2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Review

The 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD is another of those American-only vehicles known as the heavy-duty pickup truck. This particular version is a one-ton which is a working truck capable of hauling just about anything your heart desires, but is still a beauty.

The F-350 4WD is basically unchanged in looks from the 2008 model year. However, there are a number of things about this version that are new. In fact, every trim level of the F-350 4WD has something new to offer. But probably the neatest thing is the brand new Cabela package.

The Cabela package comes in your choice of five two-tone paint schemes, each with Sterling Gray Metallic lower body accents. The exterior has running boards, wheel lip moldings, mud flaps and Cabela badges. Inside you get a center stack finished with dark Paledo wood and seats (leather or cloth) and floor mats with the Cabela's logo.

Three engines are available on the F-350 4WD - a 5.4 liter, 300 horsepower gasoline V8, a 6.4 liter, 350 horsepower diesel V8 and a 6.8 liter, 362 horsepower gasoline V10. These can be paired with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, each with overdrive.

The big trucks like this aren't required to provide fuel efficiency estimates. Rest assured, though, you shouldn't expect much. Anything over 10 miles per gallon is a gift.

Likewise, vehicles this size aren't rated by NHTSA crash tests, though crash safety shouldn't be an issue for anything this size and weight. The F-350 4WD does have a number of safety features available, including a locking tailgate, anti-theft device, antilock brakes, limited slip differential, traction control and the usual array of airbags.

There is also an array of trims, but they break down fairly simply into XL, XLT, FX4 and Lariat, in order of ascending prices and features. You can also get the Harley-Davidson, King Ranch or Cabela packages. Each of these comes with one or more of three cab sizes and two bed lengths. Cabs are the standard two-door, the smaller back seat/storage area called the Super Cab and the full four-door Crew Cab. Bed lengths are approximately six feet and eight feet.

Maximum towing for the F-350 4WD is 18,700 pounds, which is better than either the Chevy or Dodge one tons. At 5,430 pounds, the maximum payload is also better than the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 4WD, though less than Dodge. Overall, Ford horsepower is slightly below average for its class and the warranty is also below average.

Base price on the 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD is $28,975, making it easily the lowest priced new one-ton pickup truck on the market. Considering what it delivers, not a bad deal at all.