1997-2004 Ford F150 Buyer's Guide (10th gen Common Problems, Options, Specs) 

OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH: Ford: 2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-duNWJA7m63s.html 2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3IpC-mHY0xM.html 1998-2011 Ranger Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fELUyrKY1U4.html Mercedes: W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QpplQTp2DSQ.html W212 E-Class Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IYZSnLzdNp8.html W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BtCbbrsQQ-Y.html W222 S-Class Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5E9U0zEkWdg.html Toyota: 1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WtyhiOD8Jm4.html 2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9ZOhD0KU_gA.html 2000-2006 1st Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9pIyUcFGf4c.html 2007-2020 2nd Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fhH4UnFvJuI.html Porsche: 2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3giueysuXdU.html 1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rvdMzS8XdXk.html

Yes these trucks are very solid. One of the best gen Ford's ever made. I've been a mechanic for 22 years and I've seen what lasts and what doesn't.

I have a 2003 F150 XLT, 4.6 with tow package. I have driven over 330,000 miles. I’m 65 and this has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

2003 5.4l 4x4. 235000 miles. Literally stump jumped it and bent the dog shit out of the frame. A month later ran into a tree. Still runs and drives like a top. Goes straight down the road too. Solid truck.

Still have my old mans 98 black STX long bed with bright red interior that he bought brand new. Just rebuilt it from engine transmission suspension brakes etc. RIP pop, love you.

As long as I don't ram my truck into a concrete wall, I should be ok

Shoot I have my 99 f150 4.2 v6 with 345000 miles still running

The 4.6’s are extremely reliable, lasting about 210,000 miles and still going strong.

i have a 2001 5.4 lariat that has 420,000 miles and it still runs perfectly

My step grandfather has one of these. Base model, short bed, v6, manual transmission, and about 310k miles on it, still going strong.

My mom has a 1999 F150 XL with the 4.2 6L that I helped her pick out back in 1999 when I was 9 years old from the dealer. Love that truck and it’s still doing great with 167,000 miles on it.

arguably one of the best F-150 generations.

Say whatever you want about the 'styling'- I have a 2000 with a v-6, 4.2 with 173,000 and it runs like new.

I have a 97' F-150 4x4, still going strong. Best PU Ive ever owned. No rust , 4.6 L engine that runs like a top.

While they run forever and are as easy to work on as anything with a 4.6, I'm in the camp that doesn't care for the styling. I like my big, boxy, 96 f250, but if you just need a reliable truck, there's nothing wrong with the 10th gen.

I’m barely changing the original clutch on my 98 f150 4.2 and it’s got 316,000 miles. This truck has amazed me.

This guy knows his stuff about 10th gens, great job!!!

The spark plug issue isn’t as big of a deal if you have enough mechanical inclination to change spark plugs. I’ve experienced this issue several times, usually one plug per engine. If it happens, just buy the $60 repair kit from the big name auto parts stores. All you have to do is remove the coil (that is likely broken anyway), the plug that has been spit out, vacuum out the cylinder through the plug hole, and insert the self-tapping spark plug fitting into your socket/ratchet, and thread it in, put the new spark plug and coil in, and you’re done. It will never blow out again. I have done this repair on the roadside in about 20-30 minutes. Sure, it would be nice if this issue never existed to begin with, but it does. On the other hand, GM, with their transfer case problems, transmission problems, electrical problems, and lifter problems pose a bigger nightmare.

My grandpa gave me his pride and joy a 1997 Ford F-150 with the 4.6 it’s got 186k and runs like new I love it

I'm buying my brother in law's 98 f150 with 195,000 miles and it runs great!! Not a single problem

I have a 2002 F150 with a 4.6L engine and over 150,000 miles. I love it. Earl Fleming Lakewood, Calif..

Love my 10th gen. Yes shes had her problems but so does everyone..😄

Love my 03' 240k and still going strong. The 4.2 runs and tows great, from a car hauler, to my camper. For real, got 27 MPG on a recent trip from South Mississippi to North East Oklahoma. Cant beat it!

