The most recent version of the Ford F-350 was introduced in 1999 as part of the Super Duty series. These trucks were offered in regular cab, Supercab, and Crew Cab, in addition to the DRW (dual rear wheel) model. Drivetrain options included rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Base models featured gasoline engines but diesel engines also came as options. Earlier incarnations even featured the lauded 7.3L Diesel Powerstroke (and, if you’re lucky, the engine can come with forged steel connecting rods).
Over the years these Ford trucks have gotten upgraded engines, additional towing capacity, and upgraded safety features, leading them to be one of the most called-upon vehicles for large jobs that needed serious towing and hauling capacities. Like any other truck, there were years with a few issues, some were even disasters. But others were memorable for having a great engine or other high-performing components.
In this article, we highlight the best Ford F-350 years you should consider if you’ve been contemplating purchasing one of these Ford diesel trucks, or even the standard fuel-burning version.
2005 Model Year Ford F-350 (1st Generation)
The 2005 Ford F-350 is a memorable piece of machinery. Drivers love this truck for its rugged durability, a high number of configuration options, unlimited off-road capability, and incredible maximum towing capacity. This model year offers top-tier power and more economical fuel economy as well. This model year led its class in towing and payload capacity, making it one of the most favored among other Ford trucks.
Price
- Original MSRP: $33, 920 (base model)
- Current Used Prices: Currently a used Ford F-350 is available somewhere between $5,000 and $8,500, depending on the condition and mileage.
2009 Model Year Ford F-350 (1st Generation)
The 2009 Ford F-350 entered the market with newer, refined features, including an integrated trailer brake controller, automatic emergency braking, and additional towing and safety features previous Ford truck models didn’t include. In addition, it is a capable workhorse thanks to the performance specs that made this Ford truck a workhorse.
However, you may want to avoid the diesel option from this model year. The 6.4L V8 Powerstroke diesel engine does suffer from a lot of issues even if you keep it maintained and topped off with diesel exhaust fluid.
Price
- Original MSRP: $29,885 (base model)
- Current Used Prices: This model year is available between $4,000 and $21,000, depending on the trim and mileage.
2013 Model Year Ford F-350 (4th Generation)
The 2013 model year brought additional refinement to the Ford Super Duty class of trucks. It offered one of the smoothest rides in the industry and a quiet cabin. The model featured either a 6.2L gasoline V8 or a 6.7L V8 diesel engine. Instant throttle response and enormous towing capability allowed this model to tow heavy loads.
A blind spot information system was added to the overall towing package, and pre-collision assist was a welcomed safety feature. A rearview camera was also added to the upgraded safety package, making this a robust work truck with more torque and more power than ever before.
Price
- Original MSRP: $32,970
- Current Used Prices: This model year is available between $12,000 and $48,000, depending on the configuration, interior and exterior condition, and total mileage.
2020 Model Year Ford F-350 (4th Generation)
This model year received considerable changes to the engines. The non-diesel engine is a 7.3L V8, giving both versions an incredibly high amount of power, towing, and payload capacity.
On the diesel engine variant, this model is equipped with a 6.7L V8 but now with a 10-speed transmission. In the opinion of many Ford owners, this is one of the best diesel engines available on the Ford F-350, while others are still partial to the 6.0L V8 diesel engines on the early 1st generation models.
Engine options aside, this truck brings it all to the table. A spacious cab offers more technology and convenience upgrades than you could imagine, and the overall interior volume delivers maximum comfort for drivers and passengers.
To many, this is the gold standard for F-Series trucks. A newer, aluminum body even reduced the weight, giving this version of the F-350 some of the best fuel economy ratings to date. As a workhorse or a daily driver, not many vehicles are as appropriate as the 2020 F-350 Super Duty.
Price
- Original MSRP: $35,300
- Current Used Prices: This model year is available between $29,000 and $119,000, depending on the configuration, interior and exterior condition, and total mileage.
Best-in-Class Performance
The Ford F-350 series, with the proper maintenance, might be considered one of the better vehicle options in the full-size truck category. Whether you need to tow other models or use this Super Duty as a daily driver, this truck has a reliable engine option on both ends of the spectrum.
The diesel versions of this Super Duty brings all the power you’ll ever need, and the standard fuel-burning configuration is equally as reliable. Choosing one of the years mentioned above with lower miles, you’re sure to get multiple years of use and all the truck power you need for any size job.
