1997 Ford F150 2wd XLT Reg.Cab 139 Wheel Base review from North America

This truck has been a service nightmare!

Take a look at all the space Ford takes up at the NHTSA website with all of the recalls and TSB's.

First 3 years of ownership were absolutely trouble free. As soon a the factory warranty expired, everything went down hill.

At 40,000 miles I began to lose coolant at a rate of 1 gallon per 1,000 miles. The engine leaked through 3 separate gaskets.

At 55,000 miles I had a horrible squeak whenever the steering wheel was turned. It seems that Ford subscribes to the "lubed for life" philosophy. There is not a single grease fitting on any suspension or steering link on the 4x2 model and only 1 on the 4x4. Every link, from the pitman arm to the tie rods, idler arm, and ball joints are dry after just 4 years.

I have a crack in the sheet metal of the driver side door that not only whistles as I drive, but also collects water a gurgles when it rains. In the winter, this water turns into ice inside my door and sounds like sand being shaken in a can.

Where are the grease fitting on the U-Joints? Well, of course there are none. Front and rear U-Joints are frozen at 70,000 miles.

At 73,000 miles I need new ball joints. Ford wants $500.00 to replace and realign the steering.

Replaced a front wheel bearing at the same time.

Oxygen sensors lasted till 66,000 miles.

Sliding rear window leaks to such an extent that water actually pours in when it rains and collects on the seat and/or my passenger.

I love the way this truck feels, looks, and drives when it's in top condition. The trouble is that it needs constant attention to keep it from falling apart.

Dealer service is generally deplorable. Dealers will deny warranty claims without hesitation just to test your resolve.

I've had dealer technicians abuse my truck every time it's in for service. The alway seems rev my engine and race my truck around the parking and onto the freeway regardless of why it's there.