DecodedCars2008 Ford F-150
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- P/U Reg Cab 78 In. Box, P/U Reg Cab 78 In. Box 4X4, P/U Reg Cab 96 In. Box, P/U Reg Cab 96 In. Box 4X4
- Engines
- 4.2L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 248–300 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 207.9–226.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,694–5,463 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints177 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 35 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Ford F-150 is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (4.2L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,758 lb (P/U Reg Cab 78 In. Box).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 5% better than the 2008 standard pickup truck average of 15.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 177 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 F-150 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 F-150 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Dearborn, Michigan · Kansas City, Missouri
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 F-150 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P/U Reg Cab 78 In. Box | 207.9 in | 78.7 in | 72.8 in | 126 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,758 lb | 57/43 |
| P/U Reg Cab 78 In. Box 4X4 | 207.9 in | 78.7 in | 73.6 in | 126 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,240 lb | 57/43 |
| P/U Reg Cab 96 In. Box | 226.4 in | 78.7 in | 74.8 in | 144.5 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,694 lb | 57/43 |
| P/U Reg Cab 96 In. Box 4X4 | 226.4 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 144.5 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,176 lb | 57/43 |
| P/U Super Cab 66 In. Box | 214.6 in | 78.7 in | 73.6 in | 132.7 in | 66.9 / 67.7 in | 5,115 lb | 57/43 |
| P/U Super Cab 66 In. Box 4X4 | 214.6 in | 78.7 in | 75.6 in | 132.7 in | 66.9 / 67.7 in | 5,463 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +5% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | +5% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +5% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 STX SE 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -2% | $4,450 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -2% | $4,450 | 592 |
| F150 STX SE 2WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -2% | $4,450 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | +3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -8% | $4,800 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -4% | $4,800 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -4% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford F-150 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ford F-150 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 22 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Colorado | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 GMC Canyon | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 17 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford F-150.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Ford F-150 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Ford F-150 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 25 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford F-150. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other F-150 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 F-150 | 24 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 18 |
| 2025 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 16 | 128 |
| 2024 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 11 | 232 |
| 2023 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 13 | 511 |
| 2022 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 23 | 816 |
| 2021 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 29 | 1,302 |
| 2020 F-150 | 24 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 11 | 741 |
| 2019 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,342 |
| 2018 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 18 | 2,325 |
| 2017 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 17 | 1,462 |
| 2016 F-150 | 21 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 2,086 |
| 2015 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 1,743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →