2006 Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty XLT Crew Cab 6.0L Diesel 4WD

Pickups used to be rated primarily by how much weight they could carry, resulting in standard classifications including half-ton, three-quarter ton, etc. How about a maximum payload of 3,300 pounds for the F-250, and a positively huge payload of 5,800 pounds for the F-350? Simply put, that's how much decomposed granite you can dump in the back, minus the weight of the neighbors you conned into helping you.

A Full Range of Features

Amazingly, even with all this capability the Ford Super Duty is a truck you can reasonably use for daily transportation. The roomy interior is quiet and comfortable, the diesel engine has more than enough power for any situation, and the steering and four-wheel disc brakes are refined to make everyday driving pleasant. The ride characteristics are on the firm side by intention, but the twin coil mono beam front suspension and staggered rear shocks do provide an acceptable tradeoff for the truck's towing and carrying capability. It'll be there when you need it.


When equipped with the Power Stroke diesel, the Super Duty pickup comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission that has a ratio for every conceivable need. Available for a nominal cost is a five-speed TorqShift automatic overdrive transmission. The automatic is a wonder of engineering, and its smooth, seamless shifts make it a joy to accelerate through the gears every time. And it features a Tow/Haul feature that bumps up the shift points and nicely eliminates gear hunting when you're towing a trailer.


Combing over the options list for the Super Duty Crew Cab makes for a terrific evening. There are a number of inventive packages available, including security, off-road, sport and towing, that make tailoring the truck to your specific interests easy. And there is still a host of stand-alone options to finish the job. For instance, Automatic/Manual locking hubs, which come with the optional Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 system, can get you through just about any road (or off-road) and weather conditions imaginable. And the list goes on from there, including a new Chrome Package for 2006, which includes a chrome grille, tow hooks, mirror caps, five-inch tubular step bars, pickup bed tie-downs and exhaust tip.


When you see a Super Duty Crew Cab on the road, you can't help but admire its handsome design and purposeful stance. But when you actually drive one, all outfitted just the way you need it and towing that sparkling new ski boat, you'll become a believer—and a Super Duty disciple. (www.fordvehicles.com)