Product: Kool Vue Rear View Mirror
Price: $19.99 (Note that price may change from the time the review is published.)
Vehicle: 2007 Ford F-150 XL 6 Cyl 4.2L; 11th Generation (2004 – 2008)
Reviewer: Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Why You May Need a Kool Vue Rear View Mirror

The OEM mirror can’t provide nearly such a wide range of view. If your mirror is losing its “silver” and you’re frustrated at the limited field of view you’re getting with the mirror that came on your car, this universal unit is a great choice.

old F 150 rear view mirror — An old F-150 rear view mirror that’s losing its silver | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Product Review

Kool Vue Rear View Mirror

The Kool Vue rear view mirror, priced at $19, impresses with its design, offers simple installation, and greatly improves rear visibility.

$19.99 from CarParts.com

Price may change from the time the review is published. This product is also available from other stores.

Why You Should Trust This Review

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Initial Observations

The Kool Vue rear view mirror is perfectly made and easy to mount. The unit came in a thin plastic sleeve and is very impressive as soon as you get a good look at it. It has the “Objects in Mirror are Closer Than They Appear” warning so when you see a T-Rex behind you, look out!

The Fit

This mirror has perfect fit. It will easily clamp onto just about any inside existing rearview mirror.

Installation

The rear view mirror is easy to install but be careful. If you try to force this unit on the existing mirror, you’ll cause damage, so pay attention to the way it works. The release button is in the middle on the bottom of the mirror, and you keep your thumb off of that until you get the lower brackets (the ones with the “swinging tabs”) pulled all the way down against their spring pressure. They’ll lock in that position until you release them with the button on the bottom of the mirror.

Then you hook the upper brackets over the mirror with the lower brackets, apply pressure to the release button, and the lower brackets firmly grab the existing OEM mirror. Voila! The whole process takes about 60 seconds.

Performance and Overall Quality

new universal kool vue rear view mirror installed on a 2007 ford f 150 — A new universal Kool Vue rear view mirror installed on a 2007 Ford F-150 | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Driving with this outstanding rearview mirror provides a brand new experience. I can now see my cargo area (never could before) as well as the places where vehicles like to ride in my blind spot. This mirror is a must-have for vehicles without fancy cameras and radar.

Pros and Cons

This $19 mirror is comparable in price but superior in function and ease of installation to a similar mirror I purchased on Amazon a year ago for my other vehicle. Also, inside rearview mirrors of this type are very difficult to find in local chain parts stores, so no comparison could be made to locally purchased comparable products.

Pros

Easy and very quick installation – nice, well-engineered spring-loaded bracketry that can be latched open and then released to attach to the existing mirror. No tools needed.
Provides far superior rear view than the smaller flat mirror that came OEM, significantly enhancing driving safety and function.

Cons

No accompanying instructions of any kind were sent with it. Had to figure out exactly how to install it (although it wasn’t that challenging).

The Verdict

Before you decide to replace your existing rearview with another one like it, get one of these – you won’t be sorry!

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About The Authors

Written By

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By

Richard McCuistian

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.