The New Pickup Trucks
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Friday 15th October 2010- The battle for truck supremacy.
- Four key models fighting that battle.
- Strengths and weaknesses, plus a truckload of statistics.
While there are no lack of cool toys to fill this column, there’s nothing that screams Guy more than a pickup truck. Navigating auto dealerships and keeping track of truck fine points can be daunting. We’re here to help. Read on for the SharpMan 411 on four new pickup trucks:
With the three big American auto manufacturers busy refocusing on the family car (for example, Ford’s theme for this year’s car show circuit was The Year of the Car), their Japanese rivals are conducting the proverbial end run. That’s right — big trucks from Japan are here and they’re aiming to outmuscle their American counterparts.
In this article, we provide on overview of four very sharp pickup trucks, two hailing from Japan — the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra — and two springing from these shores — the Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F-150.
Which of these four has what it takes to haul away the award for most coveted truck? Well, partner, you’ll just have to keep on readin’…
(Author Note: All observations were gathered while testing the 4-wheel drive, 4-door version of each truck.)
2004 Dodge Ram 1500
Introduced in 2002, the Dodge Ram 1500 received a major boost in late 2003 with the addition of an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine of the legendary HEMI variety. The term HEMI refers to the design of the engine’s cylinder head design: hemispherical.
The result has turned the Ram into the most powerful light-duty truck around, in additional to earning it a whole host of awards. And for good reason: The engine is a rumbling beast and the truck is as tough as nails, ready for anything you can conceivably throw at it. That massive front grill is as effective as a cattle-catcher when it comes to finding an open lane in traffic.
Where it scored: the front bench seat allows room for one extra passenger; interior space is very good; optional 34-gallon fuel tank is perfect for those long hauls to the middle of nowhere; automatic transmission features a new tow/haul feature for smoother shifting; the HEMI engine is the highest horsepower unit in its class; this truck has the best highway fuel economy in the group.
Where it missed: maneuverability is not great with any of these trucks, but the Dodge Ram seemed to be the trickiest of them all. Additionally, three inches of cargo space in the box is lost to extra cabin space. Finally, the interior is not as slick or modern as the others in the class.
Dodge RAM 1500 $19,515 — $29,680 msrp
Engines 5.7-liter V8 (optional engine)
Horsepower/torque 345 bhp / 375 lb.-ft.
Max towing capacity 9300 lbs
Truck bed lengths 6.3 / 8.0 ft.
Fuel economy 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
2004 Ford F-150
This truck made a huge splash when it was introduced in very late 2003. As soon as journalists got behind the wheel, the awards began pouring in and the competition raced back to the drawing board.
The F-150 certainly sets new standards for interior comfort and luxury. When you combine this with 50+ years of experience manufacturing super-tough trucks, you’ve got a formidable combination.
Changes since the previous model include independent front suspension for better ride, a stiffer chassis for greater durability and reworked rack-and-pinion steering for more precise handling.
Where it scored: extremely quiet ride inside the cab; it was the panic braking champ in the group; boxes on all new F-150s are two inches deeper than previous models; the steering is really superb; so is the sound-proofing; in other words, all those awards must mean something.
Where it missed: the deeper box makes lifting gear in and out of the truck two inches tougher; the step up to enter the cabin is high; and, finally, the Ford builds quality record is suspect.
Ford F-150 $21,215 — $35,570 msrp
Engine 5.4-liter V8 (optional engine)
Horsepower/torque 300 bhp / 365 lb.-ft.
Max towing capacity 9500 lbs
Truck bed lengths 5.6 / 6.6 / 8.1 ft.
Fuel economy 16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
2004 Nissan Titan
Nissan has been making pickup trucks for decades now, but the Titan is their very first foray into the full-size arena. And it’s an impressive debut. As per Nissan design ethic, the big truck cuts a unique visual swath across the off-road landscape.
The manufacturer has sweetened the package with a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine, a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission, a great ride verging on sporty and an impressive amount of interior space. Developed primarily in North America and built in Nissan’s new plant in Canton, Mississippi, the Titan is made for these roads.
Where it scored: the absolute speed demon of this group — in track testing, 0-to-60 mph times in the 8.4-second range; it was the torque-inducing terror here; standard 5-speed automatic transmission "one better" than the rest; and it’s as mean-looking a truck as you’re likely to find.
Where it missed: the lockable storage compartment on the exterior rear quarter panel is a unique feature, but the locking system on the tester didn’t work; a few too many rattles over rough roads; no V6 offered; and the worst fuel economy of the foursome.
Nissan Titan $22,400 — $34,200
Engine 5.6-liter V8
Horsepower/torque 305 bhp / 379 lb.-ft.
Max towing capacity 9400 — 9500 lbs
Truck bed lengths 5.5 / 6.5 ft.
Fuel economy 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
2004 Toyota Tundra
A former prizewinner that was introduced a mere three years ago, Toyota's full-size pick-up received a makeover for 2003 and has added a double cab for 2004 (the version tested). Research indicated that consumers now want their trucks with four doors and SUV-like amenities. Toyota has responded by focusing on rear-seat comfort and offering an optional DVD system in back.
But the Tundra is the odd man out in this group because it’s slightly smaller in dimension than the other three. It also has the least powerful engine and smallest towing capacity of the four trucks tested. Sill, if you’re someone who needs a big truck but not too big a truck, the dependable and durable Tundra could be your answer.
Where it scored: far and away the least expensive truck in this group; smaller size means superior maneuverability; it offers a longer bed than any of its bigger rivals; and, there’s room for three up front. The legendary Toyota quality is worth the price of admission alone.
Where it missed: in terms of power and torque, the Tundra is the lightweight in this group; it’s the smallest truck with the least amount of interior space; and, exterior style-wise, the Tundra featured the least interesting design.
This article last updated on Friday 15th October 2010Toyota Tundra $16,495 — $26,185
Engine 4.7-liter V8 (optional engine)
Horsepower/torque 240 bhp / 315 lb.-ft.
Max towing capacity 7200 lbs
Truck bed lengths 6.1 / 8.2 ft.
Fuel economy 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway