Archive for December, 2009
Posted by cloud on
December 25, 2009
When it comes to compact pickup trucks that are used the world over, few rank higher than the two cousins form the land of the Rising Sun – the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Tacoma. Receiving the new name ‘Tacoma’ in the year 1995, the Hilux name went into retirement in the year 1976, giving room to names like ‘Pickup Truck’, ‘Compact Truck’ or just ‘Truck’. It’s interesting to note that the Sport Rally 5 Speed, an extremely popular option package couldn’t, for quite a while, be seen as distinct from the Hilux / Tacoma. Eventually, the Sport Rally 5 Speed option package became available with the other Toyotas also.
The Hilux’s camper model was, in the year 1984, renamed as the 4Runner in Australia & in North America, while in Japan, it was renamed as the Hilux Surf. In the latest models, the 4Runner which now happens to be a full SUV looks little like the Toyota Tacoma. Owing to the fact that North American product lines were no longer similar to those elsewhere, the trucks that were sold in North America look like, but aren’t actually the Hilux, having huge differences in terms of chassis and mechanics. Toyota added a version with long wheelbase to its range in the month of April in 1969. The version with the long wheelbase didn’t enter the North American market before the year 1972, but the short wheelbase models remained in production for quite a few years more.
The name ‘Hilux’ might have indicated ‘high luxury’, but it was a misleading name, unless it was seen in comparison with the Stout. The main reason that Hino Motors chose to engineer & assemble the