Surprisingly Nice Truck

I have had NO problems to speak of with my 2005 F-150. I took it back in 2006 for a new gas cap because the inspector said it failed the pressure test. The only other slight problem is when starting in cool weather (below 40 deg), the fan belt idler pulley squeals a little until it warms up. That's it!

I bought the basic white work truck, 8 ft. bed, 2WD. The only upgrade I included was the 4.6 V8. Cruise and power windows would've been nice but I was on a budget.

I was quite surprised at how nice it drives. Very comfortable for a truck. It runs great, shifts great, steers great, brakes ok. No shudder problem as mentioned in some of the other reviews. Ford may have worked out that problem before I bought mine. It's quiet and has a nice sound package.

I bought a truck primarily to pull a 20-ft trailer and compact tractor, haul tools and airplane parts up to my ultralight airport, not to commute to work, (only when it's too rainy to ride my bike to work.) I have only been driving it about 12,000 mi per year, so the 3-year/36,000 mi basic warranty has been sufficient, a big savings. I got lucky.

I have not yet bought a trailer so I can't comment on pulling a load. The most I've hauled is about 750 lbs of Harley and ramps in the bed 950 miles to Daytona Bike Week. Easy Ride, 75-80 mph, smooth. I like the big gas tank for long hauls. Seems like I get about 20 mpg hwy, 17 city. (I didn't buy it to drive it like a sports cars, or go to work, or the mall, so fuel economy is not a concern.)

The brakes seem fine when empty but could maybe be a little stronger for hauling loads.

The space behind the seats, and especially the half-doors, are great. They were a big selling point for me. I'm very pleased. All in all, I would highly recommend this truck.

UPDATE to this post: Sep. 3, 2009

After nearly 5 years and 50,734 miles (I don't drive it too much) I've still had NO major problems with this truck.  Yesterday I rotated the tires (2nd time) and had it aligned (1st time) and changed the transmission fluid (1st time).  That's it!  (I change the oil myself at 5,000 mi. increments)

The truck was pulling to the right and the left-front tire was wearing poorly on the inside, but they still have a few miles left on them.  The brakes are shaking, wavering a little bit, indicating a scorched spot on one or both of the front rotors.  It's almost time to turn them.  The brakes are not real great in my opinion.

Note this: A year and a half after buying my F-150 my wife bought a 2006 Honda Civic.  We bought the extended warranty.  Guess which vehicle needed the extended warranty?  Right.  Last month the Civic A/C went out to the tune of 1500 clams.  And we're on our second set of tires after about 40,000 mi.,... plus two alignments.  I'da thought the Honda would be the more durable product.  Not this time!  Good ol' American Iron!

So, if you're looking for a used F-150, you may find a nice truck out there!