Motor Trend truck of Year

Dargo · Jan 14, 2005

I've never driven one, or even ridden in one, so I can't really comment on them. However, based upon rated capacities, I don't think the Tundra would last as long as my Cummins powered Dodge when consistantly pulling 15,000 pounds! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

gws · Jan 14, 2005

Keep in mind Motor trend "Whatever of the year" is based on design and looks only. How can you really rate a vehicle when its hardly in showrooms. I

Bird · Jan 14, 2005

( Those pickups are just fine for running to HD or Lowes )

Most of the time, but not always. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif This week I found that 1350# of concrete stepping stones, from Lowe's, is a serious load for a Ford Ranger. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I didn't think those stones would weigh more than 50# each, but the one I weighed was 76#. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif And I think each one I picked up and carried to where I wanted it got heavier than the last one.

_RaT_ · Jan 14, 2005

The real question is "How important is Motor Trends pick to you?" Who made it last year and the year before that. Did you make mention of that or is it one of those things where you wait until your brand makes it and brandish it like a badge of honor? Truck of the year is meaningless to many of us because many of us refuse to buy brand new vehicles. By the time I'm buying a truck, it might have been truck of the year, but that would have been 3 or 4 years ago, long and forgotten. Toyotas make very well built vehicles, no doubt about it, my next truck could be a Toyota 05 truck of the year, but that won't be for another 3 or 4 years, I wonder who will be truck of the year then much less care.

gsxr1100 · Jan 14, 2005

Lets see Mr. Dargo:

Toyota vs Dodge. hmmmm Quality alone is not even in the same ballpark.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hazmat · Jan 14, 2005

And I think each one I picked up and carried to where I wanted it got heavier than the last one.

I think Einstein explained that in his theory of relativity - weight of n th stone = weight of 1st stone plus n*heat index^2 - last intake of tylenol + time to cold beer and hot tub. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Everybody else - can you really compare a 1 ton diesel with a mid size truck? Different beasts for different jobs.

I wish my Ford pickup was built as well as my Honda Pilot. For anecdotal evidence - visit the enthusiasts sites. On f150online you will read about the motor spitting out spark plugs requiring a new head. On hondapilot.org they complain that the tech got dirty footprints on the carpet when the oil was changed. Of course I exagerate a little, but every honda I've had has been trouble free. Can't say that about my ford.

Now - when is somebody going to come out with a diesel 1/2 ton. Or better yet, a hybrid diesel truck.

PBinWA · Jan 14, 2005

Bingo on the Diesel 1/2 ton!

I can't believe that if VW can make 4cyl Diesels that get 40mpg that someone can't make a nice Diesel 6 cyl that gets 30 mpg and can still haul maybe #7500.

I love my F250SD to death - mostly because of the diesel engine. With almost 150K on it it is just starting to feel broken in. If ford would come out with a Diesel F150 crew cab then I'd consider down-sizing.

I think Dodge is making the Sprinter Van with a 6cyl diesel but it is targeted at delivery companies and not really something you want to drive on a day to day basis.

If the BioDiesel Industry could get some serious traction and acceptance (and competitive pricing) then we wouldn't have to worry about all these Hybrid things. BioDiesel - longer lasting engines - enviromentally friendly fuel - good for the American soybean farmer - bad for the oil industry.

gsxr1100 · Jan 14, 2005

I thought Ford was going to come out with a smaller diesel (like a 4.XL) for there F150?

OkeeDon · Jan 14, 2005

"I think Dodge is making the Sprinter Van with a 6cyl diesel but it is targeted at delivery companies and not really something you want to drive on a day to day basis." 

I took a hard look at the Sprinters (and the Freightliner version) when they came out. I was pretty excited about them until I saw the price tag. They make a passenger van version that would make an enviable daily driver -- if you wanted to invest a minimum of $60,000. Seems like that 6 cylinder diesel is a Mercedes engine -- Dodge and Freightliner benefit by being part of the Daimler-Chrysler organization. I believe that a significant portion of that van is Mercedes.

Dozernut · Jan 14, 2005

Jeep Liberty is coming out with a diesel for 2005. Not a truck, but I believe the first SUV with a diesel. Small trucks can't be too far behind, I hope.
I have had a Toyota truck since 86 (the same truck). It has never been in the shop for anything except routine maintenance. I have given it to my son who drives it to college. The only bad thing about these little trucks is that the body will rust out. We built a flat bed to replace the original bed and will have to replace the fenders this spring. We will prep and paint it and get it looking good again. I kind of wish I had not given it to him, with the good gas mileage, 4wheel drive and a 6000lb Ramsey winch on the front, I tend to miss it.