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1978 Ford F-150

1978 Ford F-150 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Original MSRP

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4.2

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The 1978 Ford F-150 was the first to be offered in the luxurious Lariat trimline, as well as the Custom, Sport, Ranger, and Ranger XLT trims. Some 78 F150s came off the line with a beefy 169-horsepower Cleveland V-8 engine; output that big came at a heavy price for fuel economy, though, so the 1978 Ford F150 pickup also shipped with a 385 V8, a 460 V8 and a straight-6.

Ford's F-series topped the market for the first time in 1978, winning its place as the best-selling vehicle line in America, a position it was to hold for years. The popular trucks drew their following from off-road enthusiasts as well as buyers looking for a sturdy workhorse for farm or ranch. Tuners were drawn to the truck's muscle, and to the variety of configurations of bed, tonneau, and cab (including a supercab extended crewcab option for styleside models, as well as 2-door and 4-door setups).

Reliability is the hallmark of the rugged 78 F-150, and you'll find a surprising number of these vintage models working hard (and playing hard) today.

Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team

While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1978 Ford F-150

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User rating:

5 Stars(17)

4 Stars(8)

3 Stars(6)

2 Stars(6)

1 Star(1)

by Jami J

Aug 13, 2013

The body style, the year, it's a classic, engine upgrade, dual exhaust , the price (1500.00). Just got today so not sure yet what all i like and dislike. Not a big ford fan but i'll learn to love it...lolAug 13, 2013

by Anonymous

Jun 18, 2013

I dated my high school sweet heart in this truck in the mid 80's. I married my high school sweet heart 2 years ago today. Tonight I'm taking her out in this truck for the first time in 26 years. The truck sat at my dads for 25 years. everything had to be redone. rust holes you could stick your head through to a 351 m with a terrible attitude. it is finished now with the exception of a windshield that is back ordered and a couple of minor details. I usually build chevy's and don't normally build one that is so far gone but, considering the history it was well worth it. I've built tons of cars and trucks over the years and I've sold every one. This one will stay with me!Jun 18, 2013

by Tristian M

Jun 04, 2013

i love this truck with the 400 its got plenty of power and it such a classic with the red and white paint job. i got it for free and i only have $240 in it. it so fun to driveJun 04, 2013

User rating:

5 Stars(17)

4 Stars(8)

3 Stars(6)

2 Stars(6)

1 Star(1)

by Jami J

Aug 13, 2013

by Anonymous

Jun 18, 2013

by Tristian M

Jun 04, 2013

i love this truck with the 400 its got plenty of power and it such a classic with the red and white paint job. i got it for free and i only have $240 in it. it so fun to driveJun 04, 2013

by Jonathan H

Apr 14, 2013

Great truck low cost of ownership, deccent gas mileage (18 -20mpg), low cost maintence, easily driveable on highway or back roads, great daily driver with deccent inteior, comfortable but lots of road noise, had no issues with out of state road trips thru the mountainsApr 14, 2013

by John I

Jan 17, 2013

great truck overall. on the highway the truck is confused and lost. however offroad the truck is at home with nearly 20 inches of ground clearence, a semi-divorced atlas transfer case, low geared diffs and 4 spd manuel transmision, and 400 v8 produceing 300+ lb/ft of torque it is in a class of its ownJan 17, 2013

by Anonymous

Dec 20, 2012

Truck handles like an army tank but thats to be expected for something of its age. The brakes are ok...As far as safety goes you feel $*@&$^! invincible behind the wheel of this lead sled. With 33's and a 4'' lift of course its a fun vehicle to drive .Dec 20, 2012

by Anonymous

Aug 03, 2012

Great Fun old truck to drive! Always get waves from classic to muscle car enthusiasts! This perticular truck just had a408W stroker put in with over 425 hp! Took me 7 years to get me to get it where it is! much more to go! Interior is next! :) Fun project truck and fun to drive!Aug 03, 2012

