Pickups have evolved enormously since the post-war years when they were considered purely as workhorses. You will now struggle to find a new one that doesn’t feature similar equipment levels to a high-end sedan, with air conditioning and power windows as standard features. Vehicles like this 1996 Ford F-150 Eddie Bauer Edition demonstrate the evolving trend because it could function as an effective and extremely comfortable daily driver that would leave its new owner wanting for nothing. That new owner is in the near future because the seller listing it with No Reserve guarantees that a new home will be found in a few days.
It is fair to say that while some paint combinations age like fine wine, others don’t stand the test of time very well. The Pacific Green and Light Saddle gracing this Ford’s exterior is stunning, and while the F-150 has twenty-eight years and 175,000 miles of active service under its belt, it should still turn heads for the right reasons. The shine and depth of color are impressive, with the seller admitting that a close inspection will reveal minor flaws and imperfections. However, they wouldn’t justify spending money on a cosmetic restoration unless the new owner prefers perfection. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the listing states that this classic is rust-free. The color-matched cap is a welcome feature that provides improved protection for the bed and the loads it carries, while the trim and chrome are excellent for their age. I can’t spot any problems with the glass, and the alloy wheels appear flawless.
Powering this F-150 is Ford’s 4.9-liter fuel-injected six which sends 150hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Unsurprisingly, power-assisted steering and brakes are an integral part of the package. This isn’t the most potent combination offered by Ford in 1996, but it represented an excellent compromise. It can still carry respectable loads in the bed or on the tow hitch, but a gentle touch with the right foot will produce surprisingly good fuel consumption figures. The seller doesn’t make any bold claims that this is a low-mile survivor, with the odometer showing 175,000 miles. However, it is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. Therefore, the winning bidder could build a relationship with their new toy by flying in and driving it home.
There was once a time when Pickup interiors were so basic that buyers felt lucky if a heater was standard equipment. My, how times have changed! A family member recently parked a shiny new Ford Ranger Raptor in his driveway, and the equipment levels are staggering. He has an App on his phone that allows him to remotely fire the engine into life. He says this is a great way to ensure the heater is blowing warm before he climbs behind the wheel. This F-150 treads the middle ground because while its features are pretty typical by modern standards, they were way above average in 1996. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and, in this case, an aftermarket CD player. The condition is impressive when we take the odometer reading into account. There is no significant wear or signs of abuse, and none of the plastic pieces have succumbed to use or UV exposure. It isn’t showroom fresh but is comfortably acceptable if potential buyers consider the F-150 as a driver-grade classic.
The seller listed this 1996 Ford F-150 Eddie Bauer here on eBay in Spokane, Washington. It is sometimes challenging to determine whether a classic is desirable, but with twenty-four bids pushing the price to $7,700, there is little doubt in this case. The current figure is modest, and I expect it to climb as the end draws near. However, the fact that it isn’t a 4×4 and that the odometer reading is 175,000 miles may limit its appeal in the eyes of some potential buyers. It will be fascinating to monitor this auction to see where the bidding lands when the hammer falls.
And that’s another thing, who in ‘tarnation is this Eddie Bauer, and why did Ford make such a brew-ha-ha about him in their trucks? Well, I’ll tell ya’, an icon in outdoor clothing, he apparently was in cahoots with Ford to make specialty vehicles with his name on them, a well known practice in the auto industry. I read, the “Eddie Bauer” edition added a whopping $5600 to the price of a regular F150, $3,000 more than an XLT and basically got stripes and interior doo-dads. America, freedom,,,to gouge the consumer, that is.
Agreed. It was pure cosmetic and added nothing but looks. Similar in concept to the TX/OK package Ford offered locally in Houston around the same time. Prettier? Yes, a little bit. But nothing, other than some slightly different shock/spring rates. No extra power, no better mileage, no better handling. The interior was exactly the same as my 96 XLT. I compared and chose not to go with Eddie Bauer. Honda is doing the same thing with their $1500 HPD package on the Ridgeline. Fluff.
XLT Lariat is all the luxury in the Ford parts bin Howard.
XLT Lariat?
Absolutely. My buddy always got Eddie Bauer Explorers. I bought Mercury Mountaineers, mid-level trim, and had all the same upgrades, for a sticker almost$5K less.
