2003 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A new turbodiesel engine and automatic transmission highlight changes to Ford's 2003 Super Duty line. Mainstream 3/4-ton F-250s and 1-ton F-350s encompass rear- or 4-wheel drive, four 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. All models come standard with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Engine offerings are a 5.4-liter V8, a 6.8-liter V10, and a new 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 that produces 50-75 more hp and 25-30 more lb-ft of torque than the 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8 it replaced midway through the '03 model year. The 6.0 turbodiesel can be ordered with a new 5-speed automatic; the 7.3 offered a 4-speed, which remains optional for other engines. Standard with all engines is a 6-speed manual. Also for '03, there's a new FX4 Off-Road package with skid plates and steering damper; King Ranch trim is now available on crew cabs, which also gain an optional power moonroof; XLTs gain an optional reverse sensing system; XLs get a standard tailgate lock and vinyl bench front seat; and heated telescoping trailer mirrors are newly optional. This line also offers F-450/550/650 chassis with numerous special options.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles, this 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 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 and convenient 4-wheel steering.

Big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models in most aspects 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.