by Anonymous

Jan 02, 2012

I received this pickup when I was 16 years from my grandfather in 1994 after he had a stroke and could no longer drive. It only had 24,000 miles on it at the time. It now has just under 93,000. It has been a great truck and has seen many adventures, including beating my buddies in their 4x4's off-roading (my truck is a 2-wheel drive by the way!), many road trips, college, etc. I plan on passing this truck on to my son (or daughter) someday.Jan 02, 2012

by Zachary A

Dec 29, 2011

Old beater truck, lots of power, fast, and handles good for a 4x4. Still in one piece after all the years of abuse. body style looks good but mine looks ugly lol. it gets about 12 mpg and is a pretty awesome truck. My Girlfriend hates it with a passion but I still love it. Its loud obnoxious and fun. it has a 351 Modified engine with a 4 speed granny low transmission, so it will go anywhere, fast. Dec 29, 2011

by Anonymous

Dec 13, 2011

I bought this truck for $650 put my grandpas tow yard to work and have maybe about $3,000 under the hood easy. then I started putting my time into it. I call her Black Betty. I will care for this truck till I have kids then I will past it down the line.Dec 13, 2011

by Brad R

Nov 01, 2011

i love this truck its just one of those vehicles you stumble upon i paid $150 and ive drove it for 3 years and has yet to let me down. this truck is just one of a kind i couldnt find another like it and have no reason to ever want to sell itNov 01, 2011

by Anonymous

Jun 28, 2011

i dont like it ,and i dislike that it dont run , it have some rust and some dents in it ,it been sitting in tthe yard 5 years or more , it need repairs , the engine dont fire on it.ok thats it Jun 28, 2011

by Anonymous

Sep 01, 2010

o i like it all! been restored except the ext paint. lots of new parts if interested ill tell u the good stuff! only need to sell because of college. ive put alot of time an money into this thing but its time for something else.purs like a kitten haSep 01, 2010

by Dean R

Jul 24, 2010

this is a mean 78 with a bilt 351 v8 & a 4 speed. it is a 4x4 monster. plans for purchase was to restore a big foot clone. so far though it has been nothing but a toy that seen alot of mud.Jul 24, 2010

by Anonymous

May 25, 2010

Never fails me! Sounds better than anything on the road! The front grill on the 78 and 79 is also a huge step up in looks. I have a 351 C6. Lariet trim its nice. posi trac rear end makes great for peeling out.May 25, 2010

by Anonymous

Feb 02, 2010

I have a 1978 F150 Ranger Supercab with an 8 ft box. It is in mint shape and I am in the process of restoring it to its original maginificence. The original paint is Orange with a dual tone brown on the sides. The Aluminum trim everywhere, outside and inside is in excellent condition. The extruded rubber on thr trim is perfect. This truck rocks. Long lean and mean and it will last another 30 years.Feb 02, 2010

by Mike B

Oct 14, 2009

Everything was made better with the removal of the 351m, and the swap to the big block! 429, then 460! The 4 speed standard was switched out to a c6 automatic. The rear end has new gears. 3.89 to 1 ratio. The interior is very comfy! The exterior catches the eye. The way it sounds idling, Priceless! It isn't too hard on the pocket book to maintain, and on fuel. Fun Factor A+++++!Oct 14, 2009

by Tyson A

Oct 10, 2009

* Performance - acceleration, braking, handling * Build Quality - good quality cant break them, well.... * Appearance - both interior and exterior styling * Cost of Ownership - bad gas mileage,easy maintenance * Fun Factor - awesome 4x4 truck mud throwin machine, not very good on gas though Oct 10, 2009

by Scott S

Sep 30, 2009

by far the best model of ford pickup ever built. The performance was not the best but you can always change that. best looking bodystyle ever built.This thing is a kick in the ass to drive because of all the looks you get.Sep 30, 2009

