1999 Ford F-350 Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The most noticeable thing about the 1999 Super Duty F-250 is the new exterior styling. Some compare it to the big-rig look of the Dodge Ram. Traditionally, Ford's Super Duty trucks shared a cab with the F-l50 models, but this new line breaks that heritage. While the smaller F-l50s have rounded edges, the Super Duty pickups look like heavy-duty truck.

A dropped beltline gives the new F-250 a sense of openness and accessibility. It also makes it easier to climb in, a welcome feature when juggling tools, briefcases, or even toddlers. A distinctive dip along the front door side glass improves the driver's view of the exterior mirrors, a big help when towing a trailer or for seeing around cargo boxes or dump truck bodies.

Two new Triton overhead-cam engines are available: A 5.4-liter V8 is rated at 235 horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque, while a 6.8-liter V10 is available rated at 275 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds of torque. Our F-250 was equipped with the V8.

The 7.3-liter Powerstroke diesel has been improved; it is quieter, more fuel-efficient, and more powerful. Ford expects it to be rated at 275 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque.

A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with the gasoline engines, while a new six-speed manual is standard with the Powerstroke. The optional 4-speed automatic transmission has been improved. Manual locking hubs are still available for the 4x4s.

Many trucks these days are used for work and personal duty. To address that, Ford is offering twice as many configurations as before.

The Super Duty F-250 comes in regular cab, extended Super Cab and four-door Crew Cab models. Short-bed (6 3/4 feet) and long-bed (8 feet) versions are available. Three trim levels are offered: standard XL, mid-level XLT, and luxurious Lariat.

Extended cab models can now be ordered with four doors. The wheelbase of regular cab trucks has been stretched 4 inches and the truck is 9 inches longer overall. Wheelbase lengths include 137 inches (regular cab), 142 inches (SuperCab short-bed), 158 inches (SuperCab long-bed), 156 inches (Crew Cab short-bed) and 172 inches (Crew Cab long-bed).

With the ability to tow up to 13,400 pounds, the Super Duty F-250 offers the best towing capacity in its class.

Some retail prices, including destination charges: F-250 4x2 Super Duty SuperCab with 142-inch wheelbase in XL trim $20, 915; in XLT $22,295. F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab 4x4 in Lariat trim with 172-inch wheelbase $28,970, with two-wheel drive $25,870.

Interior Features

Ford designers didn't just make this truck bigger and better. They made it smarter. Realizing that today's truck owners spend a lot of time in their vehicles, designers paid more attention to comfort and convenience. New interior features include a fold-down armrest, a floor console that can accommodate a laptop, and a removable hanging bin for storage that can attach to the dash. Controls are big, easy to reach and manipulate and gauges are easy to read. The only exception is the instrument panel dimmer, which is a bit hard to reach. Two large cupholders are provided. The standard cigar lighter is augmented with a second auxiliary power outlet.

Passenger-side airbags offer a deactivation switch on regular cab and SuperCab models. Adjustable seatbelt anchors increase safety and comfort.

This truck is much roomier than before. An additional l.5 inches of seat travel is designed to accommodate a wider range of drivers. Shoulder room has been increased by more than 3 inches and hip room by more than 5 inches.