In today's very high-priced used car market, many car buyers are now looking at "older" models that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars. And The Ford F-150 is clearly one of the best pickups available and an "older" model can most definitely still be a viable and more economical option.
The key is finding a well-maintained candidate with lower than average miles (15,000 per year). And they are indeed out there.
The 2013 F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility, durability, and a wide range of configurations to suit various needs. The 2013 model year was part of the F-Series twelfth generation (2009-2014), which is one of the most popular and long-standing truck lines in the United States./p>
In addition to appealing qualities such as strong engines and a comfortable cabin, the F-150 is also America's top-selling pickup due to its myriad of available trims and powertrain combinations. There's basically something for everyone, whether one mostly drives around town, has significant towing or hauling needs, or even requires advanced off-road toughness.
And new for 2013, the Ford F-150 got a minor style revision along with new features such as the MyFord Touch infotainment interface, hill-descent control and xenon headlights. In addition, a new Limited model replaced the shelved Harley-Davidson version.
Also, More On Ford F-150 Reliability
For more reliability information on the F-150 across many model years, see our comprehensive Ford F-150 Reliability Guide which covers the best years to buy, those to avoid, common mechanical issues, and much more.
Also, if you'd like to compare different Ford models, or years, be sure to read our Ford Reliability & Problems: Best Used Fords & Years Guide. It highlights the models, best years to buy, common problems, and helps you choose the right vehicle.
2013 Ford F-150 Reliability
The 2013 Ford F-150 is widely regarded as one of the best full-size pickups of its generation. It offers an excellent balance of capability, comfort, and durability, with several proven engine choices that are capable of providing well over 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Whether used for commuting, towing, or work duties, the 2013 F-150 has earned a strong reputation for long-term reliability.
Ford offered four engines for 2013: a 3.7-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 6.2-liter V8. The 5.0-liter V8 is generally considered the most dependable all-around choice thanks to its simple design, strong performance, and relatively low repair costs. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost delivers outstanding towing power and fuel economy but requires more attentive maintenance as it ages due to its twin turbochargers and direct-injection system.
The six-speed automatic transmission has proven to be one of Ford's better truck transmissions and routinely lasts beyond 200,000 miles with regular fluid changes. Suspension, steering, and four-wheel-drive components are also durable, especially on trucks that have not been subjected to excessive towing, off-road use, or heavy commercial work.
Like any pickup now more than a decade old, overall condition matters far more than mileage alone. A truck with complete maintenance records, evidence of regular servicing, and minimal rust is often a much better purchase than a lower-mileage example that has been neglected.
Overall, the 2013 Ford F-150 remains one of the best used full-size trucks available. Buyers who choose a well-maintained example can expect many more years of dependable service, making it an excellent value in today's used truck market.
- Overall reliability: Above Average to Excellent
- Expected lifespan: 250,000 to 350,000+ miles with proper maintenance
- Best choice: 5.0-liter V8 with documented maintenance history
- Watch for: EcoBoost timing chain noise, turbo maintenance, transmission servicing, and signs of heavy towing or rust
Bottom line: The 2013 Ford F-150 is one of the strongest used truck values on the market. Its proven powertrains, durable transmission, and excellent parts availability make it a smart choice for buyers seeking a dependable pickup that can last for many years.
- Why it's a good choice: Proven engines, excellent towing capability, durable transmission, and strong resale value
- Biggest concern: EcoBoost maintenance history and evidence of heavy commercial use
- Best version: 5.0-liter V8 or a well-maintained 3.5-liter EcoBoost with documented service records
- Buy only if: The truck has complete maintenance records, shifts smoothly, and passes a professional pre-purchase inspection
The 2013 F-150 continues to be one of the most dependable full-size pickups available and remains an excellent choice for buyers who need a capable truck with the potential for hundreds of thousands of miles of reliable service.
