73.7 inches (approximate, varies by configuration)
Cargo
Bed Length Short Bed:
6.5 feet
Bed Length Long Bed:
8.0 feet
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 5,500 lbs (approximate, varies by configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 3,000+ lbs (varies by configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,900 lbs (with appropriate configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (for 2001 models tested)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (for 2001 models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front and rear wheels
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point safety belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced safety cage construction
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or AM/FM/CD player options. Optional premium sound systems available.
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, and engine vitals.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
No factory auxiliary input jack; aftermarket solutions may be available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Around 100,000 miles for Triton V8 engines (platinum-tipped)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG/SH or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.2L V6:
5.0 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.6L V8:
6.0 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.4L V8:
7.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Known Issues
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets, particularly on V8 engines, leading to coolant and vacuum leaks.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
4R70W transmission can sometimes exhibit hard shifts or delayed engagement, often related to electronic control or fluid issues.
Spark Plug Ejection:
Early Triton V8s (pre-2004) were known for spark plug blow-out issues due to threads stripping in the cylinder head. Manual covers proper torque and replacement procedures.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, particularly on the 5.4L V8, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Potential for rear main engine seal leaks, especially at higher mileage.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Truck Legacy:
Ford has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Model AA Truck in the late 1920s. The F-Series has been a dominant force for decades.
Model Evolution
Ninth Gen Introduction:
The 2001 F-150 belongs to the ninth generation, which underwent a significant redesign in 1997, moving away from the older 'brick nose' styling to a more aerodynamic and rounded design.
Powertrain Advancements:
The Triton V8 engines (4.6L and 5.4L) were key introductions of this generation, offering improved performance and refinement over older V8s.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Assembled in various Ford plants across the United States, including Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City, Missouri.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Ford F-Series (including F-150) has won MotorTrend Truck of the Year multiple times, though not specifically for the 2001 model year in isolation, it reflects the lineage's strength.
Ratings
Jd Power Truck Awards:
The F-150 consistently ranked well in customer satisfaction and initial quality studies from J.D. Power during this era.