Driving Impressions
reviewed by
The 5.4-liter V8 is rated 260 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque. The 6.8-liter V10 is rated 310 horsepower and 425 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines employ overhead cams for valve control. Ford calls them Tritons.
The 7.3-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel received a horsepower boost last year, from 235 to 275 horsepower; torque also increased from 500 to 520 foot-pounds. (These figures are for models equipped with the manual transmission; mated to an automatic transmission the diesel makes 250 horsepower and 505 foot-pounds.)
All three engines may be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. (The five-speed manual offered last year is no longer available.) Four-wheel-drive models offer either manual-locking or shift-on-the-fly auto-locking hubs.
With the ability to tow up to 12,500 pounds (with the optional Class IV trailer package), the Super Duty F-250 offers the best towing capacity in its class.
The F-250 feels smaller than it is, almost like a big luxury car. Steering is precise. Handling by big truck standards is crisp. Body roll is noticeably limited in the corners. And the ride quality is reasonably good, thanks to a compliant suspension. The chassis is quite rigid, which allows Ford engineers to tune the suspension for more car-like ride and handling.
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, which are standard, provide excellent driver feedback. Braking performance is impressive with smooth, undramatic stops.
The SuperCab's four doors are a great way to gain access to the rear seat. The rear seat cushion folds up and forward and the seatback folds down to create a flat, steel loading surface, a perfect place to put tools and other heavy items that need to stay secure and out of the elements. XL buyers who need out-of-the-weather cargo space more than seating capacity can delete the seat entirely for a $415 credit.
The rear doors are 25 inches wide. They hinge on the rear pillars of the cab and swing out a full 90 degrees from the doorsill. This design eases the loading of gear and passengers and contributes to occupant safety with the combination of vertical beams and a cross brace where the front and rear doors meet.
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