2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty Review
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty Review
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Used F-250 Super Duty for sale
Appraise This CarFord F-250 Super Duty model years
Ford F-250 Super Duty types
- SuperCab
- Crew Cab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Refined ride and handling, smooth-shifting automatic transmission, available trail brake controller.
Cons
- Base V8 not as strong as base V8s in competing trucks.
What’s new
The 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty has been fully redesigned. Under the skin, a number of major upgrades take place. Ford says the chassis is stronger than before and now has a new type of coating for improved corrosion resistance. The rear suspension has also been tweaked to improve ride and handling without compromising capability. For power, there's an updated version of the PowerStroke diesel engine. It now displaces 6.4 liters and makes an impressive 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Also new this year are higher-grade cabin materials, a standard MP3 audio jack, available power telescoping/folding side mirrors and a unique, drop-down tailgate step that makes getting into the bed easier.
Edmunds says
With this year's increase in output for the PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 and refinements to the cabin, the 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty is back in the running for the heavy-duty pickup title.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for F-250 Super Duty XL
F-250 Super Duty XL
vs
$264/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
For most folks, a half-ton pickup truck, such as Ford's own F-150, is more than adequate, easily handling the occasional hauling and towing chores Joe Suburbanite may throw at it. Transporting goods from Home Depot, moving the kid to college and towing a pair of jet skis or snowmobiles aren't a problem for a half-tonner. But for equestrians, owners of large boats and those who tow trailers that resemble rolling condos, a 3/4-ton pickup is a must. Ford's entry in this class is the 2008 F-250 Super Duty.
Although a capable and very popular workhorse, the outgoing Ford F-250 Super Duty was a dated design compared to the more recently revamped rivals from GM and Dodge.
The Ford's performance lagged behind and the cabin didn't offer the comfort, storage and luxurious feel of the newer trucks. For 2008, Ford has revamped the F-250 Super Duty pickup considerably, giving this sales chart superstar greater work capacity along with a much improved interior.
More than just the aggressive, in-your-face looks, the freshened front end styling brings a functional advantage. The higher hood, bigger grille and redesigned front bumper all allow more cool air to reach the radiator. Available behind that grille is a larger PowerStroke diesel engine. Now at 6.4 liters (versus 6.0 liters last year), the new engine has twin turbochargers -- a small one for quick response off the line and a larger one that kicks in to beef up the midrange.
A high-pressure common-rail fuel system with high-tech injectors is also new for the diesel; Ford says that because these injectors administer fuel in up to five metered spurts per combustion cycle rather than all at once, reliability is improved, emissions are reduced and the engine even runs quieter. Another benefit is quick startup -- this diesel can fire up in fewer than 2 seconds at minus-20-degrees F.
Supporting the new engine is a stronger frame. Ford says it's tougher than before thanks to new reinforcements and increased usage of high-strength steel. There's also a new rear suspension design; it's said to improve stability during acceleration, braking and cornering. It should also lower the truck's rear end for easier towing of tall gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers.
Previously, we lauded the Fords heavy hauler for its work capacity and smooth ride and handling qualities, but took issue with its back-of-the-pack performance and cold interior ambience. This year's major improvements, namely the more potent PowerStroke engine and revamped cabin, go a long way toward putting the 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty back near the top of the class.
Performance & mpg
There are three engine choices for the F-250 Super Duty: the standard 5.4-liter gasoline V8 (which makes 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque), an optional 6.8-liter V10 (362 hp and 457 lb-ft) and the most popular choice (and the one recommended for those who do serious hauling and towing), the available 6.4-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, which now makes 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. Regardless of engine choice, buyers have a choice of transmission: a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic and either two- or four-wheel drive.
Properly equipped, the 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty can tow up to 12,500 pounds and handle a 23,500-pound Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) when fitted with the optional 4.10 rear axle.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes are standard, but neither side- nor side-curtain airbags are available. Power-adjustable pedals are optional on XLT and Lariat models (equipped with automatic transmission), as are rear parking sensors.
Driving
Though we've driven the new Ford F-450 and come away impressed, we've yet to sample the 2008 Ford F-250. Check back later for specific F-250 commentary.
Interior
A rugged, industrial theme marks the revised cabin, and materials quality is improved over the previous truck. Chrome accents surround the gauges and air vents, while the new center stack puts controls in easier reach. Dual door pockets and a massive center console/armrest address our previous gripes about inadequate storage. In fact, the center console box is now big enough to accommodate a laptop and/or hanging files. In crew cabs, folding the rear seats up reveals a flip-out utility tray that keeps the load floor flat.
