Ford F-350 XL 4x2 SD Crew Cab 156 in. WB SRW HD

Ford's Super Duty F-250 pickup no longer looks like the F-150.Completely redesigned and re-engineered for 1999, the Super Duty F-250--and the rest of the new Super Duty F-Series pickups--now look like real trucks.

Their menacing square-jawed front ends, brawny-looking raised hoods and aggressive headlamps are a big tip-off that there are significant differences underneath.In fact, the Super Duty F-Series trucks ride on an entirely different platform from the regular F-150 and F-250 models.The new Ford Super Duty F-250, which replaces the previous F-250HD, should not be confused with Ford's lighter duty F-250, which shares the F-150's aerodynamic body and chassis.

Ford's new Super Duty F-250 boasts significant improvements its predecessor.A roomier, more comfortable interior makes long hauls more bearable.A better suspension, better brakes and a choice of more powerful engines make it a joy to drive.Greater capacities make all of the Super Duty F-Series trucks able to carry heavier loads and pull heavier trailers.

Until recently, heavy-duty trucks--three-quarter- and one-ton models--were work vehicles.While many still haul hay, pull horse trailers, work construction sites and are modified for all sorts of duties, more and more heavy-duty trucks are used for recreation.Recognizing this, Ford has redesigned its Super Duty trucks with a slew of thoughtful features to make them more enjoyable for ferrying families.But working stiffs haven't been forgotten.

More than 44 different configurations are available and we checked out a fair sample of them when the Super Duty F-Series line was launched.But we focused on a $27,045 Super Duty F-250 4x4 SuperCab 4-door in Lariat trim with the optional $970 automatic transmission for a total of $28,015.

The Super Duty F-250 competes with the other heavyweights from Detroit: the Dodge Ram 2500 and Chevrolet/GMC C/K 2500--which will soon be available as the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.