by Jerry R

Sep 15, 2009

Performance--decent acceleration, brakes and handles like a tank. Build--Built solid...like a tank Appearance--It's on old truck wat more do u want. Cost--up to $60 dollars a week on fuel. 4x4=$$$ Fun Factor--Yea its fun, cause you got to shift gears(4 speed)Sep 15, 2009

by Nicholas M

Jul 08, 2009

What's to be said for classic Detroit iron? Pure 1970's styling at it's peak. With a stout frame, twin I-beam front suspension, a big C-6 automatic transmission and 400 cubic inches of gas-guzzling power it makes you wonder why you bought that sissy V-6 family sedan with the dual airbags, traction control and ABS! Jul 08, 2009

by Brandon F

Jan 15, 2009

I dont exactly like that i have a taxi, but i could live with it. I think that id rather have the semi. I fi could i would like to have a classic car or truck of some typr. thaat would br cool.Jan 15, 2009

by Robbie L

Oct 02, 2008

I love the fact that it has a straight six with a four speed. its so fun to drive. its in the process of getting headers, intake, carb, lift, and of course bigger tires. it would be nice to have a little more power, but she holds her own. the exhaust is unique, two and a half inch tubing goin into a five foot long chunk of 2x6 square tubing followed by dual 4" chrome stacks and it sounds like a v8. Oct 02, 2008

by Matthew H

Sep 16, 2008

they know whats under the hood. It is a 460 been stroked and bored to a 494. Sucken gas and haulen ass!!!!!!!My truck is brown and tan the interior has been redone. i have two kicker cvr 12's in it to. I am very happy with my truck in the long run.Sep 16, 2008

by Travis A

Jul 27, 2008

I love the fact that my truck has a 400 big block and that I only paid 400 cash for it. It could use some paint but the primer gives it character. The truck is solid and has tons of balls. I can hook to a duramax and pull it around. it gets about 11 mpg around town prolly 12 on the highway. It is the Ranger edition with the wood trim inside and chrome trim outside. Jul 27, 2008

by Adam S

Jun 29, 2008

My truck kicks ass old school style! Done alot of work on it myself. Nothing keeps it done for long. V-8 two wheel drive. It'll pass everything on the highway but the gas station! Course 17 mpg isn't too shabby all things considered.Jun 29, 2008

by Anonymous

May 06, 2008

Excellent build quality, next to last of the real Ford 4x4s, great ride ,good power.May 06, 2008

by Daryl S

Feb 22, 2008

This 78 F150 used to belong to Sarah's grandfather until it suffered some mechanical problems. It sat out back for a few years until I asked about it. After towing it home and getting some time to work on it, I bought the 351M back to life. A new set of tires, plugs & wires and belts & hoses made it fun to drive. The 351 eventually got tired and over spring break of 1999 I refreshed the 400 I pulled from the LTD and installed that, a set of headers, and a few other goodies. It was a fun old truck and it had sentimental value to Sarah since it was her Grandpa's. But the truck was costing me an arm & a leg to drive. On one 350 mile trip home from college I spent $140 in gas...one way. Without a place to store it, I made the stupid decision to sell it to a local kid who later broke the transmission and sold it to a landscaper. I lost track of it after that. If it came up again I would buy it without question. Feb 22, 2008

by Casey G

Feb 08, 2008

Off Road Only, Bad ass toy.... 400 modified, 4 spd, locker in front, spool in rear. 7 inches of lift, 35x15.50 Super Swamper Boggers Feb 08, 2008

by Micheal T

Jan 18, 2008

its a mudderJan 18, 2008

by Anonymous

Jan 10, 2008

...I bought it back. Bought it originally about 6 years ago,sold it a year and a half later, bought it back 4.5 years again. 78, 400, 4spd, 4x4, red custom cab. This time I'm going to finish the restoration. Jan 10, 2008

by Jeffrey I

Jan 02, 2008

351W and put alot of miles on it. Traded it for the 71 DemonJan 02, 2008

by Robert Y

Jan 02, 2008

I've had the truck for about 13 years now, and plan to keep it forever....Lord, Mr. Ford, you know how to build em.Jan 02, 2008

