1997 Ford F150
Summary:
Like a first wife, looks good on the outside, a little rough after time
Faults:
A/C problems that couldn't be corrected and much money spent of replacing pieces until a pressure line blew out. That located the problem pretty easily, but couldn't be found prior. Spent over $1,000 trying to fix. Should have just replaced entire system initially for less.
A/C "governor" went bad. Had funny symptoms, leaking water from under dash, no fan speeds at first two selection levels. Spent time and money to fix this.
Uses oil like other notice. About a quart every 1,000 miles. Never had a vehicle do this before.
Power seat locks up. Sticks in top or bottom position. Lumbar support broke first thing after purchasing truck. All platic components that give out pretty easily.
Have had and drive other vehicles for long periods (up to 300,000 miles on a Toyota) with no problems like these. Just tires and battery replacements. Take excellent care of all moving parts including frequent lube of moving parts not done during oil change events (every 4,000 miles).
Seems to lack power compared to my sons Tundra. May be just a feeling.
Always shakes at highway speeds. Tires balanced and rotated every 8,000 miles.
Seems Ford Tough is just a phrase for the manufacturers.
Owned Fords before and liked the van, did not like the Ranger at all. Good running truck that I was very happy to dump after 10,000 miles. Terrible mileage (14) at best. Cardboard seats that were flatter than my first wifes butt. Sat on the floor. Road like a bronco. Shook like a wet dog at any speed. Tires (Firestone) that I kept taking back, but was told it is bad shocks and they needed ballancing again (four in all).
Next time it will be an asian model although I will be laughed at by my compadres. They can ride with me when they get tired of their problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 30th November, 2005
1st Dec 2005, 11:07
You know you might have to do a tune up to get your MPG up. But that might not do it (I don't know how big your engine is, since you didn't know and left it as automatic) because you probably have the 5.4 v8. You know that's a big engine and what do you expect for gas mileage? above 20? No way. And to leave off, WHY do people buy a vehicle when it has been overhauled for its first year? You KNOW it will have problems and buying a 1996 F150 would have been a much better choice over the "new" 97 that needed more R&D to be a better truck.