1997-2004 Ford F-150: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
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1997-2004 Ford F-150 ▼
- Price Range: $1,800 - $15,200
Reviews & Ratings
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Specifications & Safety
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2004 Ford F-150 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Passenger room
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Acceleration (V6)
- Engine noise (V6)
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
When Ford redesigned its F-Series pickup truck as an early 1997 model, it had been the top-selling vehicle of any kind for close to 15 years. Only the half-ton F-150 and the three-quarter-ton F-250 were redesigned initially; heavier-duty pickups (F-250 Super Duty and F-350) stuck with the prior design for a while. The F-150 pickup came with rear- or 4-wheel drive, in regular-cab and extended-cab form. Called SuperCab, the latter had a passenger-side third door, plus a 3-place rear seat that folded to create a flat, steel cargo floor. Short-bed models had a 6.5-foot cargo bed; long-bed models held an 8-foot bed. Ford called its flat-side cargo bed Styleside. The Flareside model, with a flared-fender carbo box, came only in short-bed form. A floor-mounted transfer case lever was standard on 4WD models. An electric transfer case, operated by a dashboard switch, was optional. Both allowed shifting in and out of 4WD High range "on the fly," though the 4WD system was not intended for use on dry pavement.Three engines were available: a 4.2-liter V6, an overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8, and a 5.4-liter V8. Manual shift was standard with the two smaller engines, with an automatic transmission optional. Automatic was required with the 5.4-liter V8. All models had dual airbags, along with a key-operated dashboard switch that deactivated the passenger-side airbag. Rear-wheel antilock brakes were standard, with 4-wheel ABS standard on Lariat models and optional on other F-150s.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford F-150 SuperCab 4WD 4.6-liter V8 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2004 Ford F-150. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2004 Ford F-150.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Ford F-150:
Redesigned so extensively for 1997, full-size Ford pickups saw few changes for 1998.
1999 Ford F-150:
A SuperCab model with four doors joined the F-150 roster for '99. All F-150 trucks got a new front-end look and revamped front seats.
2000 Ford F-150:
Midyear brought power-adjustable gas and brake pedals, standard on the Lariat and optional on XLT models, but only with automatic transmission. Ford dropped the light-duty F-250 model in favor of a new heavy-duty F-150 with similar payload ratings. An overhead console with compass became standard on all but XL and Work models, while the Lariat got standard 17-inch wheels in place of 16s, plus turn-signal lights mounted in the outside mirrors. A new SuperCrew cab, with four regular-size front-opening doors, launched in midseason as an early 2001 model. This "crew cab" configuration had traditionally been reserved for three-quarter and one-ton pickups, but Ford was first to offer it in the more popular half-ton format.
2001 Ford F-150:
A SuperCrew model was introduced, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes were made standard throughout the lineup for 2001.
2002 Ford F-150:
A new FX4 Off-Road package included heavy-duty shock absorbers, skid plates, unique body cladding, and 17-inch all-terrain tires. Returning midyear was the Harley-Davidson Edition, a SuperCrew with exclusive 20-inch wheels and special trim inside and out. For 2002, it replaced a 260-hp 5.4 V8 with a 340-hp supercharged version, and came in gray as well as black. Also arriving for 2002 is the SVT Lightning. A high-performance 2WD regular cab with a 380-hp supercharged 5.4 V8 and sport suspension.
2003 Ford F-150:
For 2003, F-150s gain extra sound deadening, and a rear-window defogger is available for the first time; it's standard on all but XL and XLT models. XL and XLT regular cabs and extended cabs can be equipped in new STX trim, a $995 appearance ensemble aimed at 25-35 year olds. It includes specific interior touches, plus body-color exterior features set off by a chrome grille surround, chrome tubular step bars, and bright 17-inch wheels. Also new is the Heritage Edition for the XLT SuperCab. It marks the 100th year of Ford Motor Co. and includes a 2-tone exterior, badging, and other appearance items.