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty models
The 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty 3/4-ton pickup truck comes in Regular Cab, SuperCab (extended cab) and Crew Cab body styles. The SuperCab has a pair of small rear-opening rear doors, while the Crew Cab has four conventional full-size doors. SuperCabs and Crew Cabs are available with a short (6.75-foot) or long (8-foot) bed; regular cabs are long-bed only.
Four trim levels are offered: base XL, midlevel XLT, off-road oriented FX4 (4WD only) and luxurious Lariat. Regular cabs are available only in XL and XLT form. The XL is meant for those who just need a bare-bones work truck; it comes standard with plain vinyl upholstery, a basic AM/FM radio, 17-inch wheels and not much else. Additional comforts such as air-conditioning are optional, or one could move up to the XLT, which adds cloth upholstery, an MP3 audio jack, a 40/20/40 front bench, a CD player, cruise control, chrome wheels and full power accessories. The FX4 provides serious off-road hardware, including skid plates, heavy-duty shock absorbers, a limited-slip rear axle and a manual-shift transfer case. High-line Lariats come with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power front seats (driver-seat only on Regular Cab) and dual-zone automatic climate control. All trims come with a clever flip-down tailgate step that hides within the tailgate when stowed.
Depending on the trim, numerous options are available, such as reverse park assist, a navigation system, power folding and telescoping mirrors and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The XLT Sport package includes a monochrome treatment with color-matched bumpers and grille, foglamps, chrome step bars and privacy glass. The King Ranch package provides two-tone paint, 20-inch alloy wheels and fancy leather seating and trim inspired by a western saddle. Highly recommended for those who tow is the Tow Command system option, which seamlessly integrates the control of the trailer brakes with those on the truck.
I'm Not Sold on Our Long-Term Ford F-150 Lightning
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#17 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford F-250 Super Duty from 2008-2022.$989/yr
vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.12x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).23.8%
vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
5 star(55%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
73 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.63 out of 5 stars
2008 F250 Blown Motor
remax5915, 06/22/2011
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)
I kept reading post after post on the internet about the 6.4 and wondering if my day would come? Well here it is. My $58,000 truck with 126,000 miles on it, with no warning except for the temp. gauge climbing, which I immediately pulled over and stopped trashed the motor. Guess I knew after Ford adandoned the motor after only three years I was in trouble. Shame on you Ford!!
Thanks for … no help and a $17,000 repair bill..........
3.63 out of 5 stars
Warning of issue with Ford Diesel Engines
dianas1, 11/14/2012
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)
Ford corporate recently told us that we need to test the diesel fuel every time before filling up our 2008 Ford diesel F250.
This occurred after contaminants were found in the fuel and we now have up to $12k in damages.
The truck has less than 70k miles and this is the second time this has occurred (first at 24k).
Truck still under warranty. No abnormal driving, primarily highway and … occassional pulling of a 3 horse gooseneck trailer. All scheduled maintenance, including fuel filters, was regularly performed by a Ford Dealer. No warning lights came on before engine shut down.
Through postings on diesel forums and leasing associations, we are hearing this is not an uncommon problem.
4.63 out of 5 stars
The Multi-Tool of Trucks
strivingfirst, 06/13/2009
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)
Really folks this is a great truck and even better if you do some very minor tweaks. There is lag when you want to pass someone. Ford put that "feature" there to preserve the life of the transmission. The gas mileage stinks becase the EPA said we needed cleaner burning engines.. oh the irony. You can feel bumps more compared to chevy. Chevy uses IFS on the front end and when that chevy … IFS breaks, then you see the reason ford stuck by solid front and rear axles. With one modification you can increase your HP and Torque by 50%, have 100% throttle control when passing, and improve your MPG by 30%. You can do this by buying a tuner for about $1500.00. Check out a diesel forum and you'll see.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Good ol' Truck
Mike Bowman, 03/10/2015
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M)
I now have just under 130,000 miles on this truck and I have hauled tons and tons of rock, 5th wheel, and a car. I have had nothing but great performance, no repairs, and perfect reliability. I have the V8 and it has been able to haul everything including a couple of times overloaded with ease.
2008 F-250 Super Duty Highlights
SuperCab
XL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,020 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 12,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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