This was my first truck and I still have it 20 year old and still going strong

i remember wanting one as a kid because stone cold drove one

Mine's a 98 f150 50th anniversary editon. I'm pushing 200k. Love it!

My dad had a 98 F150 extended cab 2WD with the 4.6L SOHC 2V Triton V8 and it was a beast and he loved it and then he bought the expedition and gave it to my uncle.

2002 f150 supercrew lariat running strong at 164000 miles couldnt be happier with the truck except for the crash rating or course!

I have a 2000 5.4, 4 years now really solid for 184k & 20 years old. Driving to Mesa, Arizona next week from San Diego. Even drove to Sacramento then San Francisco down the 1 Highway back home. Solid truck 💪

i had a 97 and i loved it....some idiot hit me broadside and that was the end ....ran great and no major problems.

2003 F150 with the 4.6 V8 and over 220,000 miles with regular maintenance runs like a dream. Just completed a cross country move and averaged 17 mpg. Not bad at all for an 03 V8

I’ve owned a 2002 5.4 for 5.5 years. Bought it with 100k miles it now has 150k miles. Was thinking of selling and getting something newer. Recently Had multiple coolant leaks repaired including a bad intake manifold gasket and a tiny crack in the manifold itself…cost about $1300. I was immediately shocked at how much more responsive, smoother and stronger the engine runs now. I guess it was a small gasket leak that got worse over time and I just got used to it. Now I wanna keep it considering how great it runs against what new trucks cost.

I'm the original owner of a 2000 F-150 4x4 lariat 5.4 ... 21 years later still runs like a champ .. She has her scars, but hasn't ever let me down. She has towed my trailers all over the country and I've never been left on the side of the road .

2003 FX4 5.4, 448,500 miles, never touched the transmission, head gaskets at 313,000 miles, other than fuel pumps, alternators, ball joints, intake manifolds cracking (on 3rd one) heater hoses, water pumps, original muffler, it's still running fine. I'm planning on driving to half a million and then it'll be for occasional use. Shifter dial stuck on P, thermometer quit working, sometimes the odometer goes out for a few miles, can't see the time or radio station unless it's night time... it's been a great truck!

Bigbaby still going strong. My then 4 year old gave it that name when I bought it 3 years ago with 197k and rusted shock housing. Repaired the shock housing with a F150 switch. He still has some rust which has a hole in the bed but that engine is grand! 4.6 v8 is very smooth and reliable with an equally reliable transmission. Mine is a Lariat trim. Two tone green and gold. A farmer in PA was his original owner who gave him to an auction. Bigbaby is a member of the family now and is my everything! Great job on the 10th gen!

We have 1997 4.6L 255k miles runs great! But its time to bring back the shine of this truck with a paint job, carpet and headliner

All I can say is I just pulled my 1999 Ford F150 Standard Cab Short bed 4.2V6 manual with 265,000 miles on it out of my garage after sitting in there for 9 years cause the clutch cylinder cracked and leaked out. I repaired it changed Oil & Filter, sucked the old fuel out and added fresh and it fired right up. Ran it out to make sure it wasn't going to smoke or blow on me before I bought new tires and have now been driving it to work since the last week. It cleaned up well being it's got a straight body and no rust. I bought it new in 1999 and never dreamed I'd keep it but I think I'm going to drive it and see how many miles I can get out of it, 265,400 now and shooting for 500,000!

You can keep your variable valve timing and eco boost. 2V, once you deal with the spark plug issue, is a very reliable engine.

My 2003 fx4 has 225000 miles and runs with power! Love this truck!

