Faults:

No problems so far.

General Comments:

I have the 4.6 V8 and it has plenty of power. Passing is quick and acceleration is not bad for a truck. It also sounds good and has a nice tough rumble to it. Towing power is also amazing, very very excellent!

Gas mileage could be a little better, but again, this is a truck. I get around 17 mpg highway. Bed covers or tailgate removals help though!

At highway speeds (60-80 MPH) there is a bit too much wind noise for comfort, but again, not too bad for a truck.

Cold engine in winter warms up pretty good and fairly quick. About 5 minutes or so. (The truck knows when it's cold) It runs at slightly higher RPM and waits a little longer before shifting (automatic) to help warm up engine.

The stock stereo is not bad, but could be a little better. Too high of bass can vibrate door panelling for excess noise.

Ford's stock flex isn't too bad either, even better with lift or suspension upgrades.

My truck is a Long Box 2WD. The traction really isn't that bad for 2WD and I have only gotten stuck once. I tend to drive off-road quite often, but never in wet mud or really rough terrain. The one time I got stuck was through wet and deep mud in early spring. Didn't need towing though! I've driven through 9-11 inches of snow with no problem, but I also have weight in the back. However, I still do recommend 4 Wheel Drive for any kind of winter or off road terrain driving.

Interior is large and roomy. Three adults can sit comfortably in the front bench seat. There are only 2 cup holders however if you have 3 passengers.

The power outlet is also a nice feature, I have a CB wired in and it saved me a lot of work.

Overall it's a good truck, I like it, but am planning on buying an extended cab short box 4x4 soon. I like the looks better and need four wheel drive.

Faults:

Alternator was replaced under warranty at 250 miles due to a loud whine noise.

Lug nuts replaced under safety recall.

Leaf springs modified under safety recall.

Driver's side door lock replaced under warranty.

Driver's side door switch replaced under warranty to cure always-on dome light condition.

Door crack on driver's side repaired and door on passenger side reinforced to prevent crack. All work performed under warranty at about 30000 miles.. Crack reappeared at about 36000 miles. Dealer has been waiting for past year for a new procedure and authorization from Ford to fix it again.

Pitman arm replaced under extended warranty at about 50000 miles.

Aerodynamics of the doors caused wind noise at highway speeds especially when there was an ambient cross wind present. This was alleviated for the most part after the repair to the door was made.

General Comments:

This truck is an 4x4 off-road equipped model which handles remarkably well in wet and snow conditions. It comes with the extended 3-door cab and the short bed option.

The truck has the comfort of a full-sized sedan. The seats and suspension make for a very smooth ride. The heating and air conditioning system are quick to respond and easy to adjust.

The windshield wipers have problems clearing the windshield in the winter time if there is any accumulation of snow or ice on the blades or blade carriers. The windshield washer only works well at city speeds or less. At highway speeds, washer solution tends to pile up at the bottom of the windshield.

The door crack problem is systematic of at least 70% of all F150s made from 1997 to 2000. See F150 On-line's web site for details.

Gasoline consumption has averaged 15 miles per gallon both city and highway.