The 2005 F-150 can last up to 300,000 miles with some spark plug and window problems. At $3,375 – $8,200, it’s a good value for a shopper looking for a dependable truck.
Is the 2005 Ford F-150 a Good Used Truck?
- Yes, 2005 is a good year. Owners like the towing capacity, fun driving experience, and spacious cabin.
- Reliability ratings are average for a truck. There are fewer complaints on the 2006 and newer models, but 2005 offers improvements from 2004, which had engine problems.
- Performance is poor from the V6, and the two V8 options are not much more powerful.
- The F-150 is a safe truck, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is poor at up to 15 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the F-150?
- Consumer Reports finds the F-150 to ride comfortably, and it has above average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the F-150 a 4.5/5 liking the handling, but interior storage space is limited.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the F-150 a 4.6/5 and enjoy the towing capabilities, but repairs are expensive.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Ford F-150 Have?
Problems with the 2005 F-150 include broken power window regulators, spark plug issues, and transmission failures.
Power window regulator failures are very common at around 60,000 miles. The regulator wears out sooner than other cars and prevents the windows from opening and closing. Replacing the part costs about $300.
Broken spark plugs are another frequent complaint from owners at around 1,000 miles. The spark plugs tend to snap when they’re removed. Extracting the plugs and fixing the threads can cost up to $1,000.
Transmission failures are mentioned on some trucks at around 82,000 miles. There is a replacement gear drum available which fixes the problem. Rebuilding the transmission with the new parts costs about $2,500.
There are 14 recalls, with the most serious being for a fuel leak at the filter which could cause a fire. Most of the other recalls cover the lights and reflectors.
How Long Will the 2005 Ford F-150 Last?
A properly maintained 2005 F-150 can last up to 300,000 miles, slightly longer than competitors including the Ram 1500. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive, according to Repair Pal, at $650 per year.
Most 2005 F-150s have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the water pump for $700, transmission oil pan gaskets costing $275, and the power seat motor which costs $500.
It has been very reliable truck! Besides for basic wear and tear that you get with any vehicle, it has been a great truck. My husband loves that truck!
My truck has proven very reliable and given many years of consistent service. I would recommend f150 trucks to anyone looking for a great truck.
Very reliable but it did have small issues like the window switch needed to be replaced BC the wire went bad, also the spark plugs were an issue.
The only problem we have had with it is a dead battery and some idle adjustment. We do have to wiggle the window button to get it to go up again sometimes, but other than that, there has been no one major problem with it.
We have only had normal maintenance issues and not major breaks. We have owned her since 2005 when she was built and will keep her until she absolutely dies.
Yes, it is very reliable and runs very smoothly. When I go a long distance, it takes up a lot of gas, but other than that, I can trust it for everyday use.
Not now we had to replace a lot of parts on it like the spark plug oil air filter gas cap car place fixed some stuff
The brakes go out fast some time it could handle better in the snow but that's a give and take with most trucks and cars these days
How Much Is the 2005 Ford F-150 Worth?
Blue book prices range from $3,375 – $8,200, making the F-150 about $1,000 cheaper than a Nissan Titan or Chevy Silverado. When new, the price range was $20,475 to $40,090. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the F-150?
There are six models of the 2005 F-150 available. Technology was just updated in 2004, with the next major redesign coming in 2009.
XL is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Manual Windows & Locks
- Manual Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo System
STX is a minor step up adding features such as:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- CD Player
XLT is a good model and adds:
- 17-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Remote Keyless Entry System
- Power Windows
Lariat is a popular choice which includes:
- 18-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Fog Lights
- Unique Front Bumper
- Automatic Air Conditioning
FX4 focuses on off-road performance with:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Off-Road Suspension
- Premium Cloth Seating
- FX4 Decal Package
King Ranch is the luxury flagship model and has:
- 18-Inch Unique Alloy Wheels
- Two-Tone Exterior Paint
- Premium Leather Seating
What Engines Come In the F-150?
- The base engine is a weak 4.2L V6 which has 202 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and gets up to 15 MPG combined.
- A step up is the slightly more powerful 4.6L V8 offering 231 horsepower, 293 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 15 MPG combined.
- The most powerful engine is the 5.4L V8 with 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque which gets 14 MPG. The towing capacity is better than other half-ton rivals at up to 9,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the F-150 Come In?
How Big Is the F-150?
The F-150 is an average sized half-ton truck, similar to the Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500. Three cabin configurations are available including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and larger 4-door crew cab. Passenger space is great in the backseats of the crew cab model.
There are three bed lengths as well, including a 5-foot-6-inch short bed, 6-foot-6-inch regular bed, and 8-foot long bed.
How Does the F-150 Compare to the Competition?
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a popular competitor costing $600 less. Where the Ram stands out is with a nicer interior, but reliability ratings are better in the F-150. We recommend the F-150 since it will last longer, and can tow more weight.
The Toyota Tundra is another rival which costs around $1,300 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Tundra, but the F-150 has a higher towing capacity with a more powerful engine. We recommend the Tundra since they are the longest-lasting half-ton truck on the market.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford F-150?
Yes! We love it as a family vehicle and a work truck. My husband works in construction and sometimes we need the kids' car seats with us when working! I love the leg room when we go out of town. Its stylish enough for a date with my husband yet tough enough for him to get the job done.
Yes it is dependable and strong for work and any terrain. I use my truck to tow a trailer and to get to various job sites around town.
Yes definitely worth my money, it is has amazing power and it is an older model. I will definitely be getting another ford when the one I have stops running I am very happy with my truck.
This is a very good truck to own. It is a sturdy and strong design, 4x4, electric windows, rear cab, and good on gas.
Definitely, it provides all our needs for transportation that our harley does not. As we live in a very rural area we need a truck that covers many needs. It is far more dependable than our friends families general motors or dodge products. We have always owned ford f-150's.
Yes. It is trustworthy and runs very well. Also it is nice and affordable, so I can have the best running car for less. Also, it doesn't look that bad.
Yes it works really well takes us where we need to go hauls our camper fine our boat hulls our trash off no problem
Yes I enjoy driving the truck it does what need it to it has decide gas mileage it has not let me down yet have only replace a few thing on it that go on every truck
