The 6.8-liter V10 ($600) is rated 310 horsepower and 425 pounds-feet of torque. Both gas engines are part of Ford's Triton series, and employ overhead cams for valve control.

The 6.0-liter Powerstroke turbocharged diesel V8 is an expensive option ($5,085), but it is rated 550 pounds-feet of torque at 2000 rpm, and 325 horsepower at 3300 rpm. That's more peak horsepower and torque than the 7.3-liter turbo-diesel that Ford offered until early last year. The new engine is also cleaner running and more economical.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all Ford Super Duty models. The 6.0-liter diesel offers a five-speed automatic as an option ($1,480), which is a sweet combination. The gasoline engines can be ordered with a four-speed automatic transmission ($1,095).

The F-250 feels smaller than it is, almost like a big luxury car. Its fenders don't seem to fill rural roads ditch to ditch as much as the Dodge trucks do. Steering is precise. Handling is good, though not as good as the newer designs from Dodge and GM. Body roll is noticeably limited when cornering. Ride quality is okay for a heavy-duty truck, thanks to a compliant suspension, but it isn't nearly as smooth as in the newer Dodge and GM trucks.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, which are standard, provide excellent driver feedback and smooth, undramatic stops.