1997 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 4.6 Triton (281 cid) from North America

Summary:

Noisy, ugly, but gets the job done

Faults:

Plugs and wires when I bought it (300k miles).

Radio (303k miles).

Bed was trashed at purchase.

Wheel bearings (301k miles).

Gas tank straps (302k miles).

Gas tank (304k miles).

Door pins and latch.

Oil changes, general maintenance...

General Comments:

Not bad for paying $1000 for it.

Electronic 4x4 works perfect.

The motor has a little piston slap and burns a little oil.

The 4.6 is gutless down low, but has enough snort to pass 2 semis in a hurry.

True dual pipes has a funny idle tone, but sounds good when ya stomp on the loud pedal (still has all 4 cats).

Michigan truck, so it's rusty.

Love the 3 door.

Ain't got stuck yet.

The 4.6 is a highway motor, and that's it.

If ya gotta use 4x4, ya may as well put it in low range. The motor doesn't make enough torque to take off easy in high range.

Dependable.

The 4.6 gets around 18-22 MPG highway (set the cruise at 57).

I'd buy another one. But I'd want a single cab long bed 4x4 with a 5.4.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2013

16th Sep 2013, 16:27

300000 miles and still ticking; not too bad for a Ford. However I have seen the same 4.6 engine with even higher mileage in Crown Vics / Town Cars, which are great cars as well.

1997 Ford F150 XLT 4.6 from North America

Summary:

Will never buy another!

Faults:

Engine problems.

Front brakes need to be replaced again.

Rust issues.

Parts expensive, or just hard to get.

MPG about 12 miles to the gallon.

Driver's door lock button stopped working.

Driver's door window stopped working.

General Comments:

This truck likes gas stations.

This truck likes service stations.

Falling apart fast!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th February, 2012

19th Feb 2012, 22:40

"MPG about 12 miles to the gallon."

Which engine? Do you drive with a heavy foot?

15th Oct 2012, 18:10

Couldn't be more vague. How about some real details? You've gotten over 100k+ miles on it since you bought it. Plus it's a 1997 and you say "rust problems" or "engine problems", but don't state any real details. Sounds like you are experiencing a vehicle that is high mileage and old.

Finally, stating 12 MPG means nothing if you don't state where or how you drive. I only get 13 on my truck, but it's all city driving with more stop than go. So given your level of detail, it sounds more like the real problem is you're driving a truck you don't like, vs real problems with the vehicle.

2nd Feb 2013, 10:48

I agree with you 100%. I can't drive past a gas station without spending more money on fuel!

About 6 months ago I spent $4,000 on a new engine and alternator, plus plugs, wires and all the rest. It still has so many problems, I could not list them all here. Don't even get me started on the rust issues.

But with that said, I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat. Love Fords.

In reply to 2nd Feb 2013, 10:48

17th Jun 2014, 00:05

194k? It can't be THAT terrible.

1997 Ford F150 XL 4.2 liter gas from North America

Summary:

Excellent truck, with a few design flaws

Faults:

The combination of components is interesting. The smallest engine with the biggest differential does not seem like a logical combination.

The original routing of the exhaust pipe (in front of the tire) caused my friend's brakes to freeze up on a -30 day, and also corrodes the rim.

General Comments:

The overall truck is wonderful. It has been babied its whole life, and every measure has been taken to keep it in mint condition.

The paint holds up well to the 7 miles of gravel it sees every day, but the box was not made to haul heavy items in, as the tail gate and front have dents from cattle mineral bags around 50 pounds.

The 4.2 is very reliable, but does not have the power to fly past a semi on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2011