1997 Ford F-250 XL

The F-250 is Ford's heavy-duty pickup for that year, the one you step up to when a half-ton isn't enough for the job. It's a big truck that drives like one, with a commanding view over traffic and a ride that settles down once you've got weight in the bed. The cab is genuinely roomy, and even the base XL comes with a practical layout that's easy to live with day to day. Owners of this generation F-250 talk up the long-term durability, especially the diesel motor, though the fuel pump can need attention over time. The XL is the no-frills work truck, skipping the XLT's carpet and chrome for vinyl floors and rubber mats that clean out with a hose. With the 7.5L V8 making 242 horsepower and a automatic transmission feeding four-wheel drive, this F-250 pulls heavy loads without breaking a sweat.