The Tenth Gen Ford F-150 Is a Fantastic Affordable Classic: Here's Why! 

That truck is literally the Epitome of the best f-150 ever. Proven Crown Vic 4.6, manual trans, power windows/mirrors, comfy cloth seats. I’m a GM guy but would totally daily this

my OCD reached stratospheric levels when Andre took the plastic bed liner out and didn't fit it back properly

It has struts , that little metal thing In the front is not for the hood it’s for in case you get a flat you can lower your spare tire ☺️

I’ve never seen an f150 from that generation that clean, good looking truck, should last forever if it’s taken care of.

My 1999 F-150 Lariat has 436,000kms and is still going strong! Best vehicle I have ever owned.

Pro tip for the owner: as far as the spark plugs, if and when you replace them, factory torque spec is 10-13 lbs. Ford (unofficially) revamped this to 20-23 lbs to correct this. Apply a small amount of anti-seize, over torque them to 20ish, and they'll never back out!

Older V8s don’t have the power numbers but always seemed very drivable. Nice, honest truck.

That's a great truck! The rod under the hood isn't a prop rod, it's the handle for raising and lowering the jack and lowering the spare from under the truck. Also, The 4.6 is not really prone to the spark plug issue as much as the 5.4 or the v10!

Beautiful truck! By the way that rod under the hood is not a just in case prop, but part of your tire jack system 👍

I love my 2001 f-150, it’s been an amazing truck for my needs. The 5.4 isn’t a powerhouse but does get the job done! Great snow vehicle. 10th gens are underachievers

these bodystyle of Ford's have a special place in my heart, because 7-8 years ago my dad had one, and it was the BEST

If you're the owner watching this. I've been around these triton motors my whole life. You got a nice truck. No serious rust. And runs great. You can hear how healthy the motor is when you started

I daily drive a 10th gen F-150. They sure are awesome trucks

I love this truck cause it's a manual and it's a premium example of what once was I also love the stock exhaust note from that very reliable V-8 that are in most crown vics. I hope this owner is stoked about getting A golden hitch award and how unique he owns a manual truck. Very cool keep up the good work TFL.

Sold my 01 XLT 5.4 liter in January and bought a 2021. As much as I love my new f150 I'll never forget how reliable that 01 was while I had her. Never broke down the 4yrs I owned it.

That engine was and is great. My first f150 was an 02 with the 4.6. Yes, underpowered but just worked. Nice looking truck!

I got a 2002 lariat crew cab 5.4 auto, 94½k miles Wisconsin truck stored in winters, no rust. Love it to death!

My first truck was a 89 Chevy Silverado regular cab step side with the 5.7 V-8 with a 5 speed Manual.

4.6's managed to skate by without any of the spark plug issues that the bigger motors did, they are proven work horses. This is a gem of a truck, I'd trade my 12 lariat for it in a heart beat!

my grandpa owns a '99 f150 xlt automatic. 125,000 miles and no problems

I just bought a Bright Red-over-Silver '01 XLT SuperCab 4wd with the 4.6 and a manual. Got it from the son of the original owner, who obsessively serviced it only at the dealership. He wasn't too impressed with the power from the 4.6 so he chipped it, added a Gibson catback exhaust and a K&N intake. Looks killer and sounds like a Mustang GT. The owner only gave me a $100 discount off what he was asking because his phone was being blown up by people wanting to buy it, but I still couldn't hand the guy my money fast enough!!😂😂😂

I have a 4.6 V8 with 175k miles on it on my 06 mercury grand marquis amazing engine never have any issues with it take me everywhere I need to go.

I had a 2003 F150 in high school and college. Seeing that interior really took me back.

I love these 10th gen F150's. My parents used to have 2 Ford Expeditions (99 then a 01). This body style still looks great today!

I love my 2003 Ford SVT Lightning!!!⚡️⚡️⚡️ I bought it new in January 2003 at North Bay Ford in Santa Cruz, CA. It only has 35,774 miles, and its in mint condition. And it’s ALL original!!!

I loved mine, it was the 5.4 triton with leather seats and step side bed. Was a great truck before they started making all pick ups over sized family pickups”

I came really close to buying a fleet side twin to that truck. It was a rough trick so I walked away, but a 4.6 4x4 5 speed extended cab was a really cool combo.

