1997 Ford F250

Civilized workhorse

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

The Ford F250 is a big truck; one that is most often used for heavy duty work on farms, construction sites or pulling fifth-wheel trailers. That in mind, it came as a great surprise just how civilized this truck is. Today, trucks are all about features and how well they emulate a car. The 1997 F250 I test drove does an excellent job.

The height of the F250 offers a commanding view of the road. This height, though, creates a problem of its own: step in distance. Certainly, running boards should be standard on the 4X4 model of the F250; without them your pant leg will most assuredly get dirty, mine did.

Handling is excellent; significantly better than the GMC Sierra 2500. Steering is well assisted at low speeds and responsive at high speeds. The ride is firm, yet noticeably softer than the GMC 2500. Parking this behemoth is difficult, even though it has the regular 6' bed and not the 8'. The overall ride and handling is better than the Expedition, which I will review soon.

The F250 XLT I test drove priced out at just over $30,000. At that trim level, you get a very loaded vehicle. The standard engine had been upgraded with a 5.4L, Triton V8. This engine offered plenty of power, 235 hp to be exact and 325 lb-ft of torque. While this may seem like a lot of power it isn't nearly as much as the Sierra 2500 with the 454ci, 7.4L, V8. The 4-speed automatic with overdrive transmission seemed to linger between gears taking a long time to shift. During my week of testing, I net 16 mpg in 2 WD most of the time. According to EPA, mileage is rated at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Even with these mileage figures it doesn't take long to use up the 25 gallon fuel tank.

The F250 has dual front airbags: the passenger airbag had a cutoff switch in case you decide to use a rear-facing child safety seat. Other safety features are side door guard beams (including one in the passenger side 3rd door), 4-wheel ABS, skid plates, keyless entry and electronic shift 4-wheel-drive with control knob on the dash, no more locking hubs.

The vast number of car-like amenities that the F250 has shows how far trucks have evolved in civilization. The list includes power drivers seat, air conditioning, speed control, tilt steering, chrome wheels, 6 disc CD changer and numerous cupholders. Ford has added many other convenient items as well: a sliding rear window, flip-out quarter glass windows, front and rear tow hooks, 2 12-volt adapters and a lockable tailgate.

Over even the roughest of pothole laden roads, the CD player only skipped once. The changer is located just behind the driver's door, mounted in the door pocket.

Base price was a reasonable $25,425. With options, the total vehicle price including destination was $30,715. At only $1,000 more than the GMC Sierra and with many extra options including dual airbags, third door and a CD changer, the Ford F250 is the clear winner. As the old saying goes, the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. This truck is certainly a man's toy.