My 2002, F-150 I bought new, I'd say was and is a great truck, And like what you said ABOUT blowing out plugs, it happened, the far rear last passanger side gave way. Also the intake manifold gasket gave out, it was a pain in the **, but I fixed them, the only thing I have to do is replace my clutch assembly bout every 4/5 years, but that's ok cause this is my work truck, with 4wd, and it's an EXTENDED CAB, and even to this very day currently it's still running great, I love my Ford,,❤️😘🥰 of course NOT TODAY'S JUNK, THEIR ALL JUNK I'D NEVER BUY ANOTHER NEW ONE ANYMORE, THEM DAYS ARE OVER, NOT EVEN A GM TRUCK, NOR A CHRYSLER TRUCK!!!!! FORGET IT. ILL STICK WITH MY OLDER CARS & TRUCKS. Thank you very much!!!!

Have a 1997 Lariat with 5.4, bought in July 1997. 304,000 miles on original 5.4 and transmission. Runs great and it's my daily.

I've got a 1999 with over 332;000miles with a 4;2 motor and it's still a great truck overall

2001 F150 5.4L... I've had it for almost 20 years and has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. Issues... Not too bad considering... 1. Ripped Seat (Like speaker mentioned). 2. Intake Manifold Gasket Leak 3. A few rusted brake lines. 4. Bad Fuel Pump. 5. A few bad coil packs The biggest design flaw IMHO is that it's a little too cab forward design. I had to remove the fuel rail to replace the # 7 coil pack because the fuel pressure regulator covers it. Basically it makes things difficult to get to compared to other trucks. Hoping to keep it running another 10 years...

My 98 is still going down the highway. (Original owner) I came here cause I wanted to hear about all the potential bad stuff that could be in my future. Most all of this is old news to me & thus far none of it has happened yet.

I love the 10th gen. It's sleek, and it is still reliable like any other ford truck.

I ❤️ my 2003 SVT Lightning!!! I bought it new in March 2003. It only has 38,775 miles on it. And its in mint condition.

Interestingly I remember when this truck came out. I thought the design was ugly. However over time the look of it grew on me and I had a 2000 back in 2011 for about a year. I sold it for financial reasons and regretted it and just a couple years ago I found a nice 01 in good shape and that’s my daily vehicle. Yeah it’s not the newest or the fastest but these are super reliable trucks I wouldn’t hesitate on another one.

I have a 97 and a 2003 f 150's both v8. Change the oil religiously, change bearing before needed and they Run GREAT!!

We bought a 2003 with the 5.4L and still have it 20 years later. Has 116k miles and going strong. Had spark plug pop out at about 30k miles, some chipped paint on the dash, and some rust on the bed rails. Overall a good truck, plan on keeping it for many more years.

I bought a 2001 f-150 5.4 extended cab XLT, put new tires, rear seats, bed liner, and exhaust manifolds. All in all I’ve got about $3500 total into it and she runs like a top

loved the video. very informative. my parents gave me a 2001 ford f150 super cab with a 5.4 triton v8. has over 313k miles on it. had to replace an ignition coil this morning. but aside from that, i love it. my daily driver.

I have the 04 ford f150 with the 4.6 liter v8 and i have about 168,000 miles and it still runs like new. An amazing truck 10/10.

Best trucks ever. Mine developed the head gasket oil leak. I used the updated felpro head gasket to repair it, and used an aluminum intake from a 99 expedition with the improved design felpro gaskets as well. Also I torque my spark plugs to spec haha. But it’s pretty easy to avoid those issues and bullet proof these engines, although most don’t need it they go 500k easy with good maintenance. These are great trucks and everyone who’s owned one can agree.

I just bought a 2000 V6. The previous owner wasn’t mechanically inclined. And his ball and chain was sucking his wallet dry, as I heard it. Anyway, at some point his fuel pump went out and the truck sat on his land for the next 6 years. A good friend of my had a buddy who worked with the previous owner. We drove 90 miles to get it. $800 and a hand shake later and she was all mine. The old gasoline ate all the rubber and plastic components on the fuel pump. I bought a new tank and pump. Replaced the spark plugs, wires, and coil pack. It took 4 to 5 tries but she eventually fired up. Purred like a kitten. We were shocked. It was a fine Saturday, all in all.

EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE VIDEO REVIEW ON THIS 10TH GEN F150-WELL DONE.

My 99 f150 super cab 4x4 bought brand new still running strong thur many Chicago winter's 155 thousand miles 😊👍

The flaresides have fiberglass beds! No rust issues I've got a mint shape 2000, 2WD extended cab 4 door. And flareside all in bright red

i just picked up a 2000 5.4 lariat 7700 with 164k miles a couple months ago. It's been a blessing in these long ass ND winters

I have a 2001 F150 long bed with a 4.6L with over 336,000 miles. The only thing I've had to do is repair a blown-out sparkplug. Best damn tuck I've ever owned!

The best looking and most reliable of any of the Ford trucks. Had a 98,02 and now 03. Never any issues and always ready for work

I have a 97. It's a great truck. Is it a powerhouse? No. Best looking Ford truck ever? Nope. It is, however, a dependable truck that rides nice and is always ready to go when I need it.

I have a 2000 and it runs great. My biggest issue is I've gone through two fuel pumps now. My odometer lights up only when it wants to, and yes the rust. It was like new until about two years ago, now it's looking a little rough. But I do have over 210K miles on it and it is 21 years old. So any senior citizen will look a bit weathered I think.

Love that red on black heritage coloring. Still run my 03 every day. Things a beast

I have an 03 and just last weekend dropped a coyote and a 10r80 in it with the help of power by the hour. Doubling the horsepower was a nice little addition

2002 F150 Sport 5.4 134,000 mi Red, standard cab, it looks exactly like Lightning from "The Fast and The Furious". No Rust ! Runs and looks like a dream !

I've got a 98 4x4 and it's literally my baby

Still driving my ’99 and it drives as tight as my new car!

Love my 02 V6 5 speed single cab flareside. Only at 195000 miles so far and still running strong.

Just bought a 2003 V6 with 60,000 miles on it. Great deal!

Having owned one for a decade it's a very reliable truck. Our family has put 210000 miles on it and it still works fine. Even had a crash a few years back side swiped a 90s camery at 30ish mph and all it needed was a bumper a grill and an oil filter. Hard to chand spark plugs though

Love the styling. I remember when the 97 came out We all wanted to check out the 3rd door.

I love mine it is a 2002 supercrew with almost 300,000 miles and is still going strong. The 5.4 Triton engine is a good one.

1:42 that’s mine! 368000 kms and still going strong, love the step side, and no rust because they are fibreglass. The rockers are gone of coarse.

Great truck my 2002 f150 going on 200,000 miles original transmission and never had a problem with spark plugs! Never breaks down and runs like new. 5.4 version

I have a 1998 F150, 4.6, Manual, 4x4, 3 door, short bed, 146k. It sat for 8 years rusting away. I have 100's of hours in rust repair/body work, but it is back on the road. It did fire right up with a new battery.

JUST put a new engine in my 2002. 4.6 2v, 4R70W transmission. @ 395,000 miles. Still original transmission.

I've got a 2000 7700 series. With 400K miles on it I went out and bought 2 more and sold my Chevy's. This Ford is a far superior work truck

Back in May of 2001 I bought a used 98 F-150. It had 28,000 miles on it, hardly even broke in yet. Pacific green, off-road package, 5.4L engine, the beefier transmission, 6 disc cd changer with premium sound, supercab and 4x4. Hands down the best truck I ever owned. If it had not have been for New York state's desire to throw calcium all over the roads in the winter and corrode vehicles out, I would probably still be driving it. I had to replace normal wear/tear items but nothing out of the ordinary. Great truck, no complaints.

I bought an 02 supercab with the eight foot bed for work. The rear ujoints were absolutely shot to crap, and I had a coil die. Other than that, it's been a very capable truck for work, and wood harvest. Replaced my 96 long bed ranger after Bambi took a run at it. I like the truck.

