Is the 2004 Ford F-150 a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
C+6/10
Exercise caution and verify maintenance history, especially with engine and transmission.
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Pros
- Strong towing capability
- Spacious interior
- Durable frame
Cons
- Poor fuel economy
- Potential transmission issues
- Notorious spark plug replacement problem
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
14 mpg
Maintenance cost
$3,000/yr
Expected lifespan
250,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Spark plug breakage during replacement
- Transmission problems
- Exhaust manifold leakage
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls
No open NHTSA recalls are on record for the 2004 Ford F 150 as of our latest check.
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.