2004 Ford F-150:
Ford renamed the 1997-2004 version of its full-size pickup the F-150 Heritage as the company began selling an all-new model called simply F-150. As the new F-150 was rolled out, the crew cab bodystyle was dropped, leaving only regular and extended cab models in the Heritage line.
Our road test for the 1997-2004 Ford F-150 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2004 Ford F-150 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2004 Ford F-150 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Ford's base V6 engine is noisy at idle, and grows raucous under hard throttle. Acceleration is adequate only in lighter-weight models with little cargo aboard. Both V8 engines are smoother and more powerful, but don't offer quite as much low-speed muscle as the bigger overhead-valve V8 from GM and Dodge. For most applications, a V8 is the wiser choice--and the bigger, the better. For most light-duty work, however, the 4.6-liter would suffice. It feels lively when accelerating from a standstill (at least with an empty cargo bed), but is a little short of power when you punch the gas quickly in the 25-40 mph range--especially in a heavier model. Passing response is ample at highway speeds, however. An F-150 SuperCab 4x4 averaged only 12.5 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, and managed 16.2 mpg on a highway journey. On the highway, an F-150 delivers a stable and comfortable ride, with little of the bounciness or pitching that's common to most pickups. When going through bumpy pavement, the suspension absorbs the worst of the rough stuff. In addition, the rear axle resists juddering even when the cargo bed is empty. Wind and road noise are moderate for a pickup truck. Depending on the model and option package--and there's a vast selection available--interior furnishings range from stark to utterly luxurious. All F-150s have a modern, convenient dashboard with handy controls. Cupholders pop out from the dashboard, and large map pockets are mounted on doors. Head, leg, and shoulder room up front are generous. Because 4WD models sit high off the ground, entry and exit demand more effort than in the 2WD versions. The SuperCab's passenger-side rear door makes life easier. You get plenty of head room but marginal leg space in the rear seat. Getting into the back is definitely easier with the 1999 SuperCab's rear half-doors. And the 2001 SuperCrew is plenty roomy and comfortable for three adults, with a high step in but large crew-cab door openings.
Value for the Money
All told, we rate the latest F-150 tops in its class, even with the arrival of new challengers for 1999: the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
All told, we rate the latest F-150 tops in its class, even with the arrival of new challengers for 1999: the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford F-150 SuperCab 4WD 4.6-liter V8 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
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.
Audio system:
Electrical noise caused by the electric fuel pump in the tank can cause a buzzing noise when the AM band of the radio is selected. (1997)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission fluid can leak from the transmission into the transfer case. The low transmission-fluid level causes shifting and engagement problems. (1997)
Automatic transmission:
If water gets into the transfer case, the mode switch can be shorted out making it impossible to select a different range. (1997)
Climate control:
Cold air may come out of the heater vents at the floor due to a door in the duct not sealing properly. (1997)
Clutch:
Hopping, binding sensation from rear axle caused by binding limited-slip clutch packs requires revised clutch packs and reformulated gear lube. (2002-04)
Cold-starting problems:
Throttle sticks due to icing in cold weather requiring a service kit for the PCV system. (1997-02)
Dashboard lights:
Water in the spark-plug wells may cause the ignition spark to jump to ground causing a misfire and illuminating the check engine light. (1997)
Engine misfire:
The engine may run rough or idle roughly if condensation from the air conditioning drips onto the oxygen sensor. (1997-98)
Engine noise:
Piston slap on cold startup due to faulty pistons in 5.4-liter engine. (1998)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1999-2002)
Transmission problems:
Torque converter dust plug may fall out. Replacement should be retained with RTV sealant. 1989-2003)
