FORD F-150

The Ford Model T was recently voted Car of the Century, and if I had to pick a truck of the century, Ford's F-series pickups would probably get the nod.

The F-series has been the best-selling vehicle in North America for the last couple of decades, even though Ford has only occasionally given the lineup a complete makeover once every decade or more.
The last such re-do, truck experts will know, came in January '96 as the F-150 arrived as an early '97 model. Interestingly, it was the first time the F-trucks had been thoroughly reinvented in 15 years. That's a long product cycle, as they say in the business; no wonder the F-truck lineup is the most profitable in all the Ford Motor Co. empire.

The '97 styling became more rounded, the cabin roomier and more user-friendly and for under the hood Ford offered more powerful, durable and fuel efficient engine choices than had been available with the previous version. 

There was also a new suspension system, as well as a stiffer body/chassis combination. Ride, handling and hauling capabilities were all hugely improved. But the biggest change underneath was the most welcome for F-truck owners who had grown weary of replacing tires every 30,000 kilometres or so. 
That is, the twin I-beam front end was replaced by a very modern upper short and long arm (SLA) front layout. Ford's new front layout kept the wheels more flat on the ground, extending tire wear, and the steering was made much, much sharper. 

And of course there was the introduction of a patented passenger-side third door on extended cab models. The 21-inch (53.3 cm.) door, which met government crash test standards, opened a full 90 degrees and made for easy access to rear jump seats. designed to accommodate six-footers. Now that all sorts of pickups offer four doors, the third door almost seems an anachronism. But it wasn't back then. Note, too, that at the time General Motors' full-size pickups had a similar third door, but it didn't open quite as wide.

Engine choices included 4.2-litre V6, a 4.6-litre V8 and a 5.4-litre V8. In recent years, horsepower and torque for the latter two improved dramatically.
For safety, the most recent F-series makeover brought such car-like features as dual airbags, knee bolsters and adjustable safety belts. Ford at the time was also the first to offer a passenger-side airbag cutoff switch.

If you're looking at pre-'97 model year F-150s, well, this was a boxy and tall pickup with awkward road manners, a harsh ride when unloaded and loose steering. The most common V8 engine was a pushrod at 5.0-litres which delivered pretty poor fuel economy. The base engine was a 4.9-litre V6 which almost matched the torque output of the 5.0-litre.

Some other F-series dates to remember: 
1995-the Eddie Bauer trim level was added
1994-a driver's side airbag, door intrusion beams and a 7.3-litre diesel engine arrived.
1991-Touch Drive electric shift transfer case is introduced.
1989-Electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission introduced.
1987-updated styling and rear-wheel ABS introduced.
1983-6.9-litre diesel V8 is new.
1982-3.8-litre V6 is new.
1980-Re-engineered for the model year.
1974-SuperCab introduced.
1973-F-Series redesigned for model year.
1965-Twin I-beam front suspension introduced.

Ford has sold millions of F-trucks through the years, yet while there are plenty of used ones out there, prices have remained strong. So you'll need to shop aggressively and take your time if you want to find a real bargain out there.



CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Ford F-150 XL 4x2
1999-$22,100 ($22,095 original MSRP)
1998-$18,750 ($22,095) 
1997-$15,875 ($21,195)
1996-$13,025 ($19,895)
1995-$11,200 ($18,395)
1994-$9,550 ($17,295)
1993-$7,600 ($15,430) 

BUYER'S ALERTS: Look for possible transmission fluid leaks (TSB 99-4-6, March '99); a buzzing or rattling from the exhaust system (98-20-10, Oct. '98); moisture corrosion at the electrical system terminals (Dec. '98); programming issues with the powertrain control module (99-4-3, March '99); increased brake pedal effort required and false ABS cycling (99-4-11, March '99); front differential noise (5955, March '99); a coast-down moaning noise caused by the auxiliary oil cooler (12591, March '99); front wipers that activate without command (99-12826, June '99); engine knock at cold start-ups (99-6034, May '99); backfiring when accelerating or decelerating (99-14-10, July '99); squeaking noises in the steering system (10569, April '98); delayed upshifts, especially when the vehicle is cold (99-9-6, May '99); coolant leaking into engine oil (99-13-1, June '99); water leaking at the rear sliding backglass (98-3082, Feb. '98).

For recalls relating to the '97 model year and newer, note the following dates:
1997, 1998-No. 1998147 refers to rear leaf springs that may become overstressed.
1997, 1998-No. 1998095 refers to potentially troublesome lug nuts.
1997, 1998-No. 1998081 refers to the potential for ice deposits to from in the throttle body.
1997, 1998-No. 1997180 refers to an automatic shift cable assembly that may not be properly seated.
1997-No. 1997170 refers to a transmission bracket end fitting that may separate from the shift cable conduit.
1997-No. 1997013 refers to vehicles that may have missing or incorrectly installed seatbelt anchorage attachments.

THE VERDICT: Trucks from model year '97 and newer are much more user-friendly than older versions, but may not be as rugged.

CHECK THE SPECS
1997 FORD F-150 (V8)\

Market segment: Full-size pickup.
Typical market competition: General Motors C/K pickups from Chevrolet and GMC, Dodge Ram, Toyota T100.
Engine: (front engine/rear-wheel drive) 4.6-litre V8, two valves per cylinder operated by single overhead camshafts (SOHC); electronic engine management; multi-point, sequential fuel injection; 210 hp at 4,400 rpm; torque rated at 290 ft-lbs at 3,250 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual or four-speed electronically automatic.
Steering: recirculating ball, power-assisted.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear drum; rear-wheel anti-lock braking standard, four-wheel optional.
Tires: P235/70R16 all-season radials.
Fuel economy: (litres/100 km) N/A
Wheelbase: 3,045 mm. or 119.9 in. for styleside regular cab 
Curb weight: 1,746 kg. or 3,850 lbs.
Pros
* Sharp design with user-friendly features and lots more space
* Much better ride and handling (kiss good-bye the twin I-beam front suspension)
* Love that third door on extended cabs
Cons
* Big price jump, despite all the improvements

OVERALL SCORE: 8.0 (out of 10)

ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 

Access: B-
Driving position: B
Instruments/Controls: B 
Visibility: C+
Climate Control: B
Steering: B+
Brakes: B-
Handling: B- 
Acceleration: C+
Engine: B
Transmission: B+ 
Interior space: C+
Trunk/Cargo: B
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B-

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD 

Overall: B+
Mechanical: B+ 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B

SAFETY REPORT CARD

Anti-lock braking: Yes 
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes 
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): five stars/four stars


INSURANCE HISTORY

Collision cost rating: average
Comprehensive cost rating: average
Theft claim cost rating: better than average