Still daily driving my last one, a 2008, since some stupid bean-counters killed Mercury.
And if I wanted a new Explorer (car, not truck, btw) they tell me no matter the trim level, can’t get adjustable pedals, eliminating my relief driver on trips.
The Eddie Bauer editions were certainly better looking and more comfortable than a stripped model. I don’t see how Ford gouged the customer though. The upgrades would cost much more than the premium if you were to add them after purchase. You like it, you buy it, nobody’s forced into any car deal. I knew a co-worker in the 90’s who had one. They were very nice trucks.
Hi Dave, perhaps gouge wasn’t the right word, I just don’t fall into their “name a truck after some billionaire, charge another $5grand” exactly a friendly notion. I’ve seen plenty of F150s that were just as fancy, sans the Eddie Bauer hype. Ford wasn’t alone in that practice, and practically every car maker made some fuss over a name, when playing on peoples emotions, a vehicle with a fancy name certainly must be better, somehow, and got the same truck pops did. Detroit thought a vehicle with “Cassini” or ” Pininfarina”, or “Maserati”, would garner added sales, and may have in the Eddie Bauer case, but generally, people didn’t go for it. I wouldn’t. If I wanted a large fries, I’d ask for one.
Love the color on this truck but those white walls got to go !
White walls DO NOT belong on a pickup!
I miss my ’96 F150 Club Cab 4WD w/a 351,bit
not the 12 mpg that it got.
WOW! What a beautiful truck, even if you don’t know who Eddie Bauer is? It really doesn’t matter. Some might think the 2 wheel drive, short box and the mileage are negatives. I disagree it is just the opposite for me, I think the $7,700 dollar bid could triple and it would be worth it! If I had time, money and the room this truck would be in my garage! I know many who think these Sport Pick-Ups or as I call them ,Gentleman’s Trucks are not very popular or in great demand. If you think that, I will give you a ride in my 73 Ford P/U and you can see the reaction it gets and be surprised by the type of people that react to it.
Whitewalls and 2WD. Enough said
Well this is one to watch I guess mine is a 93 with only 112k miles in just as good of condition and bids for this are already over $8k if it goes much higher I might consider getting mine detailed and posting it on evil bay. The 96 is the last year for the factory daul tanks and just on the main tank you can travel further than that wannabe truck from Tesla and then you still have the 19 gallons in the second tank to keep going. A few years ago I sold a 96 with the 5.0 it h 222,000 miles on it and still ran and drove out nice this one should last a while.
Put it on Bring a trailer, you’ll get even more with that crowd. The site seems to be getting ever more snooty, however, so questionable if they would accept it, but I would submit it and see. Just don’t let them force you into a no reserve auction.
The money is due to it being a standard cab short bed in good condition. The Eddie Bauer with the upgraded interior is a bonus but not the main selling point. It’s likely to spend the rest of its life going to local cars and coffee, there is nothing wrong with that. It’s high bid will still put it below the selling price of many cars that are in need of expensive work or full restorations. This truck is an opportunity to get into what appears to be a nice turn key car that can be enjoyed immediately.
Steve R
got to say this being born in 1945 every time I see a car or truck from the 90s I think what is a newer car doing on this site until it hits me this truck is almost 30 years old so to all you younger people enjoy every day time goes way to fast
That it does, Al.
Nice looking but 175k miles. No thanks
Even with the increased cost, Ford sold a ton of vehicles baring the Eddie Bauer signature.
To me, a work truck is a work truck is a work truck. Durability, three pedals and a key. Cosmetics are broadway tinsel fodder!
Randy, I feel sorry for you.
Not surprised to see an automatic but expected a V8. The six is certainly a fine engine and worthy of its place under the hood. As for the package price, $5Gs over a base Custom or XL would have gotten you a load of equipment. Everyone’s favorite air conditioning, pw&pl, tilt, cruise, the nicest seating trim, wheels, tu-tone paint and, I’m sure, more. Limited colors but each looked rich. This is a stylish truck that still looks the part.
Absolutely a beautiful truck for sure. They had a good smooth ride but, 11-13 miles to gallon was it for these trucks. That being said, I would still love to have it! Always loved this body style. Would be hard to find a cleaner one for sure! Whoever ends up with this is going to be a lucky one! Enjoy!