The 2001 Ford F-150 lost its perch atop the US market for the first time in several years. Were newer Ford models, like the Super-Duty 250 and 350 series, fragmenting its core market segment? Or was the SUV juggernaut too powerful for this popular pickup to resist?
In any case, the 2001 Ford F150 still sold hundreds of thousands of trucks to satisfied buyers. As always, the 2001 F150 offered a wide selection of models and options: trims available were XL, XLT, and Lariat; cab configurations included standard 2-door and 4-door models, as well as the extended-cab supercab, in stepside and styleside; long-bed and short-bed versions were available; and 4WD choices appealed to the off-road set.
The 2001 F-150 also won hearts with its choice of powerhouse fuel-injected overhead-cam engines, a 4.2 liter Essex V6 and a Triton V8 in 4.6 liter and 5.4 liter; the 2001 Ford SVT Lightning sport pickup, based on the F-150, came with a supercharged 5.4 liter Triton V8 clocked up to an impressive 380 horsepower.
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.
Need a bigger oil pan. Other than that Great truck.Mar 02, 2023
by Adan M
Jun 14, 2022
Great truck over all. Gets you from point A to point B with no problems. I drive it like there was no tomorrow and she still hasn’t given up on me.Jun 14, 2022
by Anonymous
Oct 12, 2021
Very strong drive train, great style, comfortable interior. Only thing that keeps it from a 5 star is rocker panels have a tendency to rust and right exhaust manifold rusts through as they get age.Oct 12, 2021
User rating:
by John D
Mar 02, 2023
Need a bigger oil pan. Other than that Great truck.Mar 02, 2023
by Adan M
Jun 14, 2022
Great truck over all. Gets you from point A to point B with no problems. I drive it like there was no tomorrow and she still hasn’t given up on me.Jun 14, 2022
by Anonymous
Oct 12, 2021
Very strong drive train, great style, comfortable interior. Only thing that keeps it from a 5 star is rocker panels have a tendency to rust and right exhaust manifold rusts through as they get age.Oct 12, 2021
by George R
Sep 22, 2020
Ive worked a Ford dealership for 20 years and I know the pros and cons of these trucks. This truck has the looks and metal that I demand. I was looking for a truck under $10,000 and this one feel in my lap. I live in the northeast and dependably and reliably is a must. This truck delivers that . My needs were mostly basic. 4x4, AC, extended cab, 8 or 6 cylinder engine, A/T. I got all that and more. For the price($5995) I got the Lariat crew cab model which has leather seats, sunroof , exterior trim package. All in all more than I was looking for. I cant compare it with any other manufacturer of the same F150 Lariat model. I think this 2001 truck was at the top of the class.Sep 22, 2020
by John W
Mar 24, 2015
Enough room to seat five people comfortably. Like the front bucket seats. Tune-ups can be pricey as will replacing spark plugs. I like the tonneau cover and towing package that came with the vehicle and the bed cover that saves the back of the vehicle from scratches. The bed extender has come in handy a number of times while transporting items.Mar 24, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 23, 2015
Overall, I'd highly recommend the Gen 2 Ford SVT Lightning. The power to weight ratio is incomparable even in today's current offering. the 2001 - 2004 models clock in at 380 HP and 450 Lb. Ft. of torque. There's nothing out there like them.....Mar 23, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 18, 2015
