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2008 Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab

Overview

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2008 Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

In a year in which the big news—both literally and figuratively—was presumably focused on Toyota's launch of its new Tundra, Ford arguably trumps Toyota's thunder with its debut of an all-new Super Duty. Constituting some 40 percent of Ford's F-Series sales, the Super Duty is intended to secure the most profitable segment of the pickup market. Ford stakes its claim to "best in class" with improved platforms, upgraded drivetrains and dramatically enhanced capability, particularly with the availability of the new F-450.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you're into commercial construction, agriculture or recreational towing, if you use a truck as a truck you'll benefit from the Super Duty's enhanced capability, refinement and convenience. And while the custom-spec car may have died a long time ago, the variety of permutations available from Ford's Louisville truck plant gives the Super Duty customer a chance at real customization, seemingly with more content variables than the U.S. tax code.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a pickup (especially in Crew Cab configuration) as a substitute for your SUV, you'll quickly realize the Super Duty's principal mission: Hauling things and people—not just people. To be sure, both Extended and Crew Cabs accommodate passengers quite comfortably, but if you're not regularly hooking up to a 10,000-pound trailer or loading an eight-foot bed with more than a couple of two-by-fours, you've overbought what Ford has overbuilt.

What's Significant About This Car?

Ford may throw its "Bold Moves" tagline at everything in its lineup above the Focus, but few things are more deserving of the description than Ford's new Super Duty. From its enlarged grille to the tailgate, everything on the new Super Duty has been redesigned or aggressively tweaked. Despite a familial resemblance to its predecessor, this is more than just a "freshening." Rather, it's a full-scale attempt to retain market leadership with a slew of class-exclusive features both inside (Quiet Steel dash panel) and out (power telescoping and folding trailer tow mirrors).

Driving the F450 Super Duty Crew Cab

Driving Impressions In most recent redesigns much is made of a "stiffer structure." Ford's design team complies, with higher-strength front-end structures, fully-boxed front frame rails, thick C-channel frame rails and crossmembers secured...

by, according to Ford, a "method that optimizes frame capability." The end result, enjoyed over some two hundred miles of south Texas roadway, is a truck offering the maximum in capability while still providing a full measure of comfort and control. This is a big truck but, from steering, to braking, to ride motion—enhanced by lengthened rear leaf springs—to interior quiet, the Super Duty impresses as one highly refined tool, and not merely a "truck."

Favorite Features

King Ranch Trim
In an era of $70,000 Cadillac Escalades, a $50,000 pickup shouldn't be cause for alarm. A King Ranch-equipped Super Duty, however, will raise eyebrows not with its window sticker but, rather, its level of refined "tough" luxury. Constituting both interior (Chaparral leather) and exterior (PowerScope mirrors) upgrades, the King Ranch enhances over-the-road comfort with material, workmanship and appointment upgrades, adding immeasurably to the Super Duty's attractiveness. And, unlike some luxury pickups, there's no intention of appealing—overtly—to the Country Club set; this remains a work truck and not a work-in-progress.

Power Stroke Diesel
With its 6.0-liter predecessor, the clattering came from both under the hood and consumer websites. But now Ford has created a diesel offering more power (350 horsepower) and torque (650 pound-feet), along with a cleaner burn, quieter operation and better throttle response (via dual sequential turbos). Add a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for peace of mind and you've got a segment-leading package.

2008 Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab Details

Interior

With the debut of the current F-Series, Ford established a benchmark for pickup interiors. In the new Super Duty the benchmark is moved upward in available choices, functionality and appointment. The XL interior provides feet-on-the-dash utility, XLT and Lariat trim levels give the customer more expressive design and the King Ranch package coddles you in highly refined Chaparral leather. All trims benefit from new materials, surfaces and accents. Lariat and King Ranch owners will enjoy dual-zone climate control. All audio systems are MP3-capable, so download your Toby Keith collection.

Exterior

A walk-around with Ford's head of truck design, Pat Schiavone, begins with the grille. The Super Duty's corporate three-bar opening is flanked by expansive vertical inlets and topped by "SUPER DUTY" in big capital letters. The expansive grille is for more than simply show—it fronts a confluence of cooling capability for engine, transmission and the intercooler that serves the diesel's two sequential turbochargers. Better cooling means, of course, bigger towing. Beyond the imposing edifice are new fender-mounted vents, available telescoping mirrors and optional 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. When compared to the previous Super Duty, the grille and hood blister provide the main visual differentiation.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

We'll start at the front, where Ford has located a front step bumper—under-the-hood checks are made easier when the step-stool is built-in and not something you need to carry with you. In back Ford includes a hitch receiver—matched to each model's capabilities—on every Super Duty, along with seven-pin and four-pin connectors. Given the importance of towing capability to the Super Duty mission, the receiver is a standard feature any owner can appreciate.

