2009 Ford Super Duty F-250

Ford's Super Duty trucks were all redesigned for 2008, and they still represent some of the toughest workhorse pick-ups out there.

Three engine options exist, and they're all serious powerplants. The standard engine is a 5.4 liter V8 that pumps out 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 lb-ft at 3,750 rpm. It is hitched to a six-speed manual transmission with a five-speed TorqShift automatic as an option. The next step up is a 6.8 liter V10 engine that cranks out 362 hp at 4,750 rpm and 457 lb-ft at 3,750 rpm. This powerplant is only available with a five-speed TorqShift automatic. Those who need a diesel and its superior hauling and towing power will surely opt for the 6.4 liter Power Stroke diesel. It is billed as the most powerful Ford pickup diesel engine ever, thanks to its twin turbochargers. It makes 350 hp @ 3,000 rpm and a monstrous 650 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm.

The F-250 has a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,000 lbs and a payload of 3,120 lbs and towing capacity of 12,500 lbs, or 16,400 lbs with a fifth-wheel hitch when properly equipped.

Six trim levels of the F-250 Super Duty (SD) exist, starting from the XL, to the XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and Harley Davidson.

The standard cab has a seating capacity of three occupants abreast, and there is the SuperCab and Crew Cab as options, both of which offer five or six seats, depending on if the front bench seat is ordered. The latter obviously does it in more comfort, and features power windows that go all the way down into the door. Buyers also get a choice of 6.75- or 8-foot long boxes on all but the Regular Cab, which only gets the long box. Four wheel drive is optional across the range.

The F-250 is available with Single Rear Wheels only: to get a dually, you need to move up to the F-350.