Sources tell us that Ford is making up for their “extreme losses” (thanks to its leased out vehicles) by increasing the prices for the Ford Explorer, F-150, Sport Trac, and Super Duty. The flaw in this plan is that Ford will have to raise the price to an amount that no one would even want to pay them. It won’t surprise us if they shut down soon after they discover the negatives of this effect.

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Fresh styling gives the 2005 Ford Super Duty pickups a more masculine, big-rig appearance. Inspired by Ford’s Tonka truck concept, the new Super Duty trucks look like they’re ready to get some serious work done. When you need to haul more than 3,000 pounds, or to tow more than 9,900 pounds, then even the best-equipped F-150 isn’t up to the job. That’s where the Super Duty trucks come in. Payload capacities of up to 5800 pounds are available in the 2005 Super Duty trucks, with tow ratings of up to 17,000 pounds.

The Ford F-250 Super Duty competes with the Dodge Ram 2500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and GMC Sierra 2500. The F-350, with its available dual rear wheels, competes against the 3500-series models from GM and Dodge. None of these, however, match the Super Duty’s top payload and towing capacities.  The 2005 Super Duty pickups continue to feature first-class powertrains.

Both of the V8 gas engines are upgraded for 2005. The standard 5.4-liter V8 is now based on Ford’s modular V8 architecture and incorporates three valves per cylinder for better breathing, improved power delivery and cleaner exhaust. The 6.8-liter V10 also gets the modular-based, three-valve cylinder heads, giving it class-leading horsepower and torque. The V10 and 6.0-liter turbo-diesel now have electronic throttle control, expanding their utility in accessory applications.

Ford Super Duty is offered in more configurations than we can count. Ford offers some 30 variations on the F-250 (the so-called 3/4-ton pickups) and nearly 60 iterations of the F-350 (or 1-ton size). All can pull heavy loads and are more truck than most consumers will ever need. Base prices range from $22,390 for a plain XL regular cab up to $41,830 for a long-wheelbase, four-wheel-drive King Ranch Crew Cab with dual rear wheels.

All F-250 models come with single rear wheels. F-350 models are available with single rear wheels (SRW) or dual rear wheels (DRW). The latter, often called “dualies,” are great for towing as they offer higher tongue-weight ratings, although they do give up an almost meaningless 300 pounds to the SRW models in fifth wheel/goose neck maximum towing capacity.

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“The results were tight, some categories were won by fractions of points, which only proves the point that there is a great deal of wonderful product for the consumer to chose from,” said Albert Flores, president, Texas Auto Writers Association. “On behalf of the TAWA board of directors, congratulations to the winners and thanks to our manufacturer sponsors for participating this year.”

More than 40 writers evaluated 65 trucks and SUVs from a wide range of auto companies at the end of October at the Texas Truck Rodeo. The all-new Ford Edge won the Mid-Sized Crossover Utility Vehicle award, a good sign for the company. The Edge hasn’t arrived in dealer showrooms yet and already the crossover has chalked up a major award.

“The Texas award is a great honor,” said Jeri Ward, Edge marketing manager. “Between the raves given the Edge at our media drive last month and now this award, we’re more sure than ever that the Edge will be a hit. Once consumers are behind the wheel, we know they’ll agree with the auto writers that the Edge is something special.”

Ford products took the entire category with the new Mazda CX-7 taking second place. And for buyers looking for a bit more luxury, the Volvo XC90 was recognized as the Luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle. In the truck categories, along with the top prizes, the Ford F-250 Super Duty 4X4 Crew Cab was honored with two awards – Best Designed Pick Up and Best Use Of Technology Pick Up.

Being singled out in Texas for the redesigned Super Duty is a top honor for Ford. “The Texas writers know trucks inside and out which makes the awards even more satisfying,” said Ben Poore, Ford Truck marketing manager. “The Super Duty Customer isn’t the guy who buys a pickup because its cool. These guys are working with this truck.” Lincoln made the list by taking second place in the Luxury Full-Sixed Pick Up Truck category.

The judges also honored Land Rover vehicles for their unique combination of on and off road capabilities. The Range Rover HSE was named Full Sized Sport Utility Vehicle of the year while the Range Rover took Full Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle honors. The LR3 won second place in the Mid Sized Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle category.

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