2008 Ford F-150 and F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty

2008 Ford F-150 and F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty 2008 Ford F-150 and F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty
Review

Introduction

Even though its sales were down in 2007, the F-series pickup is still America’s bestselling vehicle, as well as one of the most important and profitable vehicles in Ford’s lineup. Like all pickup trucks, the range of choices is mind-boggling. The basic F-150 is available in five models plus five additional trim packages. There are three engine choices: a somewhat weedy 202-hp, 4.2-liter V-6 in the base truck; a 248-hp, 4.6-liter V-8; and a 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8. There are 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8.0-foot bed lengths; regular, SuperCab, and crew cabs; and Styleside and Flareside box styles. And, of course, four-wheel drive is an option.

For the more hard-core pickup aficionado—or those who need a more heavy-duty vehicle—Ford offers the F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty pickups. The F-250 and the F-350 are available in four models with two trim packages; in regular, SuperCab, and crew-cab forms; with three different engines; and 6.75- and 8.0-foot beds. The F-450 is a monster, powered by a 350-hp turbo-diesel V-8 engine that makes a stupendous 650 pound-feet of torque and provides a ridiculous amount of towing capacity.

Verdict

The current F-150 is coming to the end of its life, but it’s still a capable, stylish truck with an interior that remains among the best in the field. The only weaknesses are the powertrains. The F-150 is saddled with an outdated four-speed automatic that lacks a towing-and-hauling feature, and the engines are outgunned by their competition from, well, every other truck in the full-size market. The Super Duty models are also competitive and include a six-speed automatic; they’re at their best when outfitted with the excellent V-8 diesel engine. With a new, 2009 F-150 coming this fall, there should be good deals on 2008 models.

Click here to read our full review of the Ford F-150.

­­­­­Click here to read our review of the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Supercharged.

Click here to read our full review of the Ford F-series Super Duty.

Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Ford F-150.

What’s New for 2008

Since the F-150 is about to be refreshed, Ford made minimal changes for the 2008 model year. There’s a so-called cargo management system on 6.5-foot Styleside beds, which features aluminum crossbars and side-mounted plastic bins to hold all manner of cargo. A rearview camera system is new and is offered on the Super Duty pickups as well.

The most significant change for 2008, however, is the addition of the F-450 model itself; it looks like a scaled-down Peterbilt. Powered by Ford’s strong 6.4-liter V-8 turbo-diesel engine, the F-450 can pull up to 24,500 pounds when outfitted with the fifth-wheel package.