I purchased 99 F150 4x4 5.4 L, automatic, limited slip. In 2000. I'm retired General Mechanic. I took it in to the dealer for a recall... The lady manager, tried to sell me a complete front suspension repair. Said trailer towing caused the damages..... Estimated cost was over $1500! There was no damage! So, I do all maintenance, and repairs.... Ford does have some issues... But over all is a dependable truck, and a pleasure to drive!

My dad had a 2000 f150 with the 5.4 V8 and was extended cab with a 6 foot bed. That truck was so reliable and so clean for a long time and I now have a sweet spot for them and I don’t even like the brand.

Mine, 97/4.6/4X4 Off Road XLT Flareside, owned since new 122,000km (75,000m) body excellent, frame and all underpinnings currently undergoing restoration including its first tune up. Original battery lasted 17 years. Do i love this truck? *HELL YA!!*

I got one of these bad boys with 27,000 miles on it 6 years ago for 2,900 USD from an old vet’s widow, he who only took it out on the weekends. Now its sitting at 39,000 miles and still in perfect condition. Gonna drive it forever, tows great, is pretty fast and still running all stock lights and media, no cameras or anything other than my phone holder/charger. As far as car wrecks go, a friend of mine was in a head on wreck with a newer Jeep and his f150 did get totaled having 300,000 miles on it but the f150 annihilated the jeep completely totaled it and it was a jeep worth over 60,000 USD. He walked away with some scratches but he was fine otherwise.

2003 super cab fx4 tow package with 277,000KM. Still going strong in Toronto. I love this truck as it’s my first truck I’ve ever bought. Bought it 4 years ago from a 70 something year old man who bought it brand new in 2003 but had to sell due to health problems and him not being able to drive anymore. I will hang on to this truck for as long as I can. They just don’t build them like this anymore at all

The plastic headlight switch dial is the only thing that keeps breaking other than that a very durable truck.

I have a 2003 42.L that I bought used 13 years ago. Still drive it today with no major problems, just routine maintenance

Just bought a 98 f-150 triton v8 4.6 liter 2wd. It had 220,000 miles but runs great. I think I got a good deal only spent 3000

Also the odometer turns off and on from time to time. Still keeps the mileage but it goes dark at times. They say it's due to the soldering cracking and a simple fix but I don't want to take apart the whole dashboard and risk cracking the plastic to resolder it

Bought a 98' XLT last year that was neglected and sat out in the sun for years... Replaced cylinder heads, changed intake manifold gasket, put on a cool air-intake, and some other things here and there. With the TLC its basically a new truck that cost a fraction of newer gens. Runs amazing and I plan on modding it for fun.

I have a 2010 5.4 and 2003 4.6, the transmission from the 4.6 is what’s lacking from the 5.4. The 4.6 has a rusted body but she drives like a brand new vehicle… something about that generation by ford was history. Ford was definitely in their lexus era

I have a 1997 an 1998 an 2002 F150 all great but 97 an 98 I love the looks better mostly cus the front bumper loved how sharp they look on them

I've got a clapped out '02 the bed rotted completely away, the muffler is gone, and it needs plugs and coils once in a while. 4x4 works and it just keeps going and going.

i've got a 1997 5.4, 450k miles and still running strong in indiana, only problem i've ever had was an exhaust leak

Best truck ever built....my super crew is beautiful I still get comments on how gd looking it is. 4.6 runs and runs.300k runs great

Just bought an 01 super crew lariat in two tone green for 3400 bucks and all I had to do was change two coil-packs to make it run perfect.

...luv the 10th gen...1997-2003 F-150..never had the good fortune to possess 1.....if i could find 1 locally..with good condition 🤞

Got my dads 2003 4x4. Has 257k and runs like a dream.

I still have mine 2003 supercrew still hauling my travel trailer almost 20!years old paid off 10 years ago ! No car payments allowed me to buy 3 homes two being rentals, is this truck worth it ? Yes !

Great video!!

The 9th generation Ford F-series is my favorite out of all the generations of pickups Ford ever produced.