2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty

Big and brawny gets bigger and brawnier for 2005. The F-350 Super Duty one-ton pickup is part of Ford's F-Series, the best-selling trucks in the U.S. Three engine choices are available, and they all get a power or torque boost for 2005. The standard 5.4-liter V8 gets a boost of 40 hp to 300 hp, and the 6.0-liter, 325-hp turbodiesel V8 now features 570 ft-lbs of torque. New this year is a 6.8-liter, 364-hp V10 that delivers 457 ft-lbs of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 5-speed shiftable automatic also available. Depending on the engine and choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the 2005 F-350 Super Duty can tow between 12,000 and 17,000 pounds.

There are three trim lines: the utilitarian XL, which doesn't even come with air conditioning; the mid-range XLT, which adds air, power features, and chrome bumpers; and the upscale Lariat, featuring leather seats, a power driver's seat, and a sliding rear window. The Harley-Davidson package adds sportier wheels, badging, flame paint, and chrome step rails, while the King Ranch offers more interior features. All trims but the Lariat are offered in RWD and 4WD; the Lariat comes only in 4WD. Three cab lengths include the two-door/two-person Regular Cab, the four-door/four-person Crew Cab, and the Extended Cab, with two regular doors and rear half-doors. Cargo bed length ranges from 6.75 feet to 8 feet. Being work- rather than family-oriented, the 2005 F-350 Super Duty does not offer much in terms of safety equipment. Dual front airbags and ABS are standard, but you'll need to pay more for backup sensors, daytime running lights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Dual rear wheels are available for the F-350.

Aside from the engine improvements, the 2005 F-350 Super Duty gets a new front suspension, exterior styling tweaks, and a new Tow Command system that features the first-ever electronic trailer brake controller. Complaints about the F-350 include poor gas mileage, which averages around 10 mpg, but technically the truck is too big to earn an EPA rating. Drivers say engine noise is loud and there is noticeable acceleration lag on hills. But the Ford F-350 is a top seller thanks to its heft and engine power, which make for first-class towing capacity. Cargo room and off-road performance also rate highly.