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 | $300 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $930 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $620 |
| Exhaust System | $515 |
| Radiator | $510 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $575 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $380 |
| Universal Joints | $260 |
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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| 2004 | |||
| F-150 Heritage 2WD | $6,200-7,500 | $5,400-6,500 | $2,900-3,500 |
| F-150 Heritage 4WD | $8,500-10,500 | $7,700-9,500 | $4,400-5,500 |
| Heritage SuperCab 2WD | $8,200-9,500 | $7,400-8,600 | $4,200-4,800 |
| Heritage SuperCab 4WD | $10,200-12,500 | $9,200-11,300 | $5,300-6,500 |
| Lightning Heritage | $15,200-16,700 | $13,800-15,200 | $9,600-10,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $5,500-7,000 | $4,700-6,000 | $2,300-2,900 |
| F-150 4WD | $7,500-9,500 | $6,800-8,600 | $3,800-4,800 |
| Harley-Davidson | $14,500-16,000 | $13,200-14,600 | $9,000-9,900 |
| Lightning | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $7,200-9,500 | $6,400-8,500 | $3,500-4,700 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $9,100-11,200 | $8,200-10,100 | $4,700-5,800 |
| SuperCrew 2WD | $8,600-10,800 | $7,700-9,700 | $4,500-5,600 |
| SuperCrew 4WD | $10,500-12,500 | $9,500-11,300 | $5,600-6,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $4,800-6,200 | $4,000-5,200 | $1,800-2,400 |
| F-150 4WD | $6,500-8,000 | $5,700-7,000 | $2,900-3,600 |
| Harley-Davidson | $11,800-13,300 | $10,600-12,000 | $6,600-7,400 |
| Lightning | $12,000-13,500 | $10,800-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $6,200-8,200 | $5,400-7,100 | $2,700-3,500 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $7,800-9,800 | $7,000-8,800 | $4,000-5,000 |
| SuperCrew 2WD | $7,500-9,000 | $6,800-8,100 | $3,800-4,500 |
| SuperCrew 4WD | $9,000-10,500 | $8,100-9,500 | $4,700-5,500 |
| 2001 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $4,200-5,300 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,800 |
| F-150 4WD | $5,700-6,800 | $4,900-5,800 | $2,300-2,800 |
| Harley-Davidson | $9,700-11,000 | $8,700-9,900 | $5,000-5,700 |
| Lightning | $10,500-12,000 | $9,500-10,800 | $5,600-6,400 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $5,400-7,000 | $4,600-6,000 | $2,200-2,900 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $7,000-8,500 | $6,200-7,600 | $3,300-4,000 |
| SuperCrew 2WD | $6,500-7,800 | $5,700-6,900 | $2,900-3,500 |
| SuperCrew 4WD | $8,000-9,300 | $7,200-8,400 | $4,100-4,700 |
| 2000 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $3,600-5,000 | $2,900-4,000 | $1,000-1,400 |
| F-150 4WD | $4,800-6,300 | $4,000-5,300 | $1,800-2,400 |
| Harley-Davidson | $8,000-9,300 | $7,200-8,400 | $4,100-4,700 |
| Lightning | $9,200-10,300 | $8,300-9,300 | $4,800-5,400 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $4,600-6,000 | $3,900-5,000 | $1,700-2,200 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $6,000-7,200 | $5,200-6,300 | $2,500-3,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $3,200-4,700 | $2,500-3,700 | $800-1,200 |
| F-150 4WD | $4,200-5,700 | $3,400-4,700 | $1,400-1,900 |
| Lightning | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $4,000-5,300 | $3,300-4,300 | $1,300-1,700 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $5,300-6,600 | $4,600-5,700 | $2,200-2,700 |
| 1998 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $2,800-4,500 | $2,100-3,400 | $600-1,000 |
| F-150 4WD | $3,700-5,500 | $3,000-4,500 | $1,100-1,600 |
| 1997 | |||
| F-150 2WD | $2,500-4,000 | $1,800-2,900 | $500-800 |
| F-150 4WD | $3,300-4,800 | $2,600-3,800 | $800-1,200 |
|
|
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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 | crew cab | ext. cab long bed | ext. cab short bed | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 138.5 | 157.1 | 138.5 | 138.5 | 119.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 225.9 | 239.4 | 220.8 | 220.8 | 202.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.1 | 78.4 | 78.4 | 78.4 | 78.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.9 | 72.4 | 72.6 | 72.1 | 72.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4644 | 4658 | 4575 | 4339 | 4028 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1765 | 1575 | 1780 | 1780 | 1675 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25 | 30.0 | 25.0 | 30.0 | 25.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 40.8 | 40.8 | 40.8 | 40.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 | 40.9 | 40.9 | 40.9 | 40.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 37.8 | 37.8 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 | 32.2 | 32.2 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