I have a 2 wheel drive 2001 F-150 4.2L 6-cyl extended cab with a 5 speed manual transmission. I bought it in 2006 with about 70,000 miles on it, and I recently sold it in Fall 2014. I hated to let it go, but with manual transmission the towing capacity is only about 3,300 lbs. This was right at the limit of the trailer I wanted to tow, so I ending up getting a 2010 F250. I do my own maintenance as I'm an engineer and somewhat mechanically inclined. The 2001 F150 is exceptionally easy to work on by ANYONE. Just buy the service manual at any auto parts store and you can do anything on your vehicle The things that I had to replace are the rotors, fuel pump, O2 sensor, and basic maintenance. The only other repair I had to due was an intake manifold gasket. This was a pain to get to all of the bolts and all because Ford chose the wrong bolts for the design. I love how smooth the truck rides both on and off road. I love the Extended Cab option most of all and can't imagine owning a truck that is not an Extended Cab or Crewcab now. After nearly 14 years, the paint finish is still bright and shiny. One annoying thing was the passenger side power window failed to operate properly and gets stuck in the closed position.Jan 18, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 22, 2014
we love our ford f-150 4x4 4 door we use it on the farm and as a car its so nice, with the 5.4 eng in it and the auto tranny she gets great gas mileage. the kids can get in and out of the back seat easy and the dogs can to. the 4x4 works great in the mudd or the snow we have had no trouble and she has 187000 mile on it now. good job ford.Oct 22, 2014
by Anonymous
Oct 17, 2013
This truck is solid and very dependable. I have not have any problems w/ the truck and I have ~148K miles on it. It has a fairly new bed liner. The dealer service is great and the maintenance costs are very reasonable. This truck has very good build quality and has very good performance. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone.Oct 17, 2013
by Danny S
Jun 16, 2013
I really loved this truck, and even though it was a V8 it was actually not that bad on gas. it was powerful and it had great acceleration I really have nothing bad to say about this truck, if gas prices go down again by some miracle, I will buy another one.Jun 16, 2013
by Samuel S
May 05, 2013
I loved the car in general it worked for cities and country because it wasn't a huge truck but it was big enough and strong enough to kick up the speed or haul a lot of stuff in the bed
seats keep your back extremely straight due to very limited reclining from no space but it was ok gas mileage sucked for a 1500 version pick up was great in sense of blind spots and maneuverability repairs weren't bad till I went mudding acceleration was fast braking was ok normal for a truck and I felt safe cause I was bigger and higher then everyone else.May 05, 2013
by Brian S
Mar 23, 2013
I have 10 F150 XL V6 models from years 1998-2004 with mileage ranging from 100k - 275k. I have gotten to know the trucks very well. They are reliable and well built. The problems that have been common to them all is the ball joints, sway bar bushing, intake manifold gaskets leaking(keeps engine light on) and the odometer read out randomly goes on and off. Other than that the regular maintenance is fairly low cost. I've never lost and engine, transmission or rear end. I continue to purchase the same make/model of F150 because I have not found a better alternative for the quality and price.
I would recommend the Ford F150 XL V6 to anyone looking for a reliable light duty truck.Mar 23, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 29, 2012
I really enjoy the whole truck. There is nothing done to it that I would do differently, other than the headlights. I will be fixing up what little imperfections it has, and it will be my show truck. It is a real head turner!Aug 29, 2012
by Carl T
Nov 29, 2011
Best Truck I've ever owned! Had to replace the battery and the Shocks this last year, found out that the old ones were the original! The truck has 150,000 miles on it, still rides and drives like a champ! I've added some custom stripes and logos to it, the previous owner added a tonau cover.
