1995 Ford F150 XLT review from North America

Ball Joints at 145K and again at 180K.

Front brakes wore out twice, but the rear drum-brakes have never needed service as long as I've owned the truck.

Manual trans shifter has a minor problem with an semi-internal bushing... shifter is very loose.

Driver side electric window motor burnt out at 170K.

Steering has a lot of play.

New front gas tank at 165K. (Top seal leaked).

Clutch parts has needed service 3 times:

Clutch Slave cylinder at 135K.

Clutch Master Cylinder at 155K.

Clutch Master Cylinder at 170K.

Idler pulley squeals in cold weather even after replacement.

Idle-Air Control Motor needed replacement at about 155K. This was cheap and easy to fix at home at about $18. You'll know it's this part that needs fixing because you will experience a poor engine idle, leading eventually to stalling out.

It's been an amazingly good buy. I paid $5000 for it in 2002, and now I'm thinking about selling it for $3000 because now I live in a big city where a truck is inconvenient to park.

Over the last 5 years I've beat this truck senseless. It's a 2WD, but I have taken it on two-track trails through Michigan's Upper Peninsula many times. My Ford has refused to die even after I have repeatedly tried to kill it. The shocks and springs should be completely smashed after my abuse, but the suspension has never needed any service at all.

I go to the same mechanic all the time, and do my own basic maintenance at home.

If you do a little bit of inexpensive preventative maintenance your truck will be tip-top right through 200,000 miles.

It's a gas hog, though, I must admit. I guess that's why it has two tanks.

It burns one quart of oil each oil change... nothing out of the ordinary.

It has never leaked any fluids at all. The oil seals have always been tight.

Nothing beyond normal wear and tear. This truck has never needed huge, expensive, major-engine repairs.

I must say, however, that at high miles, this truck is a dog. Climbing hills, you lag behind soccer moms and small cars. The acceleration is terrible, but the towing capacity is great.

I have lived in the harsh Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where winter beats on cars horribly. This truck has handled each winter amazingly. It's 2WD, and all you need is a few sandbags in the back to get going through the deep snow (even on hills).