2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Total Car Score Analysis

The segment-leading Total Car Score earned by the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups reflects the overall positive reviews the trucks have received.  
 
Ford’s heavy-duty haulers were revised for the ’11 model year, with freshened styling, new powertrains, and a long list of high-tech appointments, all of which were designed to make the truck more user friendly for recreational and commercial buyers alike.  
 
Competition in this heavy-duty segment is fierce, and Ford won the horsepower (and torque) war against its cross-town rivals by introducing a new Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 and then subsequently developing a “super tune” that pushed its output to 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque.  
 
Tradesmen will be interested in the new power take-off option available with the diesel, while those who tow will appreciate the new exhaust brake, which uses backpressure in the exhaust system to slow the engine, helping to save the wheel brakes during long downhill stretches.  
 
About the only criticism the trucks received was aimed at the Spartan accommodations--vinyl upholstery, manual controls, and lots of plastic--in the base-level versions. But check the right option boxes and you’ll make these trucks comfortable, well appointed and even luxurious if you go all the way to the top-line King Ranch editions.

2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Model Line-Up

The 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups are F-250 (three-quarter-ton), F-350 and F-450 (both one-ton) trucks. All are available in XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch trim levels, and in regular, SuperCab or crew cab bodies.  
 
The base XL trucks is a spartan work truck with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl floor coverings and upholstery, and a two-speaker AM/FM radio (but it does include air conditioning). The XLT adds cruise control, power windows and seats, carpeted floor coverings, a CD/MP3 player and underseat storage. Lariat models ride on 18-inch wheels, offer dual-zone climate control, a 4.2-inch LCD touchscreen, wood grain trim and Ford's advanced Sync system. The top-line King Ranch models offer remote engine starting, leather upholstery, power-folding mirrors, two-tone paint, heated and ventilated seats and a rearview camera.  
 
The four-door trucks can be fitted with either a 6.75- or 8-foot bed; the regular cab receives an 8-foot bed only. Engine choices include a 6.2-liter 385 horsepower gas V-8 or the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8, which produces 390 horsepower and 735 pound-feet of torque. Both are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.  
 
Tow capacities vary greatly depending on the truck model and equipment level, and range from a low of 11,800 pounds (gas engine F-350 4x4 dualie with a conventional hitch) to 24,400 pounds (diesel F-450 dualie with a fifth-wheel hitch).

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