Ford's Super Duty series of pickups feature more towing capacity, horsepower, and a stiffer suspension than the popular F-150. The 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a three-quarter ton pickup available in three trims -- the workhorse XT, XLT, and luxury Lariat. Each come in a choice of a two-door Regular Cab, an extended SuperCab with reverse-hinged rear half doors, and a conventional four-door Crew Cab. An 8-foot bed is offered on the Regular, while the Super and Crew have a choice of a 6.75 or 8-foot bed. The 2005 Ford F-250 comes in either rear wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, with a new front suspension on the 4X4s, that tightens up the turning ratio.

New this year is a more powerful 5.4 V8 with 3-valve cylinder heads, that climbs 40-hp to get 300-hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. A 6.8-liter V10 adds 45-hp to deliver 355-hp and 450 torque, becoming the most powerful engine in its class. The ultimate powertrain is the 325-hp Powerstroke diesel, which puts out 570 lb-ft of torque. All come standard with a 6-speed manual or a new optional 5-speed automatic that comes with a tow/haul mode previously only available on the diesel models. Also new in the 2005 F-250 Super Duty are 17-inch wheels, larger brakes, and an angrier in-your-face chrome grille.

Three special edition packages are added this year for the Lariat. The Harley Davidson edition adds two-tone paint with flames, 20-inch wheels, and blacked-out headlamps, while the King Ranch features deluxe teak wood and Cantano leather. the Amarillo package comes only in bright yellow, with chrome accents, and a two-tone interior. New options on all models include automatic climate control and a 6-CD changer. Highlights of F-250 Super Duty ownership include top-notch hauling capacity (the new engines add 500 pounds to the towing ability), a powerful engine, lots of cargo space, and responsive brakes. Drivers wish there were more interior storage compartments, more options such as OnStar, and a quieter diesel engine.