I have a 1997 4.6v8 410,000 miles dad bought it brand new. Bought it from him at 230k original trans and engine. The absolute best trucks ever made.

Just bought my 2000 Ford f150 5.4 with 194,000 miles for $500. The dude didn’t want to change out the spark plugs, and was tired of gas prices. It’s in the shop right now getting spark plugs, new gas tank. I also had a 1999 Ford Expedition 5.4 before my truck that lasted over 15 years, had 256,000 and was still running before I sold it.

Great trucks. My brothers and I have had these 10th gens in my family for years. Currently I daily drive an 02 Supercrew XLT 2WD, 4.6, auto. My daughters daily driver is an 01 Supercrew Lariat 4x4, auto, 5.4.

I owned an ‘01 single cab and an ‘03 Supercrew. Both were great trucks. Comfortable interiors, drove well, reliable. I never really cared for the styling interior or exterior. This one is definitely a unicorn. Congratulations!

I have an '01 crew cab with an automatic trans and the two valve 5.4. 195,000 miles and it still starts right up. Worth every penny !!

Dad had a crew cab 4.6 V8 with only 180k miles that we used to go to Mexico with. Super clean, not sure why he sold it since I wanted to buy it. Now we're having a hard time finding another clean truck for this year's trip.

I still have mine 2003 super crew 5.4 triton - heck its almost 20 years old still towing my travel trailer with it … it had traveled to 38 US states and Mexico

Andre is contagious when he’s around trucks keep up the awesome videos tfl

My guess to get the brake light to stay out is to find the electrical connector on the parking brake lever under the dash and make sure it’s making proper contact

Oh yes! I loved my 2001! Glad you guys are shouting out the 10th gen

Great Truck. I have had a 2006 F150 with the 4.6 V8 for about 8 years. Haven't had buch trouble out of it. Front wheel bearings, shocks and struts, and a battery. Very dependable.

I have the same problem with my brake light too on my 09. I figured out all I have to do is to keep holding the break leaver at the same time and press the pedal up it will go up a little more and the light goes out. You could see if that works with yours I hope this helps at all...

I Have A 99 F150 That’s A 4x4 Lariat 5.4 Triton! Also It Has The Same Bug Deflector As The One In The Video! Our Old 99 Used To Be A Farm Truck It Got Parked For 6 Years (Due To Mechanics Not Knowing What There Doing) Telling My Grandpa It’s Motor Might Be Ruined Since It’s Got A Blown Plug It Got Fixed, And It’s Running Great!

Amazing truck! Andrea and the TFL family doing great things.

Lol my man Andre popped this man truck bed liner out, and then was like what ever when he couldn’t get it back in lol.

Nice one! Enjoy shifting those gears man! I own a 2003 XLT F150 going strong after 451000km, here in Canada rust is an issue but still can tow an go in and out the woods. Really impressed with those Ford trucks!

The 10th Gen F-150 (97-03) was by far my favorite. Although when it first came out the styling was criticized as being too soft. These trucks were incredibly tough and durable. I had a 97 ext 2wd with a 5.4, my dad had the same setup with a 98 Ram & a 5.9, we both loaded 15 100 lb bags of quick crete in both trucks. Mine was level and his was sagging and overloaded. I also briefly had a 99 reg cab shortbed 2wd with a 4.6 & a manual. That was a fun truck to drive, quite peppy and would regularly get 22 mpgs when driving on the highway

I had this exact same truck - but blue and an automatic - from 16 to 21. This video has me SO nostalgic. I definitely miss the simplicity of that truck.

That’s funny I have a 99 Dakota 4x4 club cab, manual trans and 5.2 v8, my brake light is also always on.

There should be an electric switch under the emergency brake pedal. When you press the emergency brake, it will close the circuit, and releasing the brake will open the circuit. Check that switch it maybe loose or going out. Nice truck. Love to see older vehicles stock and in great shape.

The round nose Fords were built to last, I had 2 F150s and 3 Expeditions. Great trucks. The most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned was my 2000 F150 Lariat 5.4 Triton. It never broke down on me, owned it several years then sold it at 226k miles with the original engine and trans (never rebuilt) still driving great. I should’ve kept that truck. The 2 valve Triton V8s were excellent engines.

