Faults:

Alternator.

Fuel pump. This truck had two gas tanks, which means a fuel pump in each tank. I simply flipped the switch over to the other tank and it started right up and made it the rest of the way. I replaced the fuel pump myself and saved money.

General Comments:

Bought this new in 1990.

This truck was a real bargain for me as I prefer plain vehicles, being a real cheapskate.

This truck was two wheel drive, had no A/C or cruise control, had manual roll down windows, manual locks, etc. Manual bench seat. No carpet, just the vinyl mat.

It was a regular cab with the 8 foot bed. Was white with no chrome accents on it, and just the standard issue "dog dish" style hub caps. My broke friends often teased me about this truck :-)

Had the 4.9 litre inline six with the E4OD automatic transmission.

It was slow and sure, but I'm never in a hurry. Driving fast is expensive.

It was the smoothest riding vehicle I ever owned. I especially liked the way it handled and steered.

It was ergonomically designed. You could operate the simple controls by feel, without taking your eyes off the road. And the dimmer switch was still on the floor. Loved that.

It was my main vehicle for 21 years!

It never once failed to start. Even in sub-zero temperatures.

The alternator failed and the red warning light came on. I was only 5 minutes from home. Got a new alternator for $80.00, put it on myself in 30 minutes.

Was easy to maintain myself and cheap to insure and license. I do my own maintenance and never modify my vehicles or loan them out.

During my ownership, it was the most reliable vehicle I had ever owned.

I am not affiliated with the auto industry, just giving an honest review.

If you can stand a vehicle without all the "extras" you won't have "extra" potential for "extra" problems that cost "extra" money to fix. And if you drive it long enough, the depreciation is much less of a factor. Paid $11,000.00 for it new and got 21 years. It didn't owe me a nickel :-)

Faults:

A/C compressor leaks.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

I bought the truck from the son of the original owner who had died 10 years before. The truck sat in his shed/carport for 10 years, not being started or touched.

I trailered it home, put in a battery and fuel pump, and it started up and runs perfect.

Tons of power and smooth tranny.

Interior looks new, and everything works in the cabin.

A/C compressor leaked from sitting around, seals dried up.

I have always owned GM products, never again, Ford Forever!!

Faults:

Some minor rust over the rear wheel wells, and the paint is not in the best condition on the bed. The rust over the wheel wells has been repaired, but I will have to repair it again this summer.

If you buy a pickup truck, suddenly you will become popular when your family, scout troop, or friends need to move something.

Minor dents in both front and rear bumpers.

Cruise control properly doesn't work; don't really care or want to use it anyway.

Driver's side door lock doesn't work properly.

Windshield wiper motor is wearing out (intermittent feature turns off abruptly after 1 minute).

Definitely not a truck for the weak. The clutch is heavy and quick to engage, and parking in the city can be a challenge if you're not a skilled driver.

Not the most "respectable-looking" truck for a college-educated, young business professional. Luckily my supervisors do not care what I drive as long as its reliable, and I keep its appearance as clean as possible.

General Comments:

Originally I bought this truck for $600 as temporary transportation when the engine in my Escort dropped a valve seat back in October of 2009. I found out that the machine shop that I bought the truck from, maintained it very well as it needed absolutely nothing to pass inspection and emissions. Six months later, the only thing I've done was two oil changes and a tire rotation, but the tire rotation was free.

The 4.9 Inline Six with the 5 speed after almost 200,000 miles is still an excellent combination of power, torque, and fuel economy. I average around 16-19 mpg, depending on how hard I put my foot down in 85% non-highway driving. The torque alone from this engine is amazing, I can even put it in 3rd gear from a stop, and it accelerates well in 5th from 35 mph.

The interior is very spacious and comfortable for even tall people, the heat and the AC works great, gauges are accurate, power windows work like they're new, and even the factory speakers sound good with an aftermarket head unit. The overall size and visibility make driving much easier as well.

The handling and ride of this truck is very good, though on rough roads it sometimes isn't pleasant. The ride is excellent on the highway at any speed.

It can still pull a load with no problems as well. I've overloaded this truck with furniture, Christmas wreaths, musical equipment, car parts, and much more, and it hasn't had a single complaint.