Ford F-150 Review: Why It’s a Smart Used Pickup Choice

Which Ford F-150 fits your needs? With a wide variety of trims, cab and bed configurations, and powertrains—from the off-road Raptor to the fully electric Lightning introduced in 2022—the F-150 lineup offers options for almost every buyer, from practical to performance-oriented.

The F-150 is consistently one of Ford’s best-selling models and a perennial favourite among truck buyers. Over many generations Ford has refined the F-150’s durability, towing capability and comfort features, producing a truck that performs well as a daily driver, a workhorse or an adventure vehicle. Its reputation for reliability and the breadth of available trims and powertrains make it a strong option on the used market.

Is the Ford F-150 a good truck?

Yes. Whether new or used, the F-150 earns high marks for durability, capability and flexible utility. Since 2015 Ford’s use of lightweight aluminum body panels and the broader adoption of EcoBoost turbocharged engines has helped the F-150 balance strong performance with respectable fuel economy. The truck also offers modern connectivity and driver-assist technologies that make daily driving and towing easier.

Trimwise, the Lariat often represents the best compromise: it includes many comfort and convenience features—such as heated and cooled leather seats—without the top-tier luxury pricing of trims like the King Ranch, Platinum or Limited. For buyers who want more advanced driver assistance, model year 2018 introduced adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection on select models.

The most recent generation arrived for 2021, bringing a larger 12-inch centre touchscreen and new powertrain choices, including the PowerBoost hybrid V6. The 2022 and later models added features such as a continuously controlled damping suspension for improved ride comfort and handling. Larger screens, optional Max Recline seats and other premium touches have pushed the F-150’s cabin quality closer to luxury-sedan levels while preserving its utility.

This generation has also earned multiple industry awards and high ratings from automotive publications and testing organizations, reflecting strong performance, capability and overall owner satisfaction.

The Ford F-150 engine: What’s really inside this used truck?

If your budget allows, target a 2017 or newer F-150. The 2017 refresh introduced a second-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 and a wider rollout of a 10-speed automatic transmission, giving the truck improved towing capability, quicker acceleration and better fuel economy. Alongside the 3.5-litre EcoBoost, available engines through recent years have included a 3.3-litre V6, a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 (often called the Coyote), and a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 that balances efficiency with low-end torque.

From 2018 onward, Ford added auto start-stop on most engines and updated the 2.7-litre EcoBoost for better fuel efficiency. A short-lived PowerStroke diesel V6 arrived for a period but was later replaced by the PowerBoost hybrid V6 in 2021. The PowerBoost hybrid is more expensive used, but it adds fuel-saving hybrid technology and a useful onboard generator capability that can power tools and campsite equipment.

Checking a used F-150 before you buy

Condition depends heavily on how previous owners used and maintained the truck. For the best peace of mind, consider a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) F-150 from a Ford dealer, which typically requires inspection standards and often includes extended warranties and roadside assistance. If buying privately, schedule a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) with a Ford service department—this inspection is usually inexpensive and can uncover hidden problems before you commit.

Turbocharged EcoBoost engines reward diligent maintenance: confirm the vehicle has a documented history of timely oil and coolant changes and proper spark plug servicing. If records are incomplete or questionable, replacing coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid and spark plugs before ownership can avoid headaches later.

Battery health is another frequent issue. Many owners report factory batteries beginning to weaken after a few years, which can cause electrical gremlins in infotainment, security and central locking systems. Have the battery load-tested and, if it fails, replace it before purchasing.

Check every door lock and latch from inside and out, verify both keyfobs and interior switches operate locks reliably, and test all power windows from each control station. Remove floor mats and inspect carpeting and floor surfaces for signs of moisture or standing water. Press into the carpet corners to detect dampness—water intrusion usually originates from leaks around the rear window or sunroof and can be costly to repair.

What to look for while test-driving a used Ford F-150

During a low-speed figure-eight manoeuvre in an open area, perform heavy steering inputs to listen for unusual noises from the rear suspension or axle. Any popping, binding or scrubbing sensations may indicate axle, bearing or lubrication problems that deserve professional attention. Confirm the backup camera operates reliably and shows a clear, prompt image.

Watch how the transmission shifts. Hesitation, hard shifts or unusual noises can be caused by outdated transmission software or might signal mechanical issues. If you suspect a transmission problem, have a dealer or trusted technician inspect the truck before buying.

Should I buy a Ford F-150?

If you want a used pickup, the F-150 is one of the safest choices. The full-size pickup market is competitive, but the F-150’s blend of capability, strong powertrain options and modern technology keeps it at or near the top compared with rivals. The 10-speed automatic and improved EcoBoost engines introduced in recent years give the truck a performance and efficiency edge that many competitors struggle to match.

Example: 2020 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4 SuperCrew (selected specifications)

• Price as tested: $61,899
• Body type: Pickup
• Powertrain layout: 4×4
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Engine: 5-litre V8 DOHC
• Horsepower: 395
• Torque (lb-ft): 400
• Towing: 5,897 lb (13,000 lb)
• Curb weight: 2,170 kg (4,784 lb)
• NRCan fuel consumption (combined): 13.3 L / 100 km
• EPA fuel consumption (combined): 18 MPG

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