The Ford F-450 is part of Ford's F-Series of full-sized pickups, designed to haul heavy loads and provide a comfortable ride while doing so. Available in a crew-cab style with an 8-foot bed, the truck can haul six adults with its heavy loads. Also, if not traveling in a large group, the rear seats can be folded and a utility shelf can be flipped out to keep the floor flat.
The F-Series is in its 12th generation of production and is assembled in Dearborn, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; Venezuela; and Mexico. The F-450 has its own chassis with radius-arm front suspension. When running empty, the ride is slightly rough, but the towing and hauling capacity is 24,400 pounds and 4,920 pounds respectively, making it worth the rougher ride. With a wider front end than the F-150, F-250, and F-350, parking and travel on narrow roadways can be a challenge, however. Fuel economy is not tested for the F-450; however, driver testimonials say mileage ranges from 7 mpg to 15 mpg on highway driving, towing at full capacity.
The F-450 includes a 400-horsepower,... View more 6.7-liter turbodiesel with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and anti-lock disc brakes. In general, a rugged yet utilitarian theme dominates the interior. Chrome accents decorate gauges and vents; however, for the 2009 and 2010 models, a special Harley Davidson edition was available. Also during that period, a six-speed manual transmission came standard with a 6.4-liter turbodiesel V8.
Four trim levels are available for the F-450; the XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch. The Lariat offers a leather interior and the King Ranch appeals to those seeking western style, with western saddle-style leather and trim. An off-road package can also be added, as well as a sunroof, navigation system, and a transmission power takeoff. The center console in the F-450 is spacious, allowing easy storage of a laptop for contractors visiting a site, or any traveler who prefers to take along their computer for work or pleasure.
The electronic systems available in the 2011 Ford F-450 are impressive and include Ford's Sync built-in communications and entertainment system and an LCD screen that tracks anything you might want to know about your trip, including trip time, fuel economy, and a Ford Work Solutions software that can help keep track of tools and equipment. Ford has a large percentage of both the market for buyers who need the capabilities this truck offers and commercial and fleet users. This truck makes it easy to see why Ford holds roughly half the market for both of these, as it delivers View less
