2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　There are only minor changes in store for the 2006 Ford F-250. The Lariat trim, for instance, is a bit more luxurious this year as it features the formerly optional dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirror and trip computer as standard equipment. There's also a new Amarillo package, which includes Blazing Yellow paint, special wheels, black interior accents and unique black leather seating. One can also get new 20-inch aluminum wheels on selected models and trim levels. Finally, Ford has cleaned up the V8 diesel's emissions this year so that the engine's now legal in all 50 states.

　　

zzdcar says

　　High payload and towing capacities and a wide variety of configurations and special-edition models help make the 2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty a viable option for those who need a hard-core pickup civilized enough for everyday use.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 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 North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for F-250 Super Duty XL

　　F-250 Super Duty XL

　　XL 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $22,470 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $24,600 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $24,800 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $25,480 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $25,980 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $26,175 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $27,615 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $27,810 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $28,985 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $29,185 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $26,210 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $29,130 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $29,325 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $29,345 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $31,460 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $31,655 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $32,265 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $32,470 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,600 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,805 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $31,765 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $31,970 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,400 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,595 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,840 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $35,035 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $37,480 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $37,685 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The Ford Super Duty trucks, introduced in 1999, are built on a separate platform from the smaller F-150. Bigger, stronger and more robust, they are meant to perform feats of which the F-150 isn't capable. In an effort to stay competitive in a "more is better" marketplace, Ford increased payload and towing capacities for 2005.

　　Thanks to a new fully boxed front frame clip and revised engine choices, the Ford F-250 can haul an extra 500 pounds. Tow ratings have also jumped, with the F-250 diesel model now capable of dragging an incredible 15,000 pounds. Under the hood, the base-level 5.4-liter Triton V8 gets a slew of new technology lifted from the F-150 line, including three-valve cylinder heads and variable valve timing responsible for a bump in output to an impressive 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.

　　Also available is the venerable Power Stroke diesel, which happens to be the most popular engine choice in the Ford Super Duty lineup with a stump-pulling 570 lb-ft of torque on tap. All Ford trucks equipped with an automatic transmission come with a tow-haul mode. The front suspension on four-wheel-drive models uses coil springs, and the result is a significantly reduced turning radius (versus previous leaf-spring setups), which should come in handy when trying to navigate into tight parking spots.

　　Moving inside, the base-level XL and midlevel XLT feature a dual-pod instrument cluster that locates the message center between the round tachometer and speedometer. The high-end Lariat model gets Cherry Zebrano wood grain appliques and features leather seating surfaces and steering wheel controls for the stereo and air conditioning. Among the available options are a six-disc CD changer and an in-dash trailer brake control system. However, the 2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty isn't for everyone, as the price of a diesel-equipped Crew Cab can go well past $40,000. You'll also want to check out the F-250's formidable competition, and keep in mind that a fully redesigned Ford F-250 is expected to debut for 2007.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　The Ford F-250 Super Duty is available with three different engines. The base engine is a 5.4-liter V8 that generates 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.8-liter V10 generates 362 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The best choice for those who do serious towing and hauling, though, is the 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 rated at 325 hp and 570 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is standard with these engines, but a five-speed automatic is also available. Properly equipped, an F-250 can tow up to 15,000 pounds.

　　

Safety

　　Antilock four-wheel disc brakes are standard. The Super Duty also offers power-adjustable pedals. There is no NHTSA or IIHS crash test data on the Ford Super Duty trucks.

　　

Driving

　　The Ford F-250 Super Duty is actually quite civil on the highway, as it soaks up heavy ruts and bumps with ease while providing a quiet ride. The coil spring suspension and large-diameter wheels have reinvigorated the platform, as handling is crisp and precise on the open road or on tighter city streets. The steering can still feel a little vague, though, so some extra attention is required to keep the big truck headed in the right direction. The Power Stroke diesel provides incredible power, and even with a 15,000-pound trailer hitched to the back, acceleration is smooth and linear thanks to its broad power curve.

　　

Interior

　　On the inside, Ford Super Duty trucks look much like their half-ton counterparts. The seats are comfortable and supportive, but the base grade upholstery feels a little downmarket. Everything else is covered in hard plastic, and while the fit of the panels is mediocre, it will probably hold up pretty well under extreme working conditions. Five or six adults can ride inside with little problem as long as you choose the SuperCab or Crew Cab body. In addition, there are many interior convenience features designed for today's business owners. For example, the center console bin is big enough to hold a laptop computer.

　　

2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty models

　　The Ford F-250 Super Duty comes in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab body styles. SuperCab models have small rear-opening doors, while the Crew Cab has four full-size swing-out doors. A plethora of optional equipment is available, including electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, a heavy-duty suspension package and telescoping trailer-towing mirrors. To match your desired level of opulence, there are three trim levels available: XL, XLT and Lariat. XL models are work trucks, and as such come with a vinyl bench seat in front; manual windows, mirrors and locks; a basic AM/FM radio; and no air conditioner. The XLT adds cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40 front bench, air conditioning, a CD player and a full set of power controls. High-line Lariats come with features like leather upholstery, a power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.

　　

2006 F-250 Super Duty Highlights

Type: Crew CabSuperCabRegular CabSuperCab

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatXL

　　

Base MSRP	$24,600
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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