I LOVE MY TRUCK! Nov 29, 2011
by Myron T
Nov 05, 2011
Good looking truck, very reliable, over 300,000 kms. no problems and still running strong. Power is decent. Air cond is darn cold and heat is hot. Easy to change brakes and do oil changes. handles good on hwy and gravelNov 05, 2011
by Anonymous
Aug 11, 2011
The 1997-2004 style F150 is the most visually appealing to my opinion. This truck is awesome and I love the roar of the engine. It has great acceleration. The only con is the fuel economy. It handles great, responsive breaks, and the smoothest power steering I have ever used! You can literally steer with one finger. This truck is fun fun fun!!!Aug 11, 2011
by Branom P
Dec 19, 2010
Truck has more then enough power. It has a good take off even when towing. Wish it had better brakes for towing. It is built well. Few repairs needed. Looks great inside and out. Gas mileage isn't to great. Its a blast to driveDec 19, 2010
by Chris L
Sep 04, 2010
I have a ford f-150 xlt, its 2 wheel drive standard cab, it has a 4.2L v6 it is a great little truck good power also good on gas. it is fun to get in and cruise around I use this truck for a daily driver.Sep 04, 2010
by Chad T
May 13, 2010
This was definitely my favorite truck ever. Felt great, very comfortable, YOU felt like the driver, not the truck driving you. A bit down on power, but still a punchy motor (5.4). gas mileage was good around town, but not the best on the highway. I would love to own one of these trucks again (99-03, 04 heritage).May 13, 2010
by Brad R
Feb 19, 2010
Best truck I've ever owned. Great performance from the 5.4 engine. Built well and great interior and very comfortable. Like the looks and comfort over the newer F-150's. 18 mpg and low maintenance costs. Not as fun to drive as my Ford Ranger but much easier to drive then a F-350.Feb 19, 2010
by Adam G
Jan 16, 2010
I love the look its fire engine red extended cab with 4 doors. It performs great it has a limtied slip differential and auto lockin hubs and more power to get threw anything. Its a blast to drive the only sucky thing is the gas mileage. It only gets around 12 mgp Jan 16, 2010
by Beckey W
Nov 26, 2009
Excellent truck, owned for 5 yrs and has just needed regular maintenance like brakes. I get 22 miles to the gallon in town and 26 miles to the gallon highway. When it's pulling our 25ft trailer for camping it still gets 22 miles to the gallon. Lots of interior space. With the 5.4l engine it has lots of power.Nov 26, 2009
by Bret D
Oct 21, 2009
Best 4x4 I've ever owned. Still have it and love the power the 5.4L V8. The four doors give you plenty of room for full sized passengers and lots of cargo in the bed. Can also tow well more than 7,000lbs with the tow package. Oct 21, 2009
by Mike W
Sep 16, 2009
Smooth acceleration, easy handling and a powerhouse engine make this truck an excellent machine. This truck is probably the most kickass ride I have ever owned. The only bad thing is the inaccessibility of the six disc changer, its behind the seat on the passenger side.Sep 16, 2009
by Greg H
Aug 26, 2009
overall performance of the truck is pretty good, dosent have much in the way of acceleration or speed but good torque and pulling power. some minor scratches around the outside but nothing major. paint is in excellent condition. nothing done to the suspension. i have aftermarket from headlights converted to H.I.D and aftermarket taillights and an L.E.D third brakelight. gas mileage sucks due to the 5.4L v8 but the thing a blast to drive. inside i have a new JVC HD headunit with kicker 6x9 in all 4 doors, sounds awsome for just door speakers. off-roading is always fun in this truck too.Aug 26, 2009
by Tim C
Aug 20, 2009
I love this truck! Big 6-cyl engine and manual transmission .. .the way a full-size pick-up should be. No frills on the interior (manual windows and locks). 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Very reliable and proven platform; change the oil and tires as needed.Aug 20, 2009
by Eric P
Dec 10, 2008
This car has been very dependable. Its over all performance is amazing. I have driven it for four years now and only had one issue with repairs. It is a very fun car to drive especially when you want to go off road.Dec 10, 2008
by Kris M
Nov 04, 2008
flowmaster dual exhaust bomz cool air intake, two jl audio 10w1 subwoofers and a a1200 series amp.
