2005 Ford F-250/350 Super Duty: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford's Super Duty pickups get more powerful engines and a stiffer frame for 2005. The F-250/F-350 pickups share some components with the best-selling F-150 pickup but are intended for heavy hauling or towing. Mainstream 3/4-ton F-250s and 1-ton F-350s encompass rear- or 4-wheel drive 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 300-hp 5.4-liter V8, a 355-hp 6.8-liter V10, and a 325-hp 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8. Standard with all engines is a 6-speed manual; a 5-speed automatic is new to gas engines this year and available with all. The gas engines get more power this year with the addition of 3-valve cylinder heads. Horsepower is up 40 on the V8 and 45 on the V10.

According to Ford, the SuperDuty's frame is stiffer, which allows for greater payload and towing capacities. Also, grille and front fenders are redesigned. Ford claims that the newly available TowCommandSystem with integrated electronic trailer brake controls is the first such offering as factory equipment. Also included in this line but not included in this report are F-450/550/650 chassis.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty ½-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider ¾- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.