sure how expensive this will be?

For a 1997 model, there appears to be a little to much rust on the under carriage to please me.

General Comments:

I recently purchased this vehicle it is my 4th truck and is my 1st FORD. After doing little research on the internet, I was at first a little worried about going with the 4.6L V8. After having drove it for just over 1 month now I have to say the truck has plenty of power and comfort. Comparable to other trucks of its size the gas mileage is decent, with my experiences coming in around 14-16MPG. My Silverado had a 350 engine with auto tranny, it had a little more power, but was also much more expensive to operate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2002

1997 Ford F150 4.6 V8

Summary:

A great truck at an affordable price

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with my F150 Super-cab. Still running smooth.

General Comments:

I have always liked the way the F150 pick up trucks looked, but my family prefers Chevy's. I took a chance in buying one because I wanted to try one out. Previously I was driving a 1985 Chevy S-10.

The F150 handles like a car, but doesn't have the acceleration of a car. You can feel the weight of the truck when you begin to accelerate.

Compared to the Chevy 1500 I noticed the F150 has a higher standard lift.

This is a nice touch, it gives you the feeling of being in a truck. If I wanted to ride low to the ground I would have bought a car.

The front interior seats are very comfortable, except for the middle seat, which folds down into a drink & storage compartment.

I would definitely recommend the Ford 150 series of trucks. They are stylish, dependable & really fun to drive!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2002