1997 Ford F-150 XLT Specifications

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Ford manufactured the 1997 F-150 in a wide range of trim lines. The XLT series came in a number of trim packages, including short- and long-bed versions, according to Edmunds. The F-150 series of trucks is one of the best-selling vehicles in America, and the 1997 model year introduced a newly styled version with increased creature comfort upgrades from the previous year's model. The Ford F-150 XLT could seat three to six people, depending on the version.

Engine

The 1997 Ford F-150 XLT came with either a 4.2-liter V-6 or a 4.6-liter V-8, according to Edmunds. The 4.2-liter engine engine produced 205 horsepower at 4,950 rpm and 255 pound-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm. The 4.6-liter engine produced 220 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. A 5.4-liter V-8 was also available as an option-only engine, producing 235 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and 335 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. The truck came as a standard five-speed manual overdrive transmission, although it was also available with a four-speed automatic overdrive option.

The 1997 Ford F150 XLT received an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of between 14 and 17 mpg city and 18 to 22 mpg highway, according to MSN Autos. With a 25-gallon fuel tank and an average fuel efficiency of 17 mpg, the XLT had a range of 425 miles. The truck also had a maximum payload of 1,700 lbs. and a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs.

The 1997 Ford F150 XLT varied in size depending on the version. For example, the XLT two-door Regular Cab short-bed was 202.2 inches long, 78.4 inches wide and 72.4 inches high, according to Edmunds. It also had a wheelbase of 119.9 inches, a gross weight of 5,550 lbs., and had room for three people. The XLT three-door Extended Cab long-bed version, on the other hand, was 239.4 inches long and had a 157.1-inch wheelbase. It listed a gross weight of 6,000 lbs. and had room for six people, according to Edmunds.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 1997 Ford F-150 a four-star rating on a scale of five for driver frontal crash test safety, according to MSN Autos. The truck also received a four-star rating for front passenger safety testing. On the other hand, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave the F-150 its lowest possible rating of "Poor" in four out of seven categories: structural safety, head and neck protection, restraints and overall safety. The truck also received a "Good" for chest protection, an "Acceptable" for left leg protection and a "Marginal" for right leg protection.