1997 Ford F350 460 cu. in. from North America

Summary:

This is not a serious commercial vehicle; it's very costly to operate and maintain

Faults:

Spark plugs rusted into threads, and heads had to be removed to repair at 60,000km.

Starter motors tend to corrode very quickly, to the point where they need to be replaced, as well as the wiring.

Alternator bearings seized.

Transmission cooler lines rusted away.

Transfer case lever broke off.

Air pump seized.

Catalytic converter failed.

Multiple oil leaks.

Frost plugs rusted away.

Block heater blew out.

Numerous tubes and brackets under the hood corroded away.

Door locks stopped working, hood latch failed.

Dealer had trouble supplying correct parts; it usually took 3 tries and at least one week wait.

Shock absorbers replaced 3 times.

General Comments:

The truck was used for snow plowing for a few years. It was always well maintained and never abused. It performed quite well for this function. The cab was quiet, and the heater worked well. There were never any problems with internal engine parts, nor any of the driveline. The ride was surprisingly quiet and easy to drive. The payload of the vehicle allowed it to be well loaded, and it would still ride well and brake without any problems.

After 15 years there was very little rust.

The truck had numerous repairs, and is not something that should be considered for serious commercial use, due to constant problems, some minor, some major, but the dealer service was awful. The truck would spend one or two weeks at a time in the shop waiting for parts.

Engine performance and gas mileage were quite poor. I would expect a lot more grunt from such a large engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th January, 2013

13th Feb 2013, 11:30

If I remember correctly, there was no 460 cid V8 available for 1997, as the whole line was restyled that year in a more modern fashion. I believe that the 1997-2004 models were some of the worst. You probably have that underpowered, higher revving 5.4L V8 that was introduced that year to replace the proven and reliable 460, to help increase fuel economy.

16th Jun 2015, 22:33

I own a 1997 460 7.5 that has 297,000 miles on it. It's a 5 speed and I haul equipment everyday with it. I also have 1997 Powerstroke with 210,000 miles. I love them both.

18th Jun 2015, 13:47

If this was a long term snow plow vehicle, the road salt exposure could have adversely affected the rusted components and starter. A trip to car washes could have helped cleaning the undercarriage. How is the body on the review vehicle? I bought a pressure washer and haven't had these issues.

16th Sep 2015, 21:45

We did in fact wash the vehicle regularly, top and bottom. The body did not rust out. Sold it in 2012. The only rust on body was due to stone chips, scrapes, all minor. The underside was also regularly oil sprayed. A splash shield to protect the starter, as well as actually painting the engine at the factory, would have been a big help.

16th Sep 2015, 21:47

It was in fact a 460 engine. I have owned a few in the past; this one was a huge let down.

1997 Ford F350 Crew Cab 7.3 Power Stroke from North America

Summary:

Best truck that I have ever owned by far

Faults:

The power steering pump cracked at approximately 100000 miles and had to be replaced.

One fuel injector started leaking at 120000 miles and had to be replaced. This was rather expensive.

General Comments:

If you want a tough truck with more power than you'll ever use, this is it. I pull a fifth wheel with it and have never longed for more power climbing hills. I can set the cruise on 70mph and never have to down shift.

This truck has been taken on many long trips. It's very comfortable.

I couldn't ask for better fuel mileage. Empty on the highway I have gotten as high as 27mpg. In town an average of 19. For a truck that weighs over 9000 pounds I think this is outstanding. This is better than the F150 that I owned prior to this one.

Over all this is a super truck and I plan on driving it at least 500000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

12th Jul 2004, 16:37

27 mpg, I do not believe you.

20th Feb 2005, 09:36

I agree, 27 mpg sounds sketchy for an F350.

13th Mar 2005, 23:21

I have a 97 F350 standard cab, with 265 75 16 mud tires and I get alittle over 20 on the highway if I keep it around 55-60. I've never heard of 27, I do have a cold air intake, superchip, and exhaust... but the chip claims to increase mpg slightly...I've never been happier with a truck, it feels like you could drag a fire truck down the road.

1997 Ford F350 XLT 7.3 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

An impressive workhorse

Faults:

I keep loosing the center caps to the alloy wheels.

General Comments:

The truck is a crew cab with four wheel drive and has awesome power. The fuel economy has been good for its size as well. I have averaged as high as 18.7 miles per gallon unloaded and 14.2 while towing my fifth wheel trailer. There is no comparison between this truck and the Chevrolet C2500, I owned before.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2003

9th Mar 2005, 19:07

I've had the same problem with my rear center cabs falling off, I've lost one and since I replaced it it hasn't fallen off again.