Ford F-150 (1997 - 2003) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Ive worked a Ford dealership for 20 years and I know the pros and cons of these trucks. This truck has the looks and metal that I demand. I was looking for a truck under $10,000 and this one feel in my lap. I live in the northeast and dependably and reliably is a must. This truck delivers that . My needs were mostly basic. 4x4, AC, extended cab, 8 or 6 cylinder engine, A/T. I got all that and more. For the price($5995) I got the Lariat crew cab model which has leather seats, sunroof , exterior trim package. All in all more than I was looking for. I cant compare it with any other manufacturer of the same F150 Lariat model. I think this 2001 truck was at the top of the class.Sep 22, 2020

I have a 2 wheel drive 2001 F-150 4.2L 6-cyl extended cab with a 5 speed manual transmission. I bought it in 2006 with about 70,000 miles on it, and I recently sold it in Fall 2014. I hated to let it go, but with manual transmission the towing capacity is only about 3,300 lbs. This was right at the limit of the trailer I wanted to tow, so I ending up getting a 2010 F250. I do my own maintenance as I'm an engineer and somewhat mechanically inclined. The 2001 F150 is exceptionally easy to work on by ANYONE. Just buy the service manual at any auto parts store and you can do anything on your vehicle The things that I had to replace are the rotors, fuel pump, O2 sensor, and basic maintenance. The only other repair I had to due was an intake manifold gasket. This was a pain to get to all of the bolts and all because Ford chose the wrong bolts for the design. I love how smooth the truck rides both on and off road. I love the Extended Cab option most of all and can't imagine owning a truck that is not an Extended Cab or Crewcab now. After nearly 14 years, the paint finish is still bright and shiny. One annoying thing was the passenger side power window failed to operate properly and gets stuck in the closed position.Jan 18, 2015

I have 10 F150 XL V6 models from years 1998-2004 with mileage ranging from 100k - 275k. I have gotten to know the trucks very well. They are reliable and well built. The problems that have been common to them all is the ball joints, sway bar bushing, intake manifold gaskets leaking(keeps engine light on) and the odometer read out randomly goes on and off. Other than that the regular maintenance is fairly low cost. I've never lost and engine, transmission or rear end. I continue to purchase the same make/model of F150 because I have not found a better alternative for the quality and price. I would recommend the Ford F150 XL V6 to anyone looking for a reliable light duty truck.Mar 23, 2013

This truck is overall a good relaible work horse. The 4.6L 3V engine that it has offers enough power to get the jobs done that need to be done. As normal for trucks it does not have perfect acceleration/braking but from experience it does have power to go when needed. Appearance is a sharp look in this truck which a much needed improvement from the boxier style the year before. Interior on this is nice then most as it has the lariat option which gives this leather interior. The 4x4 feature is a good investment to make if going to off road as it comes in handy. Oct 21, 2011

What can be said about the F-150 that hasn't been said already? The last year with the happy-face grille design does everything well, from general commuting to lumber yard runs to hauling overloaded trailers cross-country. The standard 4.6L V8 delivers acceptable performance and nearly 20 mpg highway on 10% ethyl regular, not too shabby for a V8. Interior is comfortable and tight, the truck rides like a car but takes speed bumps and curbs without complaining. Repairs in 80K miles have been tires and a coil-on-plug (COP) failure, easy. Yes, I would buy it again.Aug 09, 2010

The preformance is great for towing with the small 4.6L v-8 Ford stuck in it. Acceleration and braking have some lacking. Its a ford so repairs are few and far between. I DO NOT like the contour styling of this generation. Thats why this is my womans truck. I drive a monte carlo (at least until I find a good mustang or f-150 with a 5.0 v-8), if that says anything about this style and motor. Gas mileage is pretty good we are getting 22-26mpg. I hate driving this thing but for some reason my woman loves it.Aug 30, 2009

It's the best truck our family has ever had. For example the only repair we have had to make on it is one alternator, and it was replaced at 175,000 miles. It's not a hot rod on the streets but it's still pretty crisp. I plan to drive it for my first car, unless a piano drops from a two story window. It has, and will, serve well, and I am thankful for that.Mar 28, 2009

I haven't ever driven other american built trucks (the only real kind) but I'm pretty sure its safe to say that Ford did an amazing job with this truck in 2003. Of course, if you are looking for ultimate, top of the line performance or a luxury class ride, you will be deceived. But if you are a young adult looking for a reliable car that can take a punch and keep on rolling with some pretty nice accelerations (for a truck may I remind you) and a beautiful, imposing sound (even though it only comes from a 5.4 L V6), this is your dream. Also, I learned to love its color. At first I was kind of mad that I did not get a nice bright red truck, but I realised that with time, its better to have a more mellow color like this blue. This truck is also great because it as great response to any sudden jerk you give the steering wheel. Although you'll make a huge amount of noise when you take a right angle turn at more than 20 mph, the little g forces u get within this spacious cockpit makes you believe you are driving a sort of rally car on tarmac. the build quality is solid, but it only has a couple tens of thousand of miles. The interior is very comfortable for the driver and the passenger but the back seats are not very practical if you have tall passengers to put back there.Feb 26, 2009

flowmaster dual exhaust bomz cool air intake, two jl audio 10w1 subwoofers and a a1200 series amp. this is the best truck i have owned when i got it, it had over 100,000 miles on it and the truck still runs like new i love this thing. i have spent the last two years trying to make it my own. interior looks like new and truck has lots of power i would never trade this truck for anything. truck is a blast to do dounuts in parking lots and in the snow will plow through anything. amazing in snow and in the mud great off road truck.Nov 04, 2008

Absolutely awesome vehicle. Can handle any job I want to do. Cab has four doors and can fit 6 people maximum, 5 comfortably. Vital stats: Engine: 5.4 L Triton V8 Trim: XLT Box: 6 1/2' Color: True Blue Metallic Miles: about 61,000 Accesories: Roll-up tonneau cover, power sunroof, chrome running boards, FX4 Off-Road Package, alloy wheels, 4WD, tinted glassMay 03, 2008