by Anonymous

Dec 08, 2007

Never really drove one. I am a Chevy guy but have driven several ford trucks. Have driven the 1980 Bronco. Not a bad vehicle at all. If I was offered one at a decent price I wouldn't turn it down.Dec 08, 2007

by Anonymous

Dec 01, 2007

good truck that go's muddin goodDec 01, 2007

by Anonymous

Nov 03, 2007

I really like this truck. It is set up nice for the woods, but rides down the road nice.Nov 03, 2007

by Anonymous

Jul 01, 2007

I would love me 1978 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4, if I could find decent aftermarket for a custom restore on this year and a 4bbl carb that will pass the Calif Smog Nazi's...Heck if I could I would love to a brand new engine 2007, engine with EFI if I could get it tp pass.Jul 01, 2007

by Anonymous

Mar 06, 2007

I own two 1978 F-150's,one I drive every day,and a slow process of customizing.I bought the truck as the second owner.My F-150 has 130,000 original miles.The engine has had an rv cam and medium rise intake and holley 600cfm carb.Also added to the interior a pair of early 70's lincoln mercury high back split bench seats.This to me is the best truck that came off of the ford assembly line.The sleek but mean look of the body, to the roominess of the interior,and the never ending torque of the power plant and drive train.This truck is the workhorse and fun truck of american and foriegn made trucks.The space available in the bed,you could almost haul a house.The suspension,as always is ford tough,out of all the f and e series fords I've owned,not one of them ever needed alignment.1978 F-150 is BOSS!Mar 06, 2007

What users have asked

Ian S asked a Maintenance & Repair question 10 years ago

truck will go in park neutral reverse but not drive.

I have an old ford f 150 automatic with a c6 transmission. Bought the truck and it ran great then the drive went out. It can go in park, neutral, and reverse but not drive any more. Truck has full power in reverse but none in drive. The other day I changed the fluid, filter and gaskets on the trans and it would go in drive but not all the way, if I barley pushed on the gas the truck would move forward but if I pushed any harder the rpms would just go up. I drove a block and the drive went out all together again. Reverse still works full power. The old fluid was pretty burnt.

1058 views

Jeremy J asked a Shopping & Pricing question 5 years ago

1978 f150 won't start

I have a '78 f250 400cid engine. I have replaced; starter, starter relay, voltage regulator, distributor cap, rotor, and ignition control module. I can watch fuel pump into the carb. Battery is good, and it's fully charged. I have spark coming from my coil. As I have only 2 hands and no helper I haven't had a chance to (double) check for spark at my plugs. My next effort is to try replacement of my vacuum advance. I don't have a timing light so I haven't been able to check my timing. I'm thinking that's not the problem as it was running before and then just won't start. Absolutely any ideas would be great.

40 views

Bradley asked a Maintenance & Repair question 18 years ago

How do I replace the heater core w/no a/c

I have a stock 1978 Ford F150 p/u. I looked under the hood and the firewall and I see where the two hoses are clamped onto the firewall. I went into the truck and there's a hard plastic type of cover running from the far right side of the truck to about the middle of the interior, under the bottom under the dash. Its visible from the passenger seat. I think this houses maybe the heater core, I'm not sure. I tried to remove the glove box w/o success. I moved the carboard interior of the glove box aside a little but this didn't help. Pls. help me to figure out how to get the old one out and new one in. Cold and wet in Seattle and I'm afraid to use my heater as it drips on the passenger floor board. Pls. Help! Thank You, Brad

4049 views

Michael A asked a Car Customization question 5 years ago

Paint and new custom interior

Paint first or interior first? May be at separate shops...

13 views

Anonymous asked a General question 5 years ago

1978 F150 Ford custom pickup

Can you tell me how much my truck will be valued at. It has 50,000 original miles

19 views

See more Ford F-150 questions

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