2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Editors Ratings

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EDITORS' RATINGS OVERALL SCORE:

RATING Overall

DETAILED EDITORS' RATINGS

RATING Dynamics

Towing performance is unsurpassed. A commercial-grade chassis (previously available only in cab-chassis form) and all-new 6.4-liter PowerStroke diesel engine combine to allow up to 24,500 pounds to be towed. The extra-wide front axle allow 45 degrees of steering lock, giving the F-450 a tighter turning circle than all other long-wheelbase dual-rear-wheel trucks.

RATING Comfort

Considering the tow rating, the interior is well-appointed and the seats are comfortable. Longer rear leaf springs make the unloaded ride better than last year's F-350, but it's still stiff without a trailer attached. Consider something else if extreme heavy-duty towing isn't your intention.

RATING Function

The standard 8-foot bed can carry over 6,100 pounds of payload. Air-conditioning, audio systems and other interior controls are straightforward. Plenty of interior storage is available via a large center console and generous bi-level door pockets. An innovative bed step folds out of the tailgate.

RATING Design/Build Quality

Outside, the F-450 looks every bit the part of a heavy-duty hauler. But inside, the tough truck theme is a bit over-the-top. Assembly quality is about average for such a truck.

DETAILED PROFILE:

Towing Capable

A maximum 5th wheel tow rating of 24,500 pounds says it all. And 16,000 pounds is possible with a standard hitch. Both are well ahead of anything else on the market.

Cargo Hauler

The F-450's standard 8-foot bed and dual rear wheels make it capable of hauling just about anything. For the record, the maximum payload capacity is 6,120 pounds.

High Performer

From a pure worktruck perspective, performance doesn't get any higher than this.

Off-Road Ready

While the width of the standard dual-rear wheel setup limits where this truck can go, the available four-wheel drive makes the F-450 better able to keep its load moving through difficult road conditions.

2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Editors' Model Ratings