Overview & Reviews

The 1998 F-150 gets a 50th Anniversary decal affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield. Other changes include making the locking tailgate standard on XLT and Lariat trims, optional on XL and Standard models. Foglights become optional this year on all four-wheel-drive models except for the Lariat, which gets them standard. An STX package featuring 17-inch tires, aluminum wheels and color-keyed grille debuts as an option for the XLT 2WD. The Lariat receives a color-keyed steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and outside power signal mirrors. Silver Metallic paint replaces Silver Frost paint, and Light Denim Blue replaces Portofino Blue.

• Best-in-class interior styling, powerful engine choices, and great on-road handling make this one of our favorite full-size trucks. Does pretty well off-road, too.

• Exterior styling has too many swoops and dips for our liking. Hard-to-see fenders make parking this thing a chore.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 81.00

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  It just works - 1998 Ford F-150
  By BK - September 16 - 3:01 pm

  Got an XLT 4.6 rear wheel drive with the 3 doors as a hand me down from my dad and it has been good. I have had it for the last 15000 miles and it sits at 168000 on the odometer now. Works great for on road use, hauling stuff in the bed, and reliability. A testament to the quality of the drive train happened several months ago when merging onto the interstate and the accelerator stuck. I wasnt sure what was happening at the time but I flicked the gas pedal and it didnt help so I went to pop it into neutral going 80 and went to far and put it in reverse and locked the tires up for a second before putting it back in drive and turning off the engine and coasted to the shoulder. Turns out the floor mat, which has since been removed, stuck the gas pedal down and I should have messed with the pedal more before trying to put it in neutral. After getting my blood pressure to go down I started it up fearing it was done for, no problems at all! Made sure the tranny wasnt leaking for the next couple days and was surprised how well it held up for the abuse that surely put on it. This old truck is rusty, has a decent ding on the outside of the bed, and overall looks rough but it is a champ in terms of reliability. Recently it has had new rotors in the front from brake pads failing to give a screech indicating they needed replacing and has had a heater core replaced but the core components have been awesome for both of us. I am in the market for a new truck with 4x4 and a locking rear dif since I was stuck on the hill where I parked it overnight after a snow storm since the rear dif puts power to the wheel with less traction, but it has still made a true Ford believer out of me. You can bet my next truck will be an F150, dad got a used 2012 F150 after he handed this one down to me and it has been great for him too. Something is to be said about having a vehicle that can be depended on.

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  never lets me down - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Eric - July 1 - 12:38 pm

  I have used my truck for daily drive of 50+ miles for 5 years, plus hauling mulch, wood, moving- whatever I need it makes it happen. I have 2wd and living in VA I have never even needed 4wd in the snow. I am not good to vehicles and have only had to replace normal wear and tear. Some of the bottom of the doors has been starting to rust, but I just put on more rustoleum and keep going. About 2 years in I added a KN cold air intake and a flowmaster duel exhaust and this gives me about 3/4 extra MPG and sounds AWESOME! Overall it is one of those vehicles that you never have a doubt if she will start up- I would never part with my truck until she decides to go.

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  Reliability 100% - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Zowy - May 27 - 12:08 am

  Its all about reliability. Powerful at low speed. So much torque. Awesome 4x4. Large cargo area. Not so much repair cost. Very easy to find out used parts. VERY Reliable. This is my second F150. For sure will have it for many years.

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  I loved this truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By luke - July 30 - 11:00 pm

  My 98 Ford F-150 2WD regular cab manual V6 has been a true champ. I have almost 150,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. This was the first truck that I bought new and was worth every penny. Unfortunately with two little ones, I have to let ole blue go. Im going with another Ford though (06 Crew Cab). This was one tough and special truck!

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  Hello fellow Fordeneirs - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Daniel - July 22 - 9:07 pm

  I bought the truck with 169,820. I put about 4200 mi on it since may 08. Gets about 20 hwy 15 cty, always starts, its very peppy. I put a cherrybomb on it and eventually I will put 265/75/16 on a 2wd. I hoping itll pay off in the winter. All in all great truck to own!

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  Excellent Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By carambo - July 22 - 12:05 pm

  I have had many Fords but this truck has been the best. Very very few repairs except those from wear and tear like oil change. I live in the woods so it gets a beating and holds up. I get about 21 mpg driving while my husband gets about 18 mpg with this truck. I truly love this truck and dont want to trade it in for a more fuel efficient vehicle!

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  10 years of excellent service - 1998 Ford F-150
  By kcokc - May 9 - 9:26 am

  Bought new in August 98. XL 4.2 V6, 5- speed 3.55 axle, with XLT interior. TX/OK package. Reliability - one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Never had a breakdown, only real repair was replacement of turn signal switch. Good power for a 6 cylinder, have towed way more than recommended limit for short distances. Only complaint is fuel economy (lack of). 15-16 MPG in urban driving, 20 on highway cruise at interstate speed. Owned two Chevy p/us before, this F150 is better truck by far for a work vehicle/tough truck. Chevys were more confortable, more economical to drive. Gonna miss the old ford when it goes to a new owner shortly. First Ford, was great choice!

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  Most reliable automobile I have owned - 1998 Ford F-150
  By onceamarine - January 24 - 4:57 pm

  I bought my F150 in 2001 and now 7 years later I am still happy with it. I have not had any major repairs to mess with, and it shows no sign of needing any in the near future. It gets truck mpg, which stinks for any truck owner these days. The paint and body still look great. Only having three doors means I am going to have to sell it soon, with kid #2 on the way. I am sure going to miss it, and will be buying a newer 4 door F150.

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  F150 Lariat - 1998 Ford F-150
  By gil - February 21 - 10:04 pm

  Bought used. Have driven for 5 years and no major repairs not covered by warranty. Fuel economy not good but improved with K&N filter. Pull trailer with 2 ATVs and have no problem with 4.6. Paint still looks and shines like new constantly getting compliments and offers. Would definitely buy another Ford truck.

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  165,000 Miles & Strong - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Roxanne - August 28 - 10:33 pm

  Most reliable, trustworthy vehicle I have ever owned. As original owner and at 165K, I have had less than $1,000 in repairs in 8 years. Maintenance costs have been very reasonable. Mine is a manual with V6 -- gets about 17 mpg city & 20 mpg highway. Highly recommend this over the Silverado. Still has tight steering, great suspension, great ride, no rattles -- after many camping trips on unmaintained roads.