Debuting the tenth generation of the iconic pickup, the 1997 Ford F-150 offered a range of new features and redesigned styling. This vehicle was available with a 4.2-liter V6 engine producing 202 horsepower or two V8 options: a 4.6-liter with 231 horsepower, and a 5.4-liter delivering 260 horsepower. A RWD drivetrain came standard, with 4WD available as an option. The F-150 was offered in three trims: Standard, XL, and XLT. A 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission option were available. Modernizing the cockpit, Ford equipped this model with dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and improved chassis design for improved handling and ride comfort. Despite its ruggedness, the 1997 F-150 ushered in a new era of pickup trucks that combined work capability with creature comforts normally found in passenger cars.