Optional Equipment

As noted, the Super Duty order form provides a wealth of choices for virtually any commercial or recreational use. Those intending to tow with their Super Duty trucks will appreciate Ford's factory-installed TowCommand System. The system fully integrates the trailer brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS), TorqShift automatic trans and tow/haul mode into one safe, capable towing platform. Functional enhancements include a foldable bed extender, which improves load utility when in place and stays out of the way when not needed. Accessing the bed is made easier—and safer—by the why-didn't-they-think-of-this-before tailgate step option. And for those venturing off into the Great Unknown, an optional navigation system should get you there and—hopefully—back again.

Under the Hood

Ford offers three engine choices for work, play or any combination of the two. Base powerplant is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 offering 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more from the gasoline side of the Ford family, the 6.8-liter Triton V10 should satisfy, putting 362-horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque under your right foot. Finally, there's the aforementioned 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel, infusing the Super Duty with both "tow" and "go."

5.4-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
365 pound-feet of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.8-liter V10
362 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
457 pound-feet of torque @ 3250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.4-liter V8 Turbo Diesel
350 horsepower @ 3000 rpm
650 pound-feet of torque @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Ford F450 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

6.3

Out of 10

Based on 31 Ratings for the 2008 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

6.3/10

Quality

6.7/10
Reliability

6.7/10

Performance

6.9/10
Comfort

7.9/10

Styling

8.1/10

DO NOT BUY THIS TRUCK!

By trb (MD) on Saturday, December 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Looks awsome, gets attention, pleanty of power whe"

Cons: "too many to list in 50 characters"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Worst truck I have ever owned, and I have owned all of fords heavy trucks since 1996. This one id the abs. worst, in shop more than out(NO I am not exaggerating) I have turned it over to my lawyers to go after the dealership and ford trucks. Funny how lemon law does not apply to this truck because it is concidered commercial. I am going Dodge from now on."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I love it, absolutely love it.

By Biggs (OH) on Wednesday, August 01, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Power, reliability, roomy comfort."

Cons: "Tight suspension when not hauling or towing."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Picked up a new 2012 F-450 fall of 2011 to tow travel trailer and toy hauler. It is a dream pulling with this beast. We have been from one end of the country to the other and even way up North in Canada. The gas mileage varies from 10 mpg to 17 mpg depending on what I am towing and how "green" my driving is that day. The instant feedback full economy display really helps temper my desire to exercise the engine. The ride is much better when towing but is still tolerable when not towing (just don't have full cans of soda or full cups of coffee in the drink holders if you don't have some weight in back). I would highly recommend the towing package. My kids have lots of room in the back seat and enjoy the after factory ceiling mounted DVD player. My wife rides shotgun and enjoys the roomy front seats and being able to play her iPod through the sound system. I regret not upgrading the electronics package and getting an in the dash GPS - however the Sync turn by turn system does work very well. Lesson learned. Normally I replace my truck every two years or so, right around the 60K mile mark. I might hang on to this one a little longer than usual. We'll see if it remains trouble free."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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This is tough

By mitakuwe (MI) on Thursday, June 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 102,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Interior very good and it will tow anything!"

Cons: "Price, durability, fuel economy, maintenance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"This truck will pull anything but the pricetag makes it unaffordable for most, the engine has some features that make it less than reliable. Ford has managed to take it's best engine ever (the venerable 7.3)and make it a pedestrian engine (6.4l) that needs constant maintenance and high dollar repairs. The particulate trap plugs up and has a burn cycle built into it. Many take it out and tune it which is about a $1500 add. 19.5 inch tires are very expensive, fuel economy is as bad as it gets at about 13 - 14 empty and under 10 when towing. Expect engine repairs or replacement before 150k. Why would put a 5.4 in an F-450? The interior is very roomy and can accomodate a family easily enough but for the pricetag you could buy 2 SUVs and use about the same amount of fuel. Then there's the issue of insurance. Try finding an insurance agent that knows how or is willing to write a non-commercial policy for one of these. It's hard to find"

9 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Bad Bad Bad truck cannot be said loud enough

By Aff (GA) on Tuesday, June 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 185,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "Absolutely NONE"

Cons: "Broke down every 2 months minimum"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought the 2011 F450 new. It is used as a commercial truck and now has close to 200k miles. Engine has been replaced twice. Turbo has been replaced 5 times. I also have same year 1 tons of other brands that have had zero issues doing the same commercial job."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love this big obnoxious truck!

By Nate (TN) on Tuesday, April 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power"

Cons: "Fuel Mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"Pulls anything you want to pull! I pull a 40' fifth wheel RV with no problems. The emmissions system is terrible resulting in terrible fuel mileage. Depending on where you live, if you can, remove it, get a programmer, exhaust, and air intake and you should be quite happy with the Ford 6.4. If not, you probably won't! I love this thing! I call it "Big Obnoxious" because that's what it is. Comfortable on long rides, tons of power (with the add ons), and it looks great while doing it!"

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Great truck, awesome power!

By Jenk (NC) on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great power, luxury inside!"

Cons: "Fuel mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have this truck as a work/farm truck. It has awesome power, great turn radius, luxury inside, but sure takes the fuel. We have the 5 speed automatic. When cruising on the interstate, it could use another gear. 2011 and up do have 6 speed automatics."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 31 reviews