1998 Ford F150 XLT 4.6 V8 from North America
Summary:
A well made, solid truck
Faults:
Door lights would remain on after the door was closed. Spraying the driver and passenger clasp in the door with WD40 solved this problem.
Engine groans when it's cold outside (>-10C), no idea why. Irritating, but does not affect performance.
After installing a K&N air-filter, the oil on the filter managed to make it's way onto the mass airflow sensor in the air intake, causing the engine to run rough at higher RPMs. Cleaning the MAF sensor with brake cleaner solved this problem.
ABS braking is confusing on this truck. When you stop at higher speeds it will stutter like it has a bent rotor, and when stopping on ice it feels more like the wheels lock up, leaving you with little control. At this point, I should mention this truck is 2 wheel drive.
Installing an aftermarket alarm system/automatic start module was fairly easy in this truck since it doesn't have the Passive Anti Theft feature newer models do.
General Comments:
I've been happy with my truck, it hasn't let me down yet and has decent power in it. It has a huge gas tank in it, which costs a lot to fill, but you can drive a long way before filling up.
It only has a couple grease nipples on it for lubing the chassis, I've heard complaints from other owners that the permanently greased components dry up and it's a good idea to drill out places where they should be and add your own grease nipples. A Ford technician told me the idea behind permanent sealed grease fittings is this: If grease can work it's way out, dirt can work it's way in.
It's a nice looking truck, the interior, although plastic, doesn't squeak or rattle. Lots of little side pockets and places to stow things. It doesn't feel cheaply made, which matters a lot.
Wheel hubs are a nice aluminum magnesium cast, and look sharp.
Back support in this truck isn't great on long trips. Best to buy a travel pillow for the small of your back in the driver's seat.
I like the sharper than average turning radius on this truck. It makes parking and maneuvering it much easier.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd January, 2004
10th Jan 2007, 08:53
I bought my F150 new in 98 and still have it.. today it has 175,000 miles and I still drive it daily. It is the stiffest riding vehicle I have ever been in. the front end is brutally rigid, tie rod ends snap like pretzel rods.. I have been through four lower outside ends to date and have just recently started hearing popping again up front.. speculation is it is the same issue so I will replace them again before I get killed driving it, which also requires realigning the front end.. another added costs. Granted this truck was only around $16000.00 new, but I would expect it to come standard with a front suspension.