2006 Ford F-350 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-350. 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 along with a wide variety of configurations and special-edition models make the aging 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-350 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-350 Super Duty XL

　　F-350 Super Duty XL

　　XL 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $23,200 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $23,905 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $25,660 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $25,850 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $26,205 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $26,560 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $26,855 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $26,910 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $27,110 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab SB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $27,860 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $28,055 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $28,670 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $28,865 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $29,510 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $29,920 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $30,115 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $30,810 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $31,005 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $27,300 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $28,185 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $30,450 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $30,565 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $30,770 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $31,275 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $31,635 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $32,765 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $32,960 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $33,715 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab SB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $33,890 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $33,910 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $34,090 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,730 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $35,670 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $35,865 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $36,735 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $36,940 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $33,060 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $33,265 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $34,000 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $35,560 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $35,755 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $36,140 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $36,335 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab SB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $36,560 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $36,755 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD LB DRW (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $37,025 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) - $38,390 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.4L 8cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $38,595 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $39,350 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.8L 10cyl 6M) - $39,545 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 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 fully boxed front frame clip and revised engine choices, the F-350 can haul an extra 1,000 pounds. Tow ratings also jumped, with the F-350 diesel model now capable of dragging an incredible 19,200 pounds.

　　Under the hood, the base-level 5.4-liter Triton V8 received a slew of 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 Super Duty lineup with a stump-pulling 570 lb-ft of torque on tap. All 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. Externally, the F-350 retains much of its original broad and brawny look.

　　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, as well as 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 Super Duty isn't for everyone, as the price of a diesel-equipped Crew Cab can go well past $40,000. Smart shoppers will want to check out the F-350's formidable competition, which includes the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and the Dodge Ram 3500, and keep in mind that a fully redesigned F-350 is expected to debut for 2007.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　The F-350 can be equipped from a choice of 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 rated at 325 hp and 570 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is standard with these engines, but a five-speed automatic with a tow-haul mode is also available. Properly equipped, an F-350 can tow up to 19,200 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 Super Duties.

　　

Driving

　　The F-350 is actually quite civil on the highway, as it soaks up heavy ruts and bumps with ease. The coil spring front 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, however, so extra attention is required to keep the truck centered at highway speeds. The PowerStroke provides incredible power, and even with a trailer hitched to the back, acceleration is smooth and linear thanks to the diesel's broad power curve.

　　

Interior

　　Inside, the roomy cabs have large, comfortable seats and generous seat-track travel. 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 house a laptop computer. Materials quality is nothing special, as the base grade upholstery feels a little downmarket while the dash and door panels are covered in hard gray plastic.

　　

2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty models

　　The 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-350 Super Duty Highlights

Type: Crew CabSuperCabRegular CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatXL

　　

Base MSRP	$26,910
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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