Ford F-250 Super Duty Review

2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Regular Cab Shown

Sometimes, a regular coffee just won't do it. You need something on the order of a double cappuccino to get the job done -- something with more kick, more muscle. For pickup truck buyers needing a similar boost, there's the Ford F-250 Super Duty.

As with that double cap, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is quite a different beast from its standard brethren. Nowadays, light-duty pickups have become quite commonplace as daily drivers and even as family vehicles. Ford's F-150, in particular, has been hugely popular for the past three decades. The F-250 Super Duty, however, is a 3/4-ton pickup truck that's still often seen doing what it does best -- hauling and pulling big loads.

There are a number of reasons for Ford's popularity in this niche segment. Chief among them is the fact that Ford has typically offered a mind-boggling variety of body styles (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab), powertrain options and trim levels to choose from. This wealth of options allows everyone from small business owners to wealthy ranchers to find an F-250 Super Duty that suits their needs. Another reason that Ford's heavy-duty hauler is a fave is that it can handle massive payloads while also being easy to drive and comfortable to ride in.

Recent improvements have yielded a stronger turbodiesel V8, even better ride and handling dynamics and a redesigned cabin with higher-quality materials. Still, there are a few other choices to consider, as Chevy and Dodge also offer worthy choices in this powerhouse field. With the domestic Big 3 constantly improving their heavies, it's almost anyone's ball game for a given model year. All are eminently capable, so we suggest driving them all back to back before you make a purchase decision.

Current Ford F-250 Super Duty

The current Ford F-250 Super Duty debuted for the 2008 model year. Although most of its sheet metal is unchanged, the front end was restyled for an even more aggressive look that includes a massive grille and stacked headlight/turn signal assemblies. There's also available power telescoping/folding side mirrors and a unique drop-down tailgate step that provides easier access to the bed.

Upgrades under the skin include a more robust chassis that's coated to further resist corrosion, an updated rear suspension design that improves ride and handling dynamics, and a bigger, stronger Power Stroke diesel V8 that pumps out an impressive 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Inside the cab are higher-quality materials and a standard MP3 audio jack.

Three body styles (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab) and four trim levels (base XL, midlevel XLT, off-road-oriented 4WD-only FX4 and plush Lariat) are offered. Many options are available to further customize the F-250, including a fancy King Ranch package and a Tow Command system that integrates the control of the trailer brakes with those on the truck.

A trio of engines sees duty in the Ford F-250 Super Duty: the standard 5.4-liter V8 (300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque), an optional 6.8-liter V10 (362 hp and 457 lb-ft) and the aforementioned 6.4-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 (350 hp and 650 lb-ft). Transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Buyers can choose either two- or four-wheel drive across the board.

Past Ford F-250 Super Duty Models

The previous-generation Ford F-250 Super Duty ran from 1999-2007. The debut of this version marked the first time that Ford gave its heavy-duty pickups their own style. Compared to the soft contours of the F-150 of the time, the angular Super Duty with its massive grille looked every bit the square-jawed brute that it was under the skin.

Initially, the typical trim levels of base XL, decently-equipped XLT and plush Lariat were offered in standard, extended and crew-cab body styles. Engine choices included the standard 5.4-liter V8 as well as the optional 6.8-liter V10 and 7.3-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8. A five-speed manual was standard, with a four-speed automatic optional.

If you're looking for a used Ford F-250 Super Duty, there are a few year-by-year changes to be aware of. In 2001, updates were made that included standard four-wheel ABS for all trims, an available reverse parking sensor, heated seats for the Lariat and more power for the Power Stroke engine. The following year brought a six-speed manual, new seats and the option of power-adjustable pedals.

For 2003, the FX4 off-road package debuted, as did (for crew cabs) an optional power moonroof and the King Ranch edition. A smaller, yet more powerful, 6.0-liter Power Stroke replacing the 7.3-liter version debuted that year as well. (Buyers should be aware, however, that the 6.0-liter diesel engine has a poor reputation for reliability.) For 2005, the big news was a new five-speed automatic transmission, an upgraded front suspension, a new grille and headlight design and increased towing and hauling capacities. The next few years saw just minor changes to feature and package availability.

In our review of this generation Ford F-250 Super Duty, we found it to be a strong performer. Even with a 15,000-pound trailer hitched to the back, acceleration was smooth and linear thanks to the diesel V8. The firm suspension provided a compliant ride along with relatively crisp handling. We also felt that the integrated trailer brake system is a great idea, as it links the trailer brakes to the truck's electronic ABS system for smooth emergency stops.

Although the cabin's fit and finish was unimpressive in our XLT-trim truck, the seats were supportive and the interior was mostly quiet (though under hard acceleration there is a fair amount of powertrain noise) and rattle-free. Overall, this F-250 Super Duty makes for a likable companion on a long haul.

Previous to 1999, the F-250 (it wasn't called the Super Duty yet) was visually virtually indistinguishable from the F-150. However, with available muscle that included a 7.3-liter V8 and the Power Stroke turbodiesel, it was obviously up to much more demanding towing and hauling tasks.

SELECT A SPECIFIC FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.