this is the best truck i have owned when i got it, it had over 100,000 miles on it and the truck still runs like new i love this thing. i have spent the last two years trying to make it my own. interior looks like new and truck has lots of power i would never trade this truck for anything. truck is a blast to do dounuts in parking lots and in the snow will plow through anything. amazing in snow and in the mud great off road truck.Nov 04, 2008
by Shean P
Sep 01, 2008
This trucks performance is great its a great v8.. Acceleration is good, braking is excellent and handling is ok for a 4 door truck.. few squeaks but can be fixed.. Appearance is great it has brush guard and a tool box along with a sunroof.. This is a fun mud riding truck.. Sep 01, 2008
by David A
Aug 24, 2008
This truck has all the power I need to get around and then some more. Performance, even with nearly 130k miles, is excellent. The only downside, besides needing extra weight in the back during winter in WY, is that it eats so much gas. I only get about 280-290 miles per tank- but then again it is a V-8.Aug 24, 2008
by Justin R
Aug 22, 2008
The looks of the round front end, The power of the 5.4 and the apperance of the Off-road package. It runs and feels like a car in a 4X4 wrapper. Brakes, fluids, and tires thats all I have done to the truck. Oh and of course dual flowmasters with ss borla tips.Aug 22, 2008
by Jared F
Aug 12, 2008
My truck is the boss. the 5.4 triton v8 is a absolute monster wit my new intake and edge tuner. the cost of owning this fine machine was in the ball park of 15k and it was worth every penny!!! Another great thing about my SuperCrew is that for its class it gets around 18mpg.Aug 12, 2008
by Donald P
Aug 05, 2008
great power, good handling, average gas mileage for a truck, nothing has gone wrong with it so far and it has about 110,000 miles, only regular maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.), shouldnt drive for first car (insurance is high), its a little low to the ground which causes some problems with a little draggingAug 05, 2008
by Justin T
Jul 07, 2008
There is a reason this truck has been the best seeling truck in its class for years. If gas prices would come down I would buy another one. If you ever get a chance to test drive one you should.Jul 07, 2008
by Jason D
Jun 21, 2008
Went from a Ranger to this. Towed everything but a battleship with that one so when 200k neared, I decided I should go with a full size.
I was looking for a crewcab, but got a great deal on this Supercrew. Plenty of room and fairly comfortable, it is still a truck, but I driven worse.Jun 21, 2008
by Bryson P
Apr 29, 2008
Great all around truck, great power, reliable, its a ford, what more do you need to know.Apr 29, 2008
by Adam S
Mar 30, 2008
Have owned for over a year, love it!! loud dual exhaust, can go anywhere in it and not worry about getting stuck!Mar 30, 2008
by Eddie G
Mar 18, 2008
in comparison to chevys, the f150 lags a bit on the accelerationMar 18, 2008
by Brad W
Jan 26, 2008
the 4.6 gets good mileage(24mpg) excellent ride and very comfortable interior.Jan 26, 2008
by Dorothy C
Jan 02, 2008
custom paint plus few other extras make this one exciting rideJan 02, 2008
i have a 2001 ford f150 xlt v8 5.4 liter short bed and for some reason they decided it needed to have a 7 lug pattern and it is impossible to get new wheels for it because i would have to have them drilled out which costs money and that i am lacking. can anyone explain why they did this and i am wondering if there is a way i can change the lug pattern without spending too much money. also, are there any places i could get a 7 lug wheel? in my opinion this is a stupid design and it makes it impossible to upgrade wheels. any info on this helps. thanks a ton guys!
I was pushing on my injector wire then it sparked know it will not start. Sounded like the fuel pump was stuck on now that stopped then I was checking the fuses and know it will not crank over buy it will if you jump across the starter solid this happen once before and back then it came up with code 11 changed the fuse it was all good. Also when I was checking the fuses the fuses box in the cab the last row to the right on one fuse has power. Also the odometer has just lines going through it . That could mean lost power to the computer? Please let me know what you think. Thank you
Adjustable pedals: power · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.31
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup bed type: stepside · Rear bumper color: chrome · Side door type: dual rear-hinged access · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Pickup bed type: stepside · Rear bumper color: chrome · Side door type: dual rear-hinged access · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Front bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone · Pickup bed type: stepside · Rear bumper color: chrome · Side door type: dual rear-hinged access · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
