How much did an F-250 cost in 1997?
In 1997, a Ford F-250 typically cost in the low- to mid-$20,000s for base models, with higher-trim and four-wheel-drive configurations pushing into the $30,000s, and diesel versions climbing into the upper $30,000s. Prices varied by body style, drivetrain, and options.
Pricing snapshot by configuration
Prices in Ford’s 1997 catalogs varied by cab style, drivetrain, and trim level. The figures below reflect approximate Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ranges for common configurations of the F-250 that year.
- Regular Cab, 2WD, XL: about $21,000–$23,000
- Regular Cab, 2WD, XLT: about $25,000–$28,000
- SuperCab (extended cab), 2WD or 4x2: about $28,000–$30,000
- SuperCab, 4x4: about $30,000–$34,000
- Diesel-equipped (Power Stroke) variants, SuperCab/4x4: about $34,000–$40,000+
Notes: These ranges come from Ford’s era catalogs and advertising. Actual prices at the dealership depended on options, regional taxes, freight charges, and any promotions in effect at the time.
Engine options and trim levels
What you could equip the F-250 with affected price. Gasoline V8 options were standard on many trucks, with larger-displacement engines available on higher trims. A 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel was offered on many HD configurations and carried a noticeable premium. The XL and XLT trims also defined price differentials, with XLT models typically costing more than XL equivalents.
- Gasoline V8 options (roughly mid- to large-displacement engines) added modest premium over base models depending on the trim.
- Diesel Power Stroke engines added a substantial premium, often several thousand dollars over a gasoline-only configuration.
- Extended cab (SuperCab) and four-wheel drive (4x4) drivetrains increased price relative to base Regular Cab 2WD models.
- XLT trims generally carried higher MSRPs than XL trims, reflecting equipment and features.
As with the previous list, these figures reflect broad patterns from 1997 catalogs; exact pricing varied by configuration and region.
Historical context and pricing factors
The late 1990s saw pickups like the F-250 becoming more capable and better equipped, with consumers increasingly choosing extended cab and 4x4 configurations for extra seating and off-road or work-site versatility. Diesel options provided higher torque for heavy towing, which also pushed up the price. Competing pickups from other brands and shifting fuel prices influenced how Ford priced different trims and options in 1997.
How to verify exact pricing for a specific 1997 F-250
To pin down the precise price of a specific 1997 F-250 configuration, consult archived Ford catalogs, vintage automotive price guides, or period automotive magazines. Online archives, library collections, or vintage dealer literature can provide the MSRP for particular combos (cab type, drivetrain, trim, and engine).
Summary
In short, the 1997 Ford F-250 ranged from roughly the low-$20,000s for base Regular Cab models to the upper-$30,000s for extended-cab, 4x4, or diesel-equipped configurations. The exact price depended on the combination of cab style, drivetrain, trim, and optional equipment. For precise figures, vintage Ford catalogs or contemporaneous price guides are the best references.
