The 2013 Ford F-150 is a full size truck with a price range of $15,800 to $40,673. Offering a powerful engine lineup, and more customization choices than the competition, the 2013 F-150 easily earns our recommendation.
2013 Ford F-150: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2013 model year include the MyFord Touch infotainment system, and the all-new Limited model.
- Reliability ratings are average, according to J.D. Power, but there are more complaints than the outgoing 2012 model.
- Four engine choices are available, including an efficient turbocharged V6.
- Fuel economy is average, tying for 4th place out of 7 full size trucks with a combined rating of up to 19 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are good for a full size truck getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, and earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award.
- The 2013 Ford F-150 ranks 7th out of 15 full size trucks based on owner reviews. The F-150 is the quintessential half-ton truck and offers excellent towing abilities, rugged styling, and powerful engines.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Ford F-150 Have?
The 2013 Ford F-150’s three recalls and three investigations cover transmission downshift issues, problems with brake fluid loss. The 2013 F-150 has fewer problems than other full size trucks on the market. There are more complaints with the 2013 model than with the 2014, making the $2,000 upgrade worth the cost.
Engine problems, including shuddering and losing power, are common. The most likely source of the problem is the electronic throttle body. Replacing the assembly costs $300, and failures happen around 55,000 miles.
Brake rotors wearing out prematurely is another issue owners encounter frequently. Brake rotors tend to wear out faster when you use the truck for towing since the brakes have to stop more weight. There are options to turn and machine the rotors, or replace them with new ones. A replacement costs about $450 and solves the problem.
Erratic shifting from the transmission is also a frequent problem. The causes vary on a case-by-case basis, but problems with lead in the transmission, and damaged wiring harness connectors are common. Repairing the transmission costs about $960.
There are three recalls, which is better than other full size trucks from 2013. The recalls include a master cylinder rear cup seal leak, and an unexpected transmission downshift. Both are serious since they can lead to a driver losing control of the truck.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Ford F-150 is average priced for a full size truck, with a price range of $15,800 to $40,673, depending on the model and mileage. The most expensive model is the Raptor, which hold their value better than other versions. When new, the price range was $24,070 to $53,300. Depreciation is average for a large truck, losing 30% of the value in the first 5 years.
- XL is the fleet-focused model with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, air conditioning, manual door locks, and an AM/FM stereo system.
- XLT is next in the lineup with 17-inch aluminum wheels, cloth seating, automatic headlights, chrome exterior trim, keyless entry, exterior keypad, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, SYNC voice control, Bluetooth connectivity.
- Lariat falls in the middle of the range and has 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather seating, heated front seats, a power sliding rear window, MyFord Touch infotainment, and two USB ports.
- King Ranch offers rugged luxury with a 2-tone paint job, unique 18-inch wheels, upgraded leather, wood interior trim, running boards, parking sensors, heated rear seats, and a Sony stereo system.
- Limited is a new ultra-luxurious model designed for the city with 22-inch wheels, monochromatic paint, xenon headlights, power running boards, sunroof, as well as a red and black interior.
- SVT Raptor focuses entirely on off-road performance with 17-inch wheels, larger all-terrain tires, a wider body kit, improved suspension, upgraded transfer case, and unique interior seating with suede inserts.
How Long Will the 2013 Ford F-150 Last?
A properly cared for 2013 Ford F-150 will last about 300,000 miles, which is longer than some other full size trucks. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than some rivals. Repair Pal estimates the costs to be $870 per year.
Yes. It has been very reliable. Other that routine maintenance, I have not had to make many repairs to main components on the vehicle.
Yes it is reliable, has a few issues with coolant leaking but nothing major has happened to it other than normal wear and tear!
I have had my f150 for 5 years and only problem I have had is water pump. The truck has been extremely reliable and never left me stranded, which is a common from my previous vehicles.
No the vehicle is extremely reliable. If you keep the service requirements up and drive it like it is made to be driven it will last well over 400k miles.
Not so far. It is very reliable and a good vehicle. I am very glad we purchased it. I would purchase another ford product in the future.
It does not have any problems at the moment. The motor is very strong and low maintenance. I have not needed to work on it or have it service for anything yet.
The ford f150 is reliable. The only challenge we've had is that if the air conditioning goes it is hard to replace since the whole dash has to be removed.
No problems. Very dependable runs well on regular unleaded or e85. I have drive a bit over 50,000 miles, still the original brake pads and tire.
2013 Ford F-150 Overview and Walkaround
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology in the 2013 Ford F-150 is average for a truck, but is missing some features found on the competitors.
- The base technology includes a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo system in the fleet-focused XL model, but the more common XLT model adds a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, and SYNC voice controls.
- Optional upgrades include the MyFord Touch infotainment system with an 8-inch screen, USB connectivity, and improved 6 and 8-speaker stereo options including one from Sony.
- Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, trailer sway control, stability control, and airbags. Optional upgrades include a rear view camera and parking sensors.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Ford F-150 offers four impressive engines, with the 3.5L EcoBoost the best option for drivers needing serious power. Performance in the 2013 F-150 is excellent for the class, and with the EcoBoost V6 the truck goes from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. With the 6.2L V8 and EcoBoost V6, the towing capacity is class-leading at 11,300 pounds.
- The base engine is a 3.7L V6 with 302 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque.
- An upgraded 5.0L V8 has 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The EcoBoost V6 is a 3.5L twin turbo and produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The flagship engine is the 6.2L V8, which makes 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the F-150?
The 2013 Ford F-150 is a half-ton truck, and has similar exterior dimensions to the competition including the Ram 1500 and Silverado 1500 series. Being a large truck, the F-150 may have trouble fitting into some residential and commercial parking garages.
Three cabin choices are available, including a 2-door regular cab, a 4-door SuperCab, and a larger 4-door SuperCrew. Passenger room is cramped in the back seats of the SuperCab, but is very spacious in the SuperCrew. There are three bed options available as well at 5-foot-6-inch, 6-foot-6-inch, and 8-foot lengths.
How Does the 2013 Ford F-150 Compare to Other Trucks?
Ranking 7th out of 15 full size trucks on the market based on owner reviews, the 2013 Ford F-150 is in the middle of the class.
The highest-rated half-ton truck option is the more expensive Toyota Tundra. Where the Toyota stands out is with class-leading reliability ratings, and a more comfortable cabin. The Ford offers more powerful engine choices, an off-road focused model, and a higher towing capacity. The Tundra is a better long-term truck, but if you need to haul cargo for work then the F-150 wins.
A close competitor is the more affordable Ram 1500 series. The Ram has a class-leading infotainment system, and a more luxurious standard interior. Reliability ratings are better in the Ford with fewer owner complaints, and there are more powerful engine choices available. Overall, the F-150 is a better choice and will outlast the Ram.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Ford F-150 a Good Truck?
Yes, the 2013 Ford F-150 is a good truck based on information from 666 verified owner reviews, and 18 government and automotive websites. Positives of the truck include reliable engine choices, and a higher towing capacity than any other half-ton truck. The downsides are outdated technology, and lower quality interior materials than the rivals. Although the 2013 F-150 is a good truck, the extra $2,000 to upgrade to a 2014 model is worth the cost since there are fewer owner complaints.