### The New Face of Ford F-150 In a bold move, Ford has transformed its F-150 pickup truck into a machine that drives like a tall car. The 1997 model year brings a completely redesigned and reengineered Ford F-150 that represents the American pickup's state of the art. ### A Cabin Redesigned for Comfort The new F-150 boasts a more spacious cockpit, accommodating a variety of human shapes better than any truck did before. The Ram is a landmark design, but Ford has taken it a step further, curving the gap behind the cab and reducing claustrophobia. The interior appointments and textures are Taurus-like, with a tilt steering column and twin cupholders that slide out of the dash. ### A Smooth Ride and Quick Handling The F-150 responds to the controls like a double-decker sports car, with a body free of creaks and groans. The steering is quick, there's little ...
### The New Face of Ford F-150
In a bold move, Ford has transformed its F-150 pickup truck into a machine that drives like a tall car. The 1997 model year brings a completely redesigned and reengineered Ford F-150 that represents the American pickup’s state of the art.
### A Cabin Redesigned for Comfort
The new F-150 boasts a more spacious cockpit, accommodating a variety of human shapes better than any truck did before. The Ram is a landmark design, but Ford has taken it a step further, curving the gap behind the cab and reducing claustrophobia. The interior appointments and textures are Taurus-like, with a tilt steering column and twin cupholders that slide out of the dash.
### A Smooth Ride and Quick Handling
The F-150 responds to the controls like a double-decker sports car, with a body free of creaks and groans. The steering is quick, there’s little dead travel in the brakes, and throttle response is fine. The new upper-and-lower-control-arm front suspension is very effective, making the truck feel remarkably agile and athletic.
### A Range of Engine Options
The F-150 offers a range of engine options, including the standard 4.2-liter V-6, an optional 4.6-liter V-8, and a 5.4-liter V-8 available late in 1996. The 4.6-liter V-8 hustles to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and makes an altogether untruck-like snarl in the process.
### A Truck that’s Also a Car
The F-150’s size belies its agility, with a wheelbase of 138.5 inches and a length of 220.8 inches. It’s a truck that knows where straight ahead is yet can be bent into turns with enjoyable precision. However, its price seems prohibitive, with the big 4.6-liter V-8 and a lot of electrics verging on $21,000.
### A Verdict
The 1997 Ford F-150 is a great pickup that’s also a car, with a smooth ride, quick handling, and a range of engine options. While its price may be a barrier, it’s a truck that’s worth considering for those who want a vehicle that can handle both heavy-duty tasks and everyday driving.
### Specs Panel
**Specifications**
* Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 3-passenger, 2-door pickup
* Price: Base/As Tested: $18,755/$20,363
* Options: electronic overdrive transmission, $971: 4.6-liter V-8 engine, $637
* Engine: SOHC 16-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection
* Displacement: 281 in 3, 4605 cm 3
* Power: 210 hp @ 4400 rpm
* Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed automatic
* Chassis: Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
* Brakes, F/R: 12.1-in vented disc/11.0-in drum
* Tires: Goodyear Wrangler AP P255/70SR-16
* Dimensions: Wheelbase: 138.5 in Length: 220.8 in Width: 78.4 in Height: 72.4 in
* Passenger Volume, F: 62 ft 3
* Cargo Volume: 73 ft 3
* Curb Weight: 4352 lb
* C/D Test Results
* 60 mph: 8.8 sec
* 1/4-Mile: 16.8 sec @ 81 mph
* 90 mph: 22.6 sec
* Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
* Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 sec
* Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.3 sec
* Top Speed (gov ltd): 98 mph
* Braking, 70–0 mph: 207 ft
* Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.75 g
* Interior Sound Idle: 46 dBA
* Full Throttle: 75 dBA
* 70-mph Cruising: 71 dBA
* C/D Fuel Economy: Observed: 15 mpg
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