1996 Ford F150 XT straight 6 from North America

Summary:

It keeps going and going

Faults:

Oil pan rusted through and needed replacing.

Radio sometimes doesn't work.

General Comments:

Tough ol' truck that just keeps running.

Almost no rust, except under one door (amazing for a truck in the Rust Belt with 156k)

Famous Ford straight six engine isn't fast, but keeps going.

Solid on the freeway, and holds up well against a cross wind.

Bench seats more comfortable than they look.

After 25,000 miles that I have put on it (156,000 miles total), all I've done is replace front brake pads & the oil pan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2003

1996 Ford F150 F-150 1.7 from North America

Summary:

Good demolition derby truck!

Faults:

When I started it the first time, it made a backfiring sound and I thought I was under fire, so I hit the deck. Scared the hell out of me.

Tire fell off when taking a turn fast.

Engine fell off when going over speed bump, truck didn't run well after that.

Holds dirt and mud real well.

Handles like a shopping cart after 45 MPH- not good for outrunning the law.

Transmisson problems, sounds like a cat in a blender around red line.

The chicks don't like it, but it worked really well for hauling around 20 of my redneck friends in the back or piles of manure.

A great buy if you're rich or like to waste money.

Perfect for when your wife kicks you out

General Comments:

Cabin is very roomy- I had to live in it after spending all of my money on repairs.

Seats comfortable- I spent a lot of time in them waiting for tow trucks.

Front grille plows through smaller cars very well eliminating the need to use the brakes at stop signs, which is good when they don't work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2003

21st Sep 2003, 09:34

I can't stop laughing. I know it's a sad thing you had all those problems, but the way you described them was damn hillarious. My sides hurt I was laughing so hard. I particularly liked The engine fell off, truck didn't run well then, front grille is good for plowing through cars at stop signs when brakes don't work, and handles like a shopping cart. Thank you very much for making me laugh so hard, I haven't laughed that hard in ages. By the way, looking for a truck? Go buy a dodge.

11th Oct 2003, 08:18

I also found your remarks about the car very amusing indeed. Must have been a very poorly designed vehicle indeed for the engine to fall out over a speed bump! Reminds me a bit of my old Rolls Canardly!!

23rd Oct 2003, 10:43

That was a vary entertaining review! I had a bad experience with a Ford once, but not quite that bad. I must have laughed for a half an hour straight. I hope you find a better truck. Great review!

1996 Ford F150 XLT 5.0 from North America

Summary:

Great, tough, reliable, real truck

Faults:

Auto trans 4R70W shuddered at about 55K.

Auto Hubs went out at about 60K.

Idler pulley on serpentine belt squeaks and sounds like a mouse is under the hood. Replacement helps a while.

Wipers only work in high.

EGR system failed at 70K. It rusted out.

Front A arm bushings wear out. Replaced with aftermarket poly ones.

Rear end clunks on take off. A common Ford truck trait.

General Comments:

A great truck. Great power from the 5.0. Good drive train combination for this year model. Tough and reliable.

Still a real truck.

The shudder in the 4R70W is a common problem that requires the trans and torque converter to be drained and refilled. Use a good fluid and it should work fine for a while. There are also aftermarket solutions for reasonable expense. This is a good transmission and is widely used in racing.

Ford used a poor quality grease in the auto hubs for 1996 and it causes the hubs to lock in and out unexpectedly. Replacement with manual hubs requires an adapter kit on 1996 models only. A surprise when you get into the job.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2003