2005 Ford F-250 XLT

This is Ford's heavy-duty pickup, the one you step up to when a half-ton F-150 isn't enough for the job. It's a big truck that drives like a big truck, but the steering is direct and it tracks straight on the highway. The ride is firm when it's unloaded, which is the trade-off for the payload and towing capability it gives you. The crew cab has generous rear legroom, and owners say the seats are comfortable for long hauls. The XLT adds power windows and locks, cruise control, and a nicer cloth interior over the base XL, without jumping to the Lariat's leather and chrome. Its 5.4L V8 makes 250 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and four-wheel drive that gives you confident traction on slippery ramps or muddy job sites. The XLT can be ordered with the optional camper package, which adds a sliding rear window and upgraded springs for a slide-in truck camper.