When Ford attached the nameplate to these new trucks, they put their money where their mouth is, and proved they were serious about the heavy duty F-250 and F-350 market. This pick-up truck has all the markings of the "Bigger is Better" Engineering that Ford has pioneered lately, like in the Lincoln Navigator and the Ford Expedition Sport Utility Vehicles, that have taken that segment by storm. The cab is huge - the step-in height of the Bright Red XLT 4x4 Short Bed SuperCab test truck was almost 3 foot off the ground, and the overall height was just under 7 feet tall. This is one big truck, and yes, "Size Does Matter."

Added to this mix was a whisper-quiet Triton 6.8 Liter EFI V-10 engine with 275 horsepower and Electronic "Shift On The Fly" Four-Wheel Drive, and that made this Super Duty drive and handle like a sports sedan. Well,...almost. You feel like you are in control at all times, which is a really good idea in a truck this size, with no shake, rattle or roll, and the handling is rock solid. Most likely, that's why I enjoyed this pick-up truck so much. The firm road feel, coupled with quick acceleration and 410 Ft. Lbs. of torque, made everyday driving a very stimulating experience, once I got my butt in the cab! I would strongly suggest that when you buy a Super Duty with Four-Wheel Drive, spend the extra bucks and order the optional running boards. They are well worth the money, as the only difficult thing to do with this rig is get into it!

After that, it's clear sailing, with great visibility, large side mirrors with cut-down doors, comfortable seating, and a neat center fold-down arm-rest storage console. And let's not forget Ford's "New" SuperCab concept, can you say, "Quad Cab"? Now, all 4 doors open up to make loading and unloading people, cargo and dogs a snap. The press truck that I drove was equipped the way I would have ordered it from the factory. "Arrest Me Red" Paint, Tan Interior with XLT Trim & CD Player, Triton V-10 Engine, Four-Wheel Drive with Budd Style, Forged, Eight-Hole, Polished Aluminum Road Wheels and LT 265/75R16 Steeltex All Terrain, Outlined, Raised White Letter Firestones. These double duty tires are smooth on the road and have lots of deep-grooved tread. They look great, and the polished wheels added that "Big & Bad Look" without the overkill.

The sheer size of this truck demands instant respect, from those in the know, and at the M.S.R.P. of $29,775.00 this puppy doesn't come cheap. But then again, it's not supposed to. Afterall, this is a Super Duty Truck, and that's the statement Ford is trying to make. So if you want to make a Big Impression, remember Ford Super Duty Pick-ups & the saying... "You Are What You Drive"... Think About It, Bubba. By Tony Leo © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco

Byline:  By Tony Leo © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
Column Name:   "You Are What You Drive"
Topic:  1999 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY PICU-UP TRUCKS
Word Count:   594
Photo Caption:  1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Photo Credits:  Tony Leo - AutoWire.Net
Series #:   1999 - 1