1997 Ford F-150 Consumer Reviews

Slightly modded, but was fine before.

Written by: Al Hoyt on 08/08/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XL Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

I own a 97 Ford F-150 XL Step-Side, 4.2L V6. Of course the V6 is lighter and quicker then the 4.6L I run all over 4.6's Tranny went out before I bought the truck, which suprised me, usually Ford trannys, especaily manuals are indestructible. Nothing at all has gone wrong with it other than that. I have 115,000 miles on it now. I installed a belltech 6" drop for better handling. Very tight turning radius. Very lightweight. And I get better mileage than my dad's 4.6L. Very well built truck. Fun to drive, starts effortlessly every morning. I never worry about anything.

Favorite Features

Very tight turning radius. Awesome body lines, and design. Fun to drive. I can pull 20 mpg if not bucking heavy wind. Very easy to work on.

Suggested Improvements

Heavier duty tranny.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Ford Tough

Written by: Larry on 07/10/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr Lariat 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought this truck from original owner with 60k miles on it. It now has 215k and is like new! Other than ordinary maintenance, I put a new radiator in at 150k and an alternator at 195k. Heads have never been off. It just keeps running and everything works. Paint is unbelievable. People can't believe it's 10 yrs old. I fully expect to get at least 250k from this completely stock 5.4L beauty.

Favorite Features

Lariat creature comforts. The 4WD sits you up high. Pulls anything like it's a mosquito.

Suggested Improvements

Extended cab F-150s in '97 only had 3 doors. 4 would have been nice.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Overall very nice truck

Written by: Earl on 07/06/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Very comfortable ride. Quiet engine. Mileage good for large truck. Has 100,000 miles on it. Looks and runs like new truck

Favorite Features

CD player. Trailer hitch. Camper shell. Bed liner. Power steering, power brakes. Electric window and door locks. Extended cab. Running boards. Alarm system.

Suggested Improvements

Extra fuel tank. Larger 3rd door on both sides

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I do not trust this vehicle

Written by: ice cream man on 07/03/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

I like the drive but I cannot keep it on the road because I've had numerous problems. I have replaced the engine twice in less than a year and the transmision during this time and now I am experiencing a vacuum leak. I will never invest in anything that has the name Ford on it, even if it is a toy.

Favorite Features

Exterior look

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, problematic transmission & engine

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Super truck

Written by: JRaney on 06/26/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I purchased my truck used in 01 and have owned it for 6 years and all I have done is maintenance and changed the tranny fluid 2x. My truck always starts and runs great. My father in law has an 05 Silverado with a 5.3L and we always use my truck for heavy loads because they crush his suspension and all I have is the 4.6L. All I wish was better fuel mileage but the truck is almost bulletproof and the 4x4 system is great. All it needs is a locking rear differential.

Favorite Features

Great 4x4. strong motor that won't stop, great ride.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, factory speakers

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love my F-150

Written by: bassmax on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought my truck with 8,000 since it was in a trade in on a new one at the end of 97. I have 135,000 on it and the only problem was a leak in the rear window which I fixed with silicon. Front end parts sqweek when turning and other than normal wear and tear, that is it. Always change oil at 3-4,000 and filters. My biggest con is not having disc brakes in the rear (which they did in 98). I would buy another Ford pick up. I like Toyota Tundra's but for the extra money, I am not sure it is worth the difference. After 43 years of driving, this is my first Ford. They did good for me.

Favorite Features

Comfort, still tight, reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Speakers, low end power/torque

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Built Ford tough!

Written by: jim dence on 05/11/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

I have owned 35 cars to date and my F- 150 is by far the best vehicle that I have owned. Turn the key and it starts every time . Best truck for overall reliability and comfort . I still get compliments on how great it looks for it's age .

Favorite Features

The stepside has a very sporty and agressive look to it that draws attention wherever it goes.

Suggested Improvements

With todays fuel prices it's quite costly to fill up, but worth the price in the long run for its safety and reliability.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Awesome Truck!

Written by: Chauncey on 02/10/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

Bought w/100k on it. Other than tires and oil no major repairs needed. 140k now and replaced front and rear brakes 1 time and replaced 02 sensor and 3 spark plugs and that is it. I use for landscaping so most miles I put on are hard work miles and it does great. Unbelievable traction, comfort. Out of 5 other trucks, this is the best truck I have ever owned and would buy again if I could find one like it.

Favorite Features

Comfort, awesome 4x4,long bed, extended cab

Suggested Improvements

Wish they were easier to find. Took a year before I found this one!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Old Blue

Written by: Indy2007 on 08/20/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

My father purchased this truck off a used car lot. It was a one owner and the owner was a old man who wanted a new vehicle. He bought the truck with a little under 1000,000 miles on it. He had to put a new exhaust on it as well as fix a cracked injector and normal wear and tear parts. This was a family truck with a 5.4 triton motor that worked great for pulling our 26 foot camper(6000 pounds roughly). Due to his job he had to buy a 4x4 and gave his son(me) the truck. I drive it to and from college(about 2hrs). and it is wonderful. I have gotten up to 18 mpg(driving senible) but if you drive it hard it can go under 14 mpgs. It's has 150,000 miles and still looks and runs as good as a new one.

Favorite Features

It's got the power. Love the bench seat. Lot of room in the cab up to six. Who wouldn't like a rwd with a 5.4 triton motor?

Suggested Improvements

No problems with my F-150!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2007 Update on '97 F150

Written by: Scout on 06/05/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford F-150 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

I purchased this vehicle with 60k miles on it 5 years ago. It has towed a trailer on 1,000 mile trips, been a daily driver. Oil change every 3k, and all scheduled maintenance. I just had the rear differential noise issue arise, and had the dealer use the factory ring and pinon kit...rather then trying used axles. Also new shocks. Other then that, it contines to run well. The ball joints squeak, the truck feels like it is out of alignment when it is not. No complaints otherwise. The 4.6L V8 is okay, not great for power. Likewise 17mpg is as good as mileage gets. If you can find one of these used in good shape, save yourself $20k compared to a new truck.

Favorite Features

Handling, comfort, styling

Suggested Improvements

Squeaky ball joints, rear view mirrors flimsy and expensive.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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