I feel that on the manuals, got my 08 Ram/6 speed/4x4 in October last year and Im loving it

The fact that this is considered a classic now is hard to comprehend

There are very very few of these trucks still running around my area. Usually they're completely rotted out, so this is nice to see. I tend to see a lot more GM and Dodge from those years still going, but again, all rotted out.

I had that exact truck but an Auto with the 5.4 Triton 2V. Loved that truck and was built FORD Tough because I drove through a Tornado and Hail storm on I-80 in Wyoming. Golf ball size hail and the sunroof didn't break and only had 6 or 7 dings after everything said. The trailer I was hauling had to be reskinned.

I have a 2003 F-150 Heritage Edition with the 5.4 V8. It is the Black and Mocha two tone. I have put 155,000 miles on it and it’s in great shape for its age. I have also added a Ranch Hand grill guard about two years ago.

I had an oxford white 2001 F150 XLT extended cab with the 4.6 L. It had beautiful cloth seats; it looked like basket weave. When I purchased it new, I drove to a nearby tire dealer and put on some slightly wider tires than was put on by the factory. The only drawback to me was it was a little underpowered as it would downshift a lot going up medium grades. However, I really miss having it. It was really beautiful and was very reliable. I now have a 2010 Lariat that I bought in December 2009. Its metallic black with the 5.4 L. Recently, I put the Flowmaster VX muffler on it, and it really rumbles well. Ford makes a darned dependable truck.

I have a 2001 super crew. With maintenance it's still running like a charm

I love this generation so much.

I got lucky. In 2000, I was looking for a small Toyota truck, you know '91-ish, when I saw a 1998 F-150 base Super cab, with the 4.2 V-6, a retired guy in Florida just posted the ad. It had 115,000 miles on it, unheard of in Florida (it seems like everything there is over 200,000) It has the 5-speed, roll-down windows, ice cold ac, no rust, cracked dash (I got a spotless one at a pick and pull in Daytona Beach, 32 bucks) drove it to Rhode Island, fixed massive vacuum leaks, tuned it, replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends, full exhaust replacement on the passenger side,put a performance muffler on, new tires, and the thing runs great. Absolutely the best truck I've ever owned. Paid 2,200 dollars for it, and I plan to drive it back down to Florida for good in February of 2025!

I remember seeing this posted and was hoping it would eventually be featured! This is my dream truck also.

Man that's one beautiful truck, I had a 2002 but unfortunately it was a automatic, I now have a 2008 F150 with the 4.2 V6 manual, luckily mine is after all the head gasket problems, wish it had the 4.6 but at least it a manual.

I'm actually in the market for one of these trucks. Looking for a 10th gen super crew 4x4 because I heard they are one of last best rock reliable rigs they made.

Great truck, just needs a bit of TLC. The brake light could be simply low on brake fluid. But I would make sure nothing is actually wrong with the brakes.

That is a beautiful truck, my favourite generation of f150 and this particular one my favourite bodystyle... though I prefer the sport red model that's a bit like a budget svt lightning....the towing capacity of the manual trans was around 2000lbs

Best looking Fords. Gen -10..1997-2003..🤘

I'm actually going to check one out this weekend and remembered this video so I decided to take a look at it again

I have a 2008 f150 4.6 extended cab stylized with 70 thousand miles with cold air intake and performance muffler, bilstein shocks all around, keeping it for life; if I only had a manual transmission it would be a dream

Just bought a 2001 as my first truck, I love it

I’m currently rebuilding my Gen 10 4.6L, changed the pistons, built the 4R70w, rearend is getting a locker, 30 gallon fuel tank, onboard air compressor, it’s got all the fog lights, lifts kit, 6 lug.

Just recently got a 2000 f150 with 226,000 miles on it, it drives nice, no issues so far. It’s the short bed, standard cab. Got it for $1500.

Everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Great truck. I think the brake light is a simple I/O switch under the dash connected to the pedal. Brake off - connects. Brake on - disconnects. Could/should be an adjustment. BUT since it’s so cheap, get yourself a replacement brake light switch. Standard Motor Products part# SLS82. If you’re going to be under there, spend

I bought a new 2000 F150SupercabXLT5.4 4x4 and drove it 105k miles. The only issues were the right rear axle seal started leaking and the traction lock started chattering on turns. Installing a new seal that cost about $8 and changing the fluid fixed both. Sold it to a friend and he drove it to 170k before he sold it. Then in 2009 I bought my current 2002F150SupercabLariatFX45.4 with 69k miles and it now has 171k miles on it. Most reliable vehicles I've ever owned.

That paint fault on the roof seems to have been a Ford issue back then, either that or by coincidence my Buddy's F-150 or that era, had the very same issue with paint too. He did get some sort of 'deal' on repair from the dealer at the time. ( His truck was out of the standard warranty when the paint went funny ) Manny got a great truck here, with a few tweaks here and there he can have a truck for life. Complete underbody pressure wash, then a good undercoating would be tops on my list. Lucky guy, on both counts.

Still love my 2002 XLT Supercrew. 5.4, 4x2. Bought new in Sept 2002. Great Interstate cruiser still.

I had the 4.2 V6 automatic which was very economical and drove like a car. I'd love another one. I really rate the 10th Gen above all others. Feels modern and comfortable to drive but isn't too big like the later models.

I have a 2000 150 supper crew just like it. good truck. The sparkplug holes are an easy fix.

this was my first vehicle, a 2003 xlt extended cab flare side. my mom gave me it at 70k miles and I put almost 200k on it before a dealership stripped oil pan and said I needed a new one. when they worked on replacing oil pan the new mechanic dropped the motor and cracked it causing a terrible engine tick. they replaced the motor free of charge but it wasn't a rebuilt motor it was one from a abandoned truck on their lot and just wasn't the same

Just got a 97 xlt with the 4.6 and its awesome ! Hoping to put 100,000 miles on it

Nothing to worry about reliability wise with this motor. Spark plugs were only an issue on the 5.4 and the V10. I put one of these 4.6 motors in mine when my 5.4’s block cracked

I have a 1998 F150 supercab 4x4 with the 4.6L (base model work truck - bench seat, vinyl floor) that I was very fortunate to be gifted (new) by my grandfather as a graduation gift. It has been my daily driver for 23+ years and given me almost zero trouble. Ball joints and brakes/suspension is all I"ve really had to do to it until the fuel pump died last winter. (which I pulled the bed and changed myself). Ive changed my plugs 4x and never had one spit out but I've been careful (and paranoid). About 14 years ago I stripped the interior cab down to the bare sheet metal and put in factory XLT level power windows/locks/remote keylless anti theft/power mirrors from a wrecked F150 at the local salvage yard. Did the heater core (while I was in there with the dash out) and had to replace the aftermarket heater core 2 years ago. I have since been passed my late grandfathers 04 Sierra which is fully optioned with the 5.3. I really love both trucks and can't part with either right now and considering their condition (and paid for) won't consider a new truck for quite some time. The Sierra has more cab space for my kid's car seats, is newer with more options. Its the "goin ta town rig" with the family and the F150 is still my all around beater and drive to work vehicle. I'm an airline pilot so it just sits in an outside airport lot all week. I do all my own maintenance and repair and enjoy both trucks. The 97-03 didn't win as many hearts over with the interior and exterior design and styling but I still turn around and look at it every time I walk away and mechanically if they aren't rusted will easily run 300K+ with basic maintenance. You have an excellent truck, looks great and love the manual transmission and transfer case!

Put your foot behind the park brake pedal and lift up before releasing the brake lever. If the park brake pedal is down just a hair, it can keep the brake light on.

I got a 99 XLT 4.6. Love that truck ❤

I have a very similar truck..same model/color, super crew auto with the 5.4. Owned since new...i know the rear fenders are composite, i believe the actual bed is as well...

Awesome truck man! Best looking F150 in the modern era IMO. I hd a 98 flareside super cab and it was great, but automatic. I’ve been on the hunt for a 2001-04 f150 fireside with a manual for years. I can’t believe I missed this one because I live in Denver as well!! But I am happy another fella who appreciates them wound up with it. If you ever do decide to sell it… don’t forget this post lol! Kudos man.

This is definitely one of the best ford trucks ever. There cheap, easy to work on, and VERY reliable. Fun Fact: This generation of the F series was the best selling generation in terms of units sold and in 2nd place right after the 13th gen f 150 in terms of average units sold. even then I find that misleading as the population is higher now and more people are buying trucks and SUV's, and besides some of the engines on those 13th gens are crap in reliability.

