Ellison Brown III
Full Access Members
On the 5.4, yes has it’s issues. The old Eddie Bauer I gave my daughter has approximately 305-306k miles on it. But it’s tired. Sluggish. And slurps gas. Honestly, I’d say that’s great for that many miles. Can’t compare the two in power (though a slightly unfair comparison due to the hard life the 5.4 is living now).I’ve owned 2 of the 15-17 trucks, and I think they are a pretty darn good value. I’ve heard not nice things about the 5.4, but many here have had no problems.
The 3.5 is not without warts, but mine has been great. Tons of torque on demand. I also prefer the exterior styling to the 4th gen.
Having driven that truck when it was in it’s prime I’d still give the EcoBoost the win on power and fuel efficiency. The 5.4 was never big on power in that truck in my opinion. Towed decently, but never breaking any speed records with it.
I’d have to image now most of those early model 5.4’s have got some miles on them. I see so many in the junkyards!!! That’s where I get most of my parts for it.