Expert Reviews
By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National August 19, 2005Vehicle Overview
Super Duty models are the hard-hauling brutes in Ford's full-size pickup truck line. The F-250 is the three-quarter-ton version, while the F-350 is rated at one ton.
Freshened styling on the Ford F-250 Super Duty adopted elements of Ford's Mighty F-350 Tonka concept truck for 2005. A new 6.8-liter V-10, with three valves per cylinder, produced 52 horsepower more than its predecessor. The Power Stroke diesel engine gained 10 pounds-feet of torque for a total of 570 pounds-feet, and a new three-valve version of the 5.4-liter V-8 delivered an additional 40 hp. Ford said the new TowCommand System, with its electric trailer-brake controller, was an industry first.
The F-250 Super Duty pickup comes in XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels. For 2006, equipment that was previously included just in the Lariat Luxury Package is standard in all Lariat models. An Amarillo Package for Lariat Crew Cab models features Blazing Yellow paint, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, black leather seating surfaces and other extras. A Chrome Package is available for XLT and Lariat SuperCab and Crew Cab trucks.
Forged polished-aluminum 20-inch wheels are available on SRW Crew Cab 4x4 Lariat, King Ranch and Amarillo editions. The King Ranch version of the Lariat Crew Cab is offered in two new two-tone color treatments.
Exterior
Styling differences between Ford's light-duty F-150 and the Super Duty models are most evident up front, where a massive grille dominates the Super Duty's nose. Super Duty pickups come in three forms: regular cab; four-door SuperCab with two conventional front doors and two smaller, rear-opening back doors; and four-door Crew Cab with four, conventional, front-hinged doors.
Wheelbases range from 137 inches on regular-cab models to 172.4 inches on the long-bed Crew Cab. Regular-cab pickups have an 8-foot cargo bed and measure 226.4 inches long overall, while SuperCab models are equipped with either a 6.75- or 8-foot bed and have an overall length of 231.2 or 247.4 inches. Either bed can be installed on the four-door Crew Cab, which measures 245.6 or 261.8 inches long.
Front tow hooks are standard. A chrome front bumper and bright grille go on XLT models, while the Lariat adds cab steps, fog lamps and a sliding rear window.
Interior
Regular-cab models seat either two or three occupants. A folding three-place rear bench seat goes into SuperCab and Crew Cab models. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player are standard in XLT models. Lariat trucks include power front seats with leather surfaces.
Under the Hood
Three engines are available in the F-250 Super Duty. The 5.4-liter Triton V-8 is now rated at 300 hp, and the 6.8-liter V-10 generates 362 hp and 457 pounds-feet of torque. A Power Stroke 6.0-liter turbo-diesel V-8 yields 325 hp and 570 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed-manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional. Super Duty pickups are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags and antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.
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