2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty: Road Test

2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty 

  • MSRP: $22,650 - $50,615
  • Invoice: $21,246 - $46,413
CG Rating

52

out of 110

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty help you decide if a 2008 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
3 4 4 4 5.2

No opportunity to test with manual transmission. Super Duty trucks best with the brawny V10 or turbodiesel V8, adequate with the 300-hp V8. Automatic transmissions responsive and smooth.

FUEL ECONOMY

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
2 3 1 2 2.6

In Consumer Guide testing, an F-250 diesel averaged 14.8 mpg. An F-450 crew cab diesel averaged 10.1 mpg. Non-diesel engines use regular-grade gas.

RIDE QUALITY

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
3 4 4 3 4.8

Generally smooth, aided by these trucks' weight and long wheelbases. Optional 20-inch wheels have minimal effect on ride quality.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
3 3 3 2 3.6

Steering a bit numb on-center, but responsive enough. Decent overall handling given their size. Hard stops swift and undramatic even on slick roads. Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD a plus for convenience, but it's not usable on dry pavement.

QUIETNESS

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
5 4 5 4 5.5

Wind noise rises sharply at highway speeds, but tire noise isn't annoying and the gas engines are restrained, though not hushed, except at high rpm. Diesel engine intrudes during acceleration, well muted at idle and while cruising.

CONTROLS

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.3

Gauges clear, well-placed. Most controls are handy, though some radio and climate buttons are a bit of a stretch.

DETAILS

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
5 6 6 6 5.3

Materials range from stark to fairly fancy depending on trim level and options.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
7 9 9 9 8.2

Standard bench seat has enough space for three large adults, but is too hard and flat for long-haul comfort. Available twin bucket seats are more accomodating. Step-in varies with model, but they're all high; some 4WD versions require a long stretch, though side steps are available. Commanding visibility in all models.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
0 3 3 7 5

SuperCabs have fine head room but very limited leg room, and the seatback is too upright to be comfortable. Crew Cabs offer vast head and leg room with a comfortable seat wide enough for three adults.

CARGO ROOM

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
1 4 4 6 5.3

On par with rival GM and Dodge models for space, with plenty of in-cab storage. Optional tailgate step a handy, worthwhile feature.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
7 8 8 7 6.7

These Fords have all the power, toughness, and comfort to satisfy big-truck users. The revisions for 2008 bring notable upgrades, but don't purchase a Super Duty before checking out the fully-redesigned heavy-duty pickups from Chevrolet and GMC.

Total Score

F-250 reg. cab, V8 F-250 ext. cab, turbodiesel F-350 ext. cab, V10 F-450 crew cab, turbodiesel Class Average
43 55 54 57 58.5

Total Score: 43

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
39
Average Score
58
High Score
70

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