2001 Ford F-250/350 Super Duty: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford's biggest pickups differ from light-duty F-150s in brawnier styling; larger, heavier chassis; beefier powerteams; higher payload/tow ratings. Mainstream 3/4-ton F-250s and 1-ton F-350s encompass rear- or 4-wheel drive, three trim levels, and 2-dr regular cab, extended SuperCab with rear half-doors, and full 4-dr Crew Cab. Cargo beds are 6.75 or 8 feet. This line also offers F-450/550/650 chassis with numerous special options. This year, all F-250/350 pickups get standard ABS 4-wheel disc brakes and trailering package regardless of gross-vehicle-weight rating. Also, the available PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 adds 15 hp (to 250) with automatic transmission, and goes to 275 hp with standard 6-speed manual. Gas 5.4-liter V8 and 6.8-liter V10 engines are unchanged. New 2001 F-650 Super CrewZer, a high-built semi-custom 4-dr designed for heavy trailering, has a unique 300-hp turbodiesel V8, 6-speed automatic transmission, and luxury interior.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles the segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.