1997 Ford F150 from North America

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.

1997 Ford F150 XL 4.6 Litre V8 from North America

Summary:

For the price, you will not find a better truck

Faults:

Replaced the rear-end at 190,000 km.

Replaced ball joints and tie rods at 190,000 km.

General Comments:

This is probably the most reliable vehicle I have owned.

Other than rear-end giving up at 190,000 km., it has only had semi-regular maintenance and oil changes every 5,000.

It's a bit hard on fuel (but what full-size 4wd isn't?), but it handles like a sports car, and starts every time, even at -40 below.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2005

1997 Ford F150 XL 4.6L V8 TRITON from North America

Summary:

Ford Garbage!

Faults:

Lug nuts recalled in first year of ownership.

Seats wearing badly in second year.

Front end squeaks when turning steering wheel, lube for life garbage not working!

Air conditioning compressor went just in time for summer in 2004. $800.

Wheel alignment went, costs double to align than other vehicles. $300.

Check engine light on continuously since 2003. Dealer replaced many parts, $385, still on. Failed NY inspection in 2004 but got waiver. They tried to fix it again, can't find problem, they want to replace engine computer, $500 repair! No way!

A shaft or metal rod in steering column broke, $75 part, $450 labor! Will be starting with a screw driver until ready to junk it!

Alternator went, $400 repair.

Truck now makes noise from left front end when traveling over bumps. Not worth even looking into fixing at this stage.

General Comments:

This vehicle is used for highway driving, tows a boat twice a year to a nearby launch where docked. I'd hate to think what it would be like if it was used as a real work truck!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th February, 2005

26th Feb 2005, 07:19

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer that had what seems to me to be the same steering problem as your F 150. It was a 90 dollar repair for me by a mechanic who is not even certified! He just knows what he is doing. The part, unfortunately, was in the 500's, making the repair expensive anyway. However, the dealer wanted a little over a thousand to fix it, 500 for the part, 500 for the labor. I thought I would never live to see the day when I would say I never want another Ford.

26th May 2006, 10:13

Do not know why you have had so much trouble with 4.6. My uncle has had absolutely no problems with his 98 F-150 (except for catalytic converters or O2 sensors one or the other). It has a 125,000 miles on it.