2009 Ford F-450 Super Duty

The 2009 Ford F-450 Super Duty pickup can do some huge hauling and do it in style. This brute is delivered with the biggest pickup engine Ford has ever produced, a 6.4-liter twin-turbodiesel V8. This potent powerplant, managed by a standard six-speed manual overdrive transmission, puts out 350 hp at 3,000 RPM and a massive 650 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. A standard 4.3-ratio, limited-slip axle allows the F-450 to haul some 24,500 lbs when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch, while payload capacity across the board is 6,120 lbs.

A TorqueShift five-speed automatic transmission is an option with the F-450 Super Duty, as is a 4.88-ratio, limited-slip axle for a little extra oomph. With a radius-arm front suspension, the F-450 boasts the tightest turning radius in its class. Finally, Ford offers buyers a choice of three F-450 trim levels for ’09, XL, XLT, and Lariat, each of which is available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The base XL trim is delivered with such standard features as 19.5-inch polished alloy wheels, a heavy-duty trailer hitch with seven-pin wiring harness, step running boards, a trailer brake controller, folding rear seatbacks, air-conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with two speakers. The XLT trim features turn-signal mirrors, a remote anti-theft system, power windows, locks, and heated exterior mirrors, premium cloth front bench seats, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, and a CD/MP3 player with four speakers. Additional standard comfort and convenience features for the ’09 F-450 Super Duty Lariat trim include fog/driving lights, leather front captain's chairs and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power six-way driver’s and front passenger seats, a universal garage door opener, Sirius satellite radio, dual-zone temperature control, the SYNC hands-free communications system with Bluetooth technology, and a USB connector.

Safety features on all F-450 Super Duty trims include four-wheel disc ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, dual stage front airbags, and a post-collision safety system. Traction control is an available safety feature offered as an option on all trims. NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for the F-450.

Optional comfort and convenience features available with the 2009 Ford F-150 include a spray-in bedliner, up-fitter switches for power accessories, an in-dash computer with wireless mouse and printer, power windows, a single CD/MP3 player, power locks and mirrors, a tailgate step, a universal garage door opener, and dual alternators for the base XL. Available options for the XLT and Lariat trims include a rear backup camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment, GPS navigation packages, a power moonroof, power adjustable pedals, upgraded chrome and leather with unique branding, and a six-disc CD/MP3 player with premium sound speakers and a subwoofer.

Some owners of the 2008 F-450 Super Duty found the turbodiesel a bit unreliable and with an insatiable appetite for fuel, while others lamented the lack of available side airbags. Most, however, are pleased with the handling, looks, and comfort of the F-450, as well as its towing capacity and best-in-class turning radius.

By Eric Tallberg