I haven't owned a new Ford since my 1979 F-150 4x4, but have recently become interested in a 2001 F-150 regular cab, 4x4 flareside short-box with V-6. Anyone have any negative (or positive) comments on the 2001? How is fuel economy with the V-6? Is the transmission strong enough to hold up to some towing? Initial exposure to creature comforts is great!

 

If you are looking at a manual trans, the tow rating is only 2000 to 3000lbs. Higher for an auto. I had an on 5.4 Supercab. I got 14-15mpg in driving back and forth to work. That included both city and highway driving. Can't help with the milage on the 4.2, but it should be a little higher, especially with the lighter truck.
As far as problems, I had none. Put 70k on before I traded on my 04 and the engine used no oil between 3k changes. Ran great.

 

I Have Two 01's, One With A 4.2 And One With A 5.4. The 4.2 Is A Rcab 2wd And I Get Around 16mpg While The Other Is A Screw 4x4 And Gets 15mpg. I Think The 4.2 Would Be Under Powered In A 4x4 And I Think They Even Discontinued The 4.2 In 4x4's.

 

while many have had good luck I'm sure, I personally would not touch one with a 20 foot pole unless it was free (any of that series). The V6 is a good engine and is as fast as the 4.6. However the truck chassis has little to be desired, the window glass was reduced to around 3mm when Ford typically use 8mm windshield glass....which is a structural component of the cab......the glass fails so does the cab structure, Door cracks are common both structurally and cosmetically depending on the assembly date...if you crawl underneath and really study the general construction assembly you will find too many shortcuts which could compromise component longevity and passenger safety in my opinion......its like looking at a honda and finding casted engine mounts.....you've got to be kidding! Brakes, well, look forward to alot of rotors warpped unles you replace with cryo treated units.....upgrading the soft pads will help too since they are designed with comparatively low braking co-efficient and high heat transfer...meaning extra pedal effort required to stop the vehicle and they don't like heat....so they warp the composite rotors.

 

I test drove the 4.2 and hated it ended up with 5.4 scab lariat 4.4 auto used, while I whine about the payments I love the truck

 

My 2001 Supercab OFFROAD 4x4 is a great truck. I have the 5.4L. The manual trannys are weak, the auto trans are much stronger. I have never cared for a V6 in a full sized truck personally. I'm not sure what issues that Beechkid is talking about, but there are millions of these trucks around and there are no shortcut safety issues that I am aware of.

 

As far as BC's comments I remember the door cracking issue with the '01s and a questionable cab integrity(unsure of the year). I bought my '01 SCrew new with 5.4, 4x4, auto, 17" wheels,tow package and at 60k+ I really like my truck. Negatives are thin paint with dirt inclusions, bed was installed crooked, LR door sticks(since new), tranny is on its way out(i've never towed, or hauled more than ice chests) other than that things work well.

 

I think long term you will be disappointed with the V-6, especially if you plan to tow. It's just not big enough to power a 4X4, let alone tow. Trucks are heavy! Get the 4.6 at least, and better still the 5.4. Remember, the 5.4 is only 330 cubic inches, not all that big as is.