1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup
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1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup
- Price Range: $600 - $4,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Handling
- Interior storage space
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1980, Ford's full-size pickups came in three series: F-150 for 1/2-ton capacity; F-250 for 3/4-ton; and F-350 for 1-ton. An F-250 Heavy Duty model also was available. Ford had dropped Flareside trucks with flared rear fenders in 1988, so all F-Series models were called Styleside. The short-bed F-150 had a 116.8-inch wheelbase and 6 3/4-foot cargo bed. A long-bed regular cab rode a 133-inch wheelbase, holding an 8-foot cargo bed. SuperCabs rode a 138.8-inch wheelbase with a 7-foot bed, or 155-inch with an 8-foot bed. Base engine was a 4.9-liter inline six, with a selection of V8 options. Antilock rear braking was standard. Available 4-wheel drive was an on-demand, part-time system. Automatic-locking hubs were phased-in starting in 1989 on F-150 models. Bench seats were standard, and SuperCabs had a folding rear bench. Front captain's chairs were optional, while SuperCabs might have rear jump seats.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford F-150 5.0-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 33 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford F-150:
A new "Nite" option package for the F-150 went on sale this year, and the F-Series saw several powertrain changes. Automatic-locking front hubs became standard on F-250 and F-350 4x4s. A Touch Drive (pushbutton) electronic transfer case became available during the year for F-150 4WD models.
1992 Ford F-150:
Ford gave the F-Series a front-end facelift with rounded nose and broader grille, plus a new dashboard. Ford also revived the Flareside (rear-fendered) model in the short-bed F-150 series.
1993 Ford F-150:
A high-performance Lightning model joined in 1993 with a modified 240-horsepower 5.8-liter V8. It's an F-150 2WD regular-cab Styleside short-bed, featuring a lowered sport suspension and 17-inch tires on alloy wheels, among other extras.
1994 Ford F-150:
A driver-side airbag went into 1994 models with a gross vehicle weight below 8500 pounds.
1995 Ford F-150:
A new 7.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine became available, replacing the regular diesel V8.
1996 Ford F-150:
The F-150 lost its SuperCab body and Flareside cargo box this year. An all-new, more rounded F-150 arrived in January 1996 as an early '97 model.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Even though the 6-cylinder engine nearly matches torque output of a 5.0-liter V8, we prefer gasoline V8 models on the basis of their impressive acceleration and passing ability. That was our appraisal of an F-150 XLT with the 5.0 and 4-speed automatic. The 5.0 was just about as responsive as a 5.8-liter, in fact, but both returned horrid gas mileage: around 12.5 mpg in a city/highway mix. Some 4-speed automatics have demonstrated slurred, lurching gear changes, plus sluggish downshifting for passing. Tall and square, Ford trucks can be blown around in heavy crosswinds, but otherwise hold the road well--even with an empty cargo box. Steering feels looser than in a GM or Dodge pickup, and requires a bit more correction on the highway. An unloaded short-wheelbase 4x4 rides harshly over city streets, but longer-wheelbase models cope much better with bumps. Engine noise and tire rumble can annoy, though wind noise is modest. Regular-cab models easily hold three adults, though the center rider straddles the transmission tunnel. Dashboards are better after 1991, with an easy-to-use climate system and audio controls grouped near the driver. All trucks have plenty of head room. The steering wheel sits near the driver's chest, and pedals are close to the chair-height seat cushion. SuperCab rear seats are a convenience, but have minimal knee and foot space.
Value for the Money
If you're in the market for a pickup in this league, also look at the Chevrolet C/K and Dodge Ram. But we put the F-Series at the top of our list in terms of room, power, payload, and trailer-towing ability.
If you're in the market for a pickup in this league, also look at the Chevrolet C/K and Dodge Ram. But we put the F-Series at the top of our list in terms of room, power, payload, and trailer-towing ability.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford F-150 5.0-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 33 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford F-150 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford F-150 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Alternator belt:
If the accessory drive belt on 4.9-liter engines chirps, the pulley for the power steering may be misaligned on the pump or the A/C compressor may have to be repositioned. If the belt squeals, the automatic tensioner must be replaced. (1990-94)
Automatic transmission:
The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1994-95)
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission does not shift from second to third, the valve body separator plate may be distorted. (1990-94)
Ball joints:
If water gets into the ball joints, they will wear out early and have to be replaced. (1990-96)
Hard starting:
Hesitation, miss, stumble, no-start, or stalling could be due to a short in the wiring harness for the powertrain control module (PCM). (1993-95)
Hard starting:
If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air control valve may be sticking. (1995-96)
Manual transmission:
On trucks with a diesel engine, the clutch may not release due to a leaking slave cylinder. (1993-95)
Suspension problems:
The front leaf springs are prone to sag over time and must be replaced. (1991-94)
Suspension problems:
Front tire cupping is common with Twin Axle suspension. Often new springs will help, but sometimes other suspension parts must also be replaced. Regular alignment is crucial. (All)
Vehicle noise:
A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-96)
Vehicle noise:
Loose frame rivets should be replaced with bolts (welding is not approved). (1990-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $395 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $560 |
| Brakes | $295 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $515 |
| Exhaust System | $375 |
| Radiator | $425 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $160 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
| Universal Joints | $175 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford F-150 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1996 | |||
| F-150 | $2,000-3,500 | $1,400-2,500 | $300-600 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $2,600-4,100 | $1,900-3,000 | $500-900 |
| F-250 | $2,500-4,000 | $1,800-2,900 | $500-800 |
| F-250 SuperCab/Crew | $3,400-5,200 | $2,700-4,100 | $900-1,400 |
| 1995 | |||
| F-150 | $1,800-3,200 | $1,200-2,200 | $300-500 |
| F-150 Lightning | $4,500-5,500 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,600-2,000 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $2,400-3,800 | $1,700-2,700 | $500-800 |
| F-250 | $2,300-3,600 | $1,700-2,600 | $400-700 |
| F-250 SuperCab | $2,800-4,200 | $2,100-3,200 | $600-900 |
| 1994 | |||
| F-150 | $1,600-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $200-400 |
| F-150 Lightning | $3,600-4,400 | $2,900-3,500 | $1,000-1,200 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $2,200-3,100 | $1,600-2,200 | $400-600 |
| F-250 | $2,000-2,800 | $1,400-2,000 | $300-500 |
| F-250 SuperCab | $2,600-3,400 | $1,900-2,500 | $500-700 |
| 1993 | |||
| F-150 | $1,400-2,100 | $900-1,300 | $200-300 |
| F-150 Lightning | $3,000-3,800 | $2,300-2,900 | $700-900 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $1,900-2,600 | $1,300-1,800 | $300-400 |
| F-250 | $1,700-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $300-400 |
| F-250 SuperCab | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| 1992 | |||
| F-150 | $1,200-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $1,700-2,400 | $1,100-1,600 | $300-400 |
| F-250 | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| F-250 SuperCab | $1,900-2,700 | $1,300-1,900 | $300-400 |
| 1991 | |||
| F-150 | $1,100-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| F-250 | $1,300-1,900 | $800-1,200 | $200 |
| F-250 SuperCab | $1,700-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1990 | |||
| F-150 | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
| F-150 SuperCab | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| F-250 | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| F-250 SuperCab | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford F-150 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab long bed | ext. cab short bed | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 155.0 | 138.8 | 133.0 | 116.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 235.3 | 219.1 | 213.3 | 197.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.0 | 79.0 | 79.0 | 79.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.0 | 71.9 | 71.0 | 71.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4316 | 4186 | 3982 | 3886 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 4655 | 3855 | 5100 | 2310 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 37.1 | 34.7 | 37.2 | 34.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 | 40.3 | 40.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 | 41.0 | 41.1 | 41.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.6 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.8 | 28.8 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine was an inline 6-cylinder. Next up: a 5.0-liter gas V8, rated 185 horsepower. Then, a 210-horsepower 5.8-liter V8. Stepping up further, Ford had a 230-horsepower 7.5-liter gasoline V8, plus a 180-horsepower diesel. Transmission choices depended on the engine, starting with a 4-speed manual. A 5-speed was available with all engines except the 5.8-liter. Two automatic transmissions were employed: 3-speed and 4-speed. An F-Series with on-demand 4-wheel drive might have either manual-locking or automatic front hubs. (Even after automatics were phased in, manual hubs remained an option.) Trucks with automatic hubs had shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD High. Touch Drive became available during 1991. For 1993, the 7.5-liter V8 gained 20 horsepower (rated 250) and 20 pound-feet of torque (now 410). A year later, the 5.0-liter V8 grew from 185 to 205 horsepower (195 with automatic), and the 5.8 added 10 horsepower and 25 pound-feet. The regular diesel V8s gave way to a turbodiesel for 1995, gaining 20 horsepower and 65 pound-feet. Four-speed manual gearboxes disappeared after 1993.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I6 | 4.9 / 300 | 145 | 265 | 5-speed manual: 15/19 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 14/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 302 | 185-205 | 270-275 | 4-speed manual: 15/16 5-speed manual: 15/19 4-speed automatic: 14/19 |
4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15.2 |
| ohv V8 | 5.8 / 351 | 200-210 | 300-325 | 5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 12/17 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 7.5 / 460 | 245-250 | 400-410 | 5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 12.9 |
| Diesel ohv V8 | 7.3 / 444 | 185-210 | 360-425 | 5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Canada, Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford F-150 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1996 F-150 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1996 Ford F-150/250 Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990 4x2 w/one-piece driveshaft and E40D transmission:
Under certain conditions, snap ring may fracture and park gear would not engage.
1990 w/dual fuel tanks:
Supply and return fuel lines may be crossed on some trucks.
1990-91 F-250/350 w/7.3/.5 liter engine, and 4x4 w/5.8-liter:
Brake fluid may overheat, diminishing braking effectiveness.
1990-91:
Ignition switch could short-circuit and overheat, causing smoke and possible fire.
1990-93 w/dual fuel tanks:
Portion of unused fuel from one tank may be returned to the second, causing spillage.
1992 F-250/350 diesel:
Sound insulation can contact exhaust manifold.
1992:
Door latch may malfunction in below-freezing temperatures.
1992-94 w/manual shift:
Parking-brake pawl can slip; brake might not hold.
1993 F-150 w/Touch Drive:
Transfer case can slip out of 4x4 high gear during coasting or with power applied in reverse.
1993 F-150/250/350/450 w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1993 w/dual fuel tanks:
Fuel-pressure regulator in the fuel system can wear out during the life of the vehicle, causing high-fuel system pressure.
1994 F-150/250:
Airbag and its warning light might not function; or, airbag might deploy when passenger door is slammed while key is turned to start position.
1994-95 Super Cab w/40/20/40 power driver's seat:
Wiring harness for power lumbar support could overheat, leading to melting, smoke, or possible ignition of surrounding materials.
1994-96:
Cruise-control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
1996 F-250:
Certification label shows incorrect rear-tire-inflation pressure.
1996 F-250/F-350/Super Duty:
Undersized fasteners on a few trucks can separate, causing fuel-tank strap to become disconnected.
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