1997 Ford F150 from North America - Comments

The harmonic balancer broke some bolt or something.

Radiator leaks or something, but I cannot find where.

Check engine light comes on all the time.

Rear differential broke gears.

Seams on doors split and wind and water come in.

Back window leaks badly, I cannot park it on the street it has to be in the carport or I end up with wet seats for weeks, and then the following musty mold smell.

Transmission seems to not be doing to good, nor the engine, nor the body, nor the suspension, all around not a good vehicle.

This truck has been driven very little and has all kinds of problems. On the test drive at the car dealers I thought it handled very well and it has a nice look to it. I will never buy another vehicle based on looks, as this truck just dosnt have anything else besides that about it. I am a die hard Ford purchaser, every new vehicle I have owned on payments have been through Ford. I am going to try Honda for my wifes next car, or possibly Toyota. Ford has lost my trust with this truck that I am afraid to drive in because it will break down.

That's why I am a Chevy guy. Ford has always sucked and always will. I am sorry you are having all those problems, just buy a Chevy next time.

Was this bought new? Every vehicle you say... this one is 10 years old. I work my trucks very hard and replace every 3-4 years.

Well the truck is 10 years old and you have no Idea how it was taken care of. That is the most important thing that will dictate how a car/truck will be with age.

"That's why I am a Chevy guy. Ford has always sucked and always will. I am sorry you are having all those problems, just buy a Chevy next time."

Maybe instead of this Ford sucks/Chevy rules stuff, you need to recognize that Toyota is closing in. If you keep up this infighting, one day you'll be arguing whether Toyota or Honda rules. When you bash Ford, you support Toyota.

I own a new Silverado and would have no regrets owning a new Ford F-250... definitely no Tundra or Titan though.

I have owned my truck for 9 years. I have had not one problem with it yet. It has 175,934 miles, and I can only thank regular maintenance. I would buy this truck again, and would never bash the Ford name. I take care of my truck.

20:43

Hey I like that one..LMAO.

I have a 97 ford f150 and it has 220,000 I have done nothing to this truck, but oil changes, and its been a real good truck! The best never rest!

Good idea leaving Ford behind. You're surely not alone. I stopped buying domestics years ago, have had all Toyota's since, and have not made a repair or seen the inside of a garage since. Buy the Honda for your wife, they're proven to be practically indestructible. The choice between Ford and Chevy is like deciding which foot to shoot yourself in.

I simply do not approve of your Chevy/Ford bashing. My 1998 Ford Taurus now has 279k miles and runs good.

I own a '97 Ford F150, extended cab. I bought it when it was 4 years old and it had 55,000 miles on it. Overall it has been a reliable truck with the exception of a few items. The heater core went bad at 65,000 miles, and the radiator has just started leaking at 95,000 miles. It will be replaced before the summer heat hits. The paint is original, but started "spider-veining" and chipping at about 60,000. I tow a trailer with it and haven't had any "on the road" problems yet. I keep the maintenance up, and feel that it will be a pretty good truck for some time. I have a friend who owns a construction company who will use only Ford trucks, and says the only thing he ever has to do to a Ford, other than regular maintenance is to replace the transmissions at about 120,000 miles. He says it has happened without exception to every Ford truck he has ever owned (which amounts to about 50 so far because of his business). He is faithful (he says) in keeping the transmission serviced at the recommended factory intervals for "heavy use." He told me to start saving my money if I decide to keep the truck. I think I'll keep it and see what happens.

Honestly, I believe you should research your vehicle before you purchase it. Also when describing your problems don't say the radiator leaks or something. Be specific otherwise you sound like a fool. I have a '97 ford f150 and I beat on that thing like you wouldn't believe. The only thing that has gone wrong is my sway bar link snapped when I was off-roading. It's a tough truck and has 120k miles on it. And as for all the Chevy comments my truck tears up my boyfriends Chevy Silverado. I'll keep my ford thanks though.

I have four friends who work at different dealers. All of them told me that it is common practice to Carfax the history of every trade in and then roll back the mileage accordingly.

Some people who live in mountains in California for example only have to pass smog test for the change of ownership, not like everybody else, once every two years. So if somebody bought this truck brand new and put a hard 300 000 miles on it, neither title nor Carfax will be able to show it. So when this person will trade it in to a dealer, their mechanics will roll back the mileage to say 82K.

Stop harassing Ford and do a little investigation on your vehicle. Like condition of the pedals, exhaust and headers, should be able to point out the true mileage.

I own both F150 and Chevy 1500 diesel, I`m mechanic myself and I am leaning towards F150. With proper care a 4.6 liter F150 can outlast 6.5l turbo diesel CK1500.