Possibly Buying Soon? Avoid These Dealer Traps
Before you sign, learn:
- What you don't know about dealer trade-in offers could cost you - Which dealer fees you must pay, can negotiate, or should avoid - How to avoid giving the dealer the upper hand on a used car price - How to avoid overpaying for a new car
2013 F-150 Pros
Powerful engine lineup: Even the F-150's base 3.7-liter V6 engine serves up strong acceleration. With its 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, it goes from a standstill to 60 mph in a very respectable 8.2 seconds.
But clearly the most impressive is the available twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (EcoBoost) which offers both more power and better fuel efficiency. Producing 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, a rear-drive model with this engine blazes through the 60 mph sprint in just 6.5 seconds.
The V8 engines are no slouchers either. The 5.0-liter V8 produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torgue and even a four-wheel drive model with this engine accelerates to 60 mph in a quick 7.2 seconds, while the 6.2-liter V8, standard issue on the Raptor, pumps out 411 horses and 434 lb-ft of torque on the way to a 0 to 60 time of 7.1.
Good V6 fuel-efficiency as well: The base 3.6 gets a quite respectable (for the full-size pickup class) EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive lowers these numbers to 16 city and 21 highway.
And again very impressive, the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter has a gas mileage rating of 16 city and 22 highway with rear-drive, and 15 and 21, respectively, with four-wheel drive. Not only do models with this engine get better gas mileage than the V8s, but they are faster as well.
Attractive and well-built cabin: The F-150's interior provides a more than pleasant environment and is solidly constructed with good quality materials. The front seats are among the most comfortable in the full-size pickup truck segment while the crew cab models offer enormous amounts of rear legroom.
That said, the SuperCab is adequately roomy, but the rear legroom is noticeably less.
Comfortable, competent ride: Supported by a powerful choice of engines and a very solid chassis, the 2013 F-150 offers both a smooth and comfortable drive as well as surprisingly agile handling capabilities for a truck.
The electrically assisted power steering produces good feedback and easily maneuvers this full-size truck. Even on rough roads, the F-150 retains its composure with little, if any, rattling or shuttering.
Useful tailgate step: The integrated tailgate step relieves the clumsiness and sometimes hazardous task of climbing up onto the truck's bed. It's easy to use and offers a secure hand-hold.
The SVT Raptor model is a beast off-road: Off-road enthusiasts rejoice! Those looking for a truck that can tame some of the roughest terrains out there will likely be well-pleased with the SVT Raptor.
It should be noted, however, that its higher ride height and wide body can make it a bit tricky to drive around town at times.
2013 Ford F-150 Cons
SuperCab's clamshell rear doors: The rear-hinged clamshell rear doors are less convenient than traditional front-hinged doors because you need to open the front door to access it and keep it open while you open the rear door.
Unimpressive V8 fuel economy: The 5.0-liter V8's increased horsepower and torque lower fuel economy to 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, while opting for four-wheel drive decreases mileage to 14 city and 19 highway.
Fuel economy with the 6.2-liter V8 with rear-drive comes in at 13 city and 18 highway while the Raptor swallows up 12 mpg city and 16 highway.
Sometimes maddening MyFord Touch system: The MyFord Touch system conveniently allows you to control entertainment, cell phone and navigation functions through voice controls. However, in practise it has been plagued by some speed and ease of use issues.
Most of the frustration has to do with its touch sensitivity. The system uses a plastic resistive touch display which requires fairly strong presses in order to properly register. Sometimes you can find yourself pressing the screen two or three times to advance to the next step.
And sometimes the screen can stop responding at all, which requires going back to the home screen and starting over. It's great when it works properly, which is most of the time, but can drive someone a bit crazy on ocassion as well.
Rivals
As good as the F-150 is, we always think it wise to check out a vehicle's strong rivals before making a final buying decision. Those worthy of consideration would include the Chevy Silverado, the Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra, all with approximately similar capabilities and pricing.
Also, Considering a New F-150?
See our 2026 Ford F-150 pricing and negotiation guide to learn what buyers are paying, how much they're getting off MSRP, and what discount you may want to target.