An F-150 could be equipped with a V6 that produced 210 horsepower (205 in 1999), or a choice of two overhead-cam V8s. The 4.6-liter V8 made 220 horsepower; its 5.4-liter counterpart, 235 horses. The bigger V8 gained 25 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque for '99 and then a little more power in 2003. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic might be installed, but the 5.4-liter V8 came only with automatic. For 2002, the Harley-Davidson Edition replaced a 260-hp 5.4 V8 with a 340-hp supercharged version while the new Lightning 5.4-liter made 380 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Supercharged ohc V8 | 5.4 / 330 | 340-380 | 450 | 4-speed automatic: 12/16 | 4-speed automatic: 10.4 |
| ohv V6 | 4.2 / 256 | 202-210 | 250-255 | 5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 17/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 220-231 | 290-293 | 5-speed manual: 16/21 4-speed automatic: 16/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 12.5 |
| ohc V8 | 5.4 / 330 | 235-260 | 330-345 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 | 4-speed automatic: 12 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Canada, 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 | 1999 F-150 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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 1997-2004 Ford F-150 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997 F150/F250:
It is possible that the intermediate steering shaft yoke may break, causing a loss of steering control. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1997 in 10 northern states:
Operation at highway speeds in winter conditions can cause PVC fitting to freeze; throttle plate could then remain in cruising position after pedal is released.
1997:
Certification label shows incorrect rear-tire-inflation pressure.
1997:
Retainer clip that holds master-cylinder pushrod to brake-pedal arm could be missing, causing loss of braking.
1997:
Seatbelt-anchorage attachments are missing or misinstalled.
1997:
Separation of transmission bracket fitting from cable can result in inability to shift into "Park."
1997-02:
Cruise-control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
1997-98 w/4WD:
If vehicle is overloaded, rear leaf springs can fracture.
1997-98 w/V6, in any of 23 states:
Throttle is unable to return to idle due to ice forming in throttle body.
1997-98 w/automatic transmission:
Shift-cable assembly might not be fully attached to steering column bracket and could come out, preventing shifting into "Park" even though indicator shows it is in "Park."
1997-98:
Certain off-lease vehicles, Canadian in origin but sold in the U.S., have daytime running lights that do not meet U.S. specifications.
1997-98:
Lug nuts may loosen and studs may experience fatigue failure, with potential for wheel separation.
1997-98:
Main battery cable can contact body panel in trunk, resulting short circuit.
1999 4x4 w/Off Road package and 4x2 w/Sport package:
Tire and rim identification information is incorrect on certification labels.
1999:
Fuel-pressure regulator O-ring may have been damaged, allowing fuel-vapor leakage.
1999:
Speed-control cable on certain vehicles can interfere with pulley, preventing throttle from returning to idle when disengaging the speed control.
1999-00 Super Duty w/5.4-liter V8 and manual transmission:
Accelerator-cable core wire on certain trucks can wear the conduit end fitting; could lead to separation of strands, which could prevent throttle from returning to idle.
2000-01 2000 F-150 and 2001 SuperCrew:
Cruise-control deactivation switch on some vehicles may overheat, smoke, or burn; fires have occurred while vehicle was parked with ignition off.
2000-01:
A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper-motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of wiper function or fire.
2000-01:
Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child-restraint system.
2001:
Driver- and/or front-passenger-outboard seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.
2003 F-150/250/350/450 vehicles equipped with speed control:
The speed control deactivation switch may overheat and possibly cause a fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge.
2003-04 F-150 Lightening 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.
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