I remember getting my first look at the then new 10th generation at my local dealer, and thinking how ugly it was. I wound up with a 164,000 miles 2wd 4.6 '97 F150 in '99. Though a bit underpowered, it was the best truck I've ever owned. I sold it with 330,000 miles about 10 years later when it started to rust. I do like they way they look today.

V8+manual transmission in a half ton truck is very rare. For example, Toyota never offered a manual with the 4.7 in the tundra. If you wanted a manual you had to get the 3.4 V6, and it was discontinued around 2003.

I bought a 99 F150 XLT from a private owner. It's an automatic, which I prefer. I feel like I got lucky because it met my needs. I wasn't looking for luxury or fancy just a truck to do what I want. The bonus was the 5.4L. I had one of the spark plugs pop out, which stripped the threads on the block. The shop that fixed it did a great job. If I ever get body repair work on it I have plans to replace a bunch of parts. Some parts will have to be replaced because you can't buff out rust holes.

I just got a white 02 F150 Supercrew. Bought it off my dad he's planning on buying a 2016 F150. But I'm putting on a set of 22x12s on 33x12.5s a paint matched rear roll/light bar paint matched the front bottom lip/bumper guard. Guna be lovely when done

Came here because im looking at a truck exactly the same as this. Needed a good review to watch first

I LOVE THAT LIL PICKUP TRUCK. ESPECIALLY BEING A MANUAL WHAT IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR

I have a 2001 f150 Supercrew 4x4 XLT with the 5.4l. I love it.

This is a sweet ride Bruh..I have a 2000 XLT 5.4 standard cab step side 231k+ ..Have never seen a manual 4.6 ..Ford for life👊👊

I have a 1995 f150 with 5.0 (302) with 334,000 miles original motor,Trans and rear end still going strong 👍

I own a 2001 and its been an excellent truck.

Nice truck! These had hood struts starting in 97. I've had 3 97's. And still own one. It's way rustier than this one though. Those aluminum hoods are actually pretty heavy.

I got ahold of one of these trucks for eight hundred dollars with a little damage but nothing to severe! I drove it for seven years and sold it for 1800:00 hundred dollars. It was a very good truck and I hauled a crap load of wood and way over the maximum amount your supposed to haul without any issues. I kept it maintenanced very well and learned alot about these 2 valve 5.4 Triton engines and drivetrain as well! First thing is that the 1999 model was about the last engines to have the P2 aluminum intake manifold on them as i now own a 2000 F-150 4x4 with a 4.6 Liter engine and it has a composite plastic manifold on it which is prone to have a vacuum leak at the ends. You will want to check out rear differential and make sure that jiffy lube didn't put the wrong oil in it or it will make a bunch of clunking noise. It takes 75-140 limited slip oil and transfer case takes FoMoCo automatic transmission fluid with mercon addive,The plastic piece on the shift linkage needs to be lined up with the line on transmission or the shift indicator won't line up with the gear you selected and create shifting issues! If you have an automatic transmission with tow/haul package you need to turn the over drive off and drive it in tow mode around town driving up to 45 to 50 miles an hour before using over drive or you will beat overdrive to death! And I ran supreme fuel especially in the summer and it makes a big difference in fuel mileage and low end torque. Keep coolant fresh every two years or it will spring a leak! Good strong battery so everything has sufficient power to run. And if it has more than two hundred thousand miles on it you will need to put new timing component's in it and it will probably last another two hundred thousand miles! And about once a month you will want to clear the computer and let it reset everything and it will run like new! 😉

I loved my 2003 F150 5.4L, I kind of wish I hadn't sold it to get a Tacoma. The spark plug issue was the only problem I ever had in ~180K miles, you really need to let the plugs seat well after a change before you push the engine again. Probably the other "issue" is the IFS is $$$ to replace compared to later generations because it wasn't modular. I was still getting 15-17mpg in the Rockies which is what I got in the 3rd gen Taco too.

Still rocking my 03 super crew, 265k miles and very reliable

One of the most reliable trucks of all time, the F-150 generation after this was a significant downgrade.

Nice still own my 1997 4x4 supercab. Bought out of show room 😊

I love my 2000 F-150! Of all my vehicles including much newer ones it's the most reliable truck I've had