2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Review
2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Power from supercharged V8 engine, towing and hauling abilities remain virtually intact, composed handling.
Cons
- Standard-cab body limits interior cargo space, niche-oriented focus.
What’s new
Completely new in 1999, the 2000 Lightning is the same, except for a new Silver Clearcoat exterior color.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$315/mo for F-150 SVT Lightning Base
F-150 SVT Lightning Base
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Take Ford's latest F-150 truck in shortbed, flareside form, add in a healthy mix of SVT philosophy and components, and Lightning will strike.
In this case, the spark is supplied by a reworked 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine with forged pistons, reduced compression, and a Roots-type supercharger from Eaton. Complete with an intercooler and a two-channel throttle body, this engine belts out 360 horsepower (100 more than a standard 5.4-liter Triton) and a massive 440 pound-feet of torque. Aided by a beefed-up automatic transmission, 9.75-inch rear axle and 12.1-inch front-disc brakes, the Lightning guarantees a thrill ride with the first turn of the key.
SVT didn't stop with the drivetrain. To keep all those extra horses from getting out of sorts, a unique suspension setup was created for the Lightning. This includes a lower front and rear ride height, specially calibrated shock absorbers, and two antiroll bars. These components ride on 18-inch five-spoke wheels with 295/45-18 Z-rated Goodyear tires for extra stick during acceleration and handling maneuvers.
The standard cab holds a radically non-standard interior featuring black-on-white SVT instrumentation (complete with boost gauge) and black-and-white leather seats. The driver seat is power-adjustable and an optional six-CD changer can be ordered to beef up the standard premium sound system.
Exterior enhancements are limited to a special front air dam with twin driving lights, a black grille, custom rocker panels, the aforementioned 18-inch wheels, and twin ceramic exhaust pipes. Color choices are limited to black, silver, red or white. A soft bed cover, as well as a Class III tow hitch, can be added to accent the truck's looks and utility.
If you're looking for a serious high-performance truck, you can stop your search right here. Nothing else comes close. A lot of "sporting" cars don't even match the Lightning's performance numbers. But the biggest question is why SVT offers the Lightning only as a regular-cab model when the world has clearly been moving toward more room and more doors each year. Dodge, with its Dakota R/T, is the only manufacturer smart enough to realize that performance and utility are not mutually exclusive. That said, the new Lightning is no toy, as its payload and towing capacity is only slightly diminished over the standard F-Series pickup. SVT is obviously betting that the old standard of a full-size, standard-cab performance truck will sell, if executed well. And this new truck is certainly well-executed.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning.
5 star(86%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
My fifth Lightning, Not Kidding!
BadBolt, 11/07/2010
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
New 2000 New 2001 Used 1999 Used 2001 Used 1999 It's a sickness. I guess I can't get this truck out of my blood. The Lightning is now a legend. Get yourself a low mile one while you can. They are going to be more difficult to find from here on out. I have never had any issues with the five I've owned. They tow like crazy. I think this will be my last, as I have the one I want for the … long run. Only drive this one in the summer and it's never seen salt. The only thing about the 99's is the spark plug threads in the cylinders only has four and if you're not keeping up on maintenance, you can have a plug blow out. Just make sure you check them for gentle tightness and don't over-boost the motor
4.88 out of 5 stars
Raze 00'Lightning
Raze, 11/04/2007
2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
Have had some paint problems with the truck (covered,repaint)Black. Have gone thru the 100K mi. todo list all ready. Two recalls on the truck, intercooler and the cruse control. Did go thru a set of tires. But, upgraded the exterior with 04' stying while changing tires, from signal mirrors to the wheels. Added Ram air hood to help the gas mileage. Anywhere from 9/12 city - 15/18 on open … road. Very happy with it.
4.63 out of 5 stars
This is one Great Truck
Bill, 11/08/2005
1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
From new it turned heads, beat muscle cars and sports cars. The most surprising vehicle I ever owned. Still has fresh looks and will for years. Excellent reliability. No mechanicals but two recalls performed without issue. Traction can be an issue in damp conditions due to extreme horsepower. Where else can you haul hay, tools, boat or camper while beating all but supercars up to 1/4 … mile. Takes only chip upgrade and air filter to equal 400hp. Bullet proof drive train up to 500hp.
5 out of 5 stars
Best I Ever Drove
Slick, 07/14/2009
2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl S/C 4A)
I rate this truck as the best I have ever had, a few slight problems but NOTHING to stop me enjoying every minute in it, its a very USED truck in my stable-it never gets the chance to sit idle- I even use it as my towing vehicle for my show (I'm a travelling showman)... I use it mainly for fun, but the serious side of my business is "Colossus, The Jet Trike", you can see what I do for a … living by going on "You Tube" and typing in "Colossus The Jet Trike"...This truck pulls a 2 ton trailer with my jet trike on it - like it does without it there!!! You want a REAL MANS TRUCK? - THEN THIS IS FOR YOU!!! If you want gas milage get a pretty little Honda or something...lol
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, so we've included reviews for other years of the F-150 SVT Lightning since its last redesign.
2000 F-150 SVT Lightning Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $315/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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