Ford F-250 Generation 1 (1996–2004)

Ford F-250 Generation 1 (1996–2004) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Ford F-250 — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 1 1996–2004 —
Generation 2 2005–2010 —
Generation 3 2011–present —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the F-250

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Ford 5.4L Triton V8 1997–2010 26 models 222
Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel 2011–2026 12 models 219
Ford 7.3L V8 (Power Stroke & Godzilla) 1988–2026 47 models 199
Ford 5.8L (351) Windsor V8 1981–1997 24 models 177
Ford 6.2L Boss V8 2011–2022 9 models 135
Ford 6.8L V10 Triton 1999–2010 23 models 119
Ford 7.5L (460) V8 1983–1997 42 models 106
Ford 4.9L (300) I6 1981–2021 36 models 97
Ford 5.0L V8 (Windsor & Coyote) 1981–2021 34 models 62
Ford 6.0L 8-cylinder 2003–2007 12 models 61
Ford 4.6L Modular V8 1997–1999 17 models 43
Ford 6.4L 8-cylinder 2008–2010 6 models 34

About this generation

For the 1997 model year, Ford made a substantial change to the F-Series range of trucks, splitting its pickup line into two vehicle families. From the 1970s to the 1990s, pickup trucks had transitioned in usage. Alongside vehicles designed exclusively for work use, the market segment saw a major increase in demand for dual-purpose vehicles for both work and personal use, effectively serving as a second car. To further expand its growing market share, Ford sought to develop vehicles for both types of buyers, repackaging the F-150 in a more contemporary design (as a larger version of the Ranger) while retaining the heavier-duty F-250 and F-350 for customers interested in a work-use vehicle.

The tenth-generation F-Series was introduced on January 25, 1996 as a 1997 model. Initially released solely as the F-150, a higher-GVWR F-250 was released later in 1997. The model line was marketed alongside its predecessor, pared down to the F-250HD and F-350; for 1999, the aforementioned HD models were replaced by the Super Duty trucks. The F-250 "Light Duty" was replaced by the F-150 7700 for the 2000 model year.

In the most extensive redesign of the F-Series in 17 years, the chassis received fully independent front suspension, ending the use of Twin-I-Beam front axles. Sharing only the transmissions with its predecessor, the 1997 F-150 received a range of engines new to the F-Series, including a 4.2L V6 and 4.6L V8; a 5.4L V8 was added during 1997. Introduced in the full-sized Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car sedans, the Modular/Triton V8 was the first overhead-camshaft engine to be installed in a full-size pickup truck.

Distinguished by its rounded exterior, the tenth generation was again offered in standard- and extended-cab (SuperCab) configurations. To improve rear-seat access, a rear-hinged third door (curbside) was introduced for the SuperCab; following its popularity, the SuperCab received a fourth door for 1999. For 2001, the F-150 became the first "-ton" truck offered as a crew cab with full-sized doors; produced with a slightly shortened bed, the F-150 SuperCrew shared the length of a standard-bed SuperCab.

The SVT Lightning made its return for 1999, powered by a supercharged version of the 5.4L V8; over 28,000 were produced from 1999 to 2004. For 2002, Lincoln-Mercury introduced the Lincoln Blackwood, the first Lincoln pickup. Sharing the front bodywork of the Lincoln Navigator SUV and the same cab and chassis as the F-150 SuperCrew, the Blackwood was designed with a model-exclusive bed and was sold only in black. Due to very poor sales, the model line was discontinued after 2002.

For 1999, Ford redesigned the F-250 and F-350, introducing them as the first generation of the Ford F-Series Super Duty model line. While remaining part of the F-Series, the Super Duty trucks were designed with a different chassis, powertrain, and body design, as they are developed for heavier-duty work use. For 2000, the Super Duty line was expanded to include the medium-duty truck (F-650/F-750) series, designed in a joint venture with Navistar International.

Source: Wikipedia — Ford F-Series — Tenth generation (1997–2004), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
1999 19 852 Engine And Engine Cooling, Tires, Service Brakes
2003 7 294 Engine And Engine Cooling, Tires, Power Train
2004 7 407 Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Fuel System

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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