2007 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Package $16,990

High payload and towing capacities and a wide variety of configurations and special-edition models help make the Ford F-250 Super Duty a viable option for those who need a hard-core pickup civilized enough for everyday use. Although most consumers will find that a regular half-ton pickup truck like the F-150 meets their day-to-day requirements, those with bigger towing and hauling tasks may need something more substantial. The next step up the ladder is a three-quarter-ton pickup truck, and Ford's entry in this class is the 2007 F-250 Super Duty. Square-jawed, big-rig styling distinguishes the F-250 from its half-ton sibling on the outside, but the most important differences are underneath where a stouter frame and larger engines give it the strength to carry heavier payloads and pull heavier trailers. Three-quarter-ton buyers have plenty of options to consider when equipping their trucks. For starters, you can go with a Regular cab, Extended cab (SuperCab in Ford speak) or Crew Cab. Regular cabs have an 8-foot-long bed, while SuperCabs and crew cabs can have the 8-footer or an easier-to-manage 6.75-foot bed, depending on what size loads you plan to carry. Engine options include a 5.4-liter gasoline V8, 6.8-liter gasoline V10 and a 6.0-liter diesel V8 known as the Power Stroke. The Power Stroke offers more low-rpm torque than the gas V10, as well as a higher Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- up to 26,000 pounds. It's the best choice for buyers with serious towing requirements and is the most popular engine in the F-250 lineup. The 2007 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab body styles. SuperCab models have small rear-opening doors, while the Crew Cab has four full-size swing-out doors. SuperCabs and Crew Cabs are available with a short or long bed; regular cabs are long-bed only. There are three trim levels available -- XL, XLT and Lariat; note that regular cabs are available only in XL and XLT form. XL models are meant to be work trucks, and as such come with a vinyl bench seat in front; manual windows, mirrors and locks; a basic AM/FM radio; and no air-conditioner. Additional comforts can be purchased as options or you can move up to the XLT, which adds cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40 front bench, air-conditioning, a CD player, cruise control and a full set of power controls. High-line Lariats come with features like leather upholstery, a power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Numerous options and packages are available for the Ford F-250. In addition to the packages mentioned earlier, there are the Harley-Davidson and King Ranch Packages, which provide ritzy leather interiors, while off-roaders can pick up an electronic transfer case, heavy-duty shocks and skid plates in the FX4 Off-Road Package. Buyers interested in towing should get the Tow Command system option, which provides an integrated controller that synchs up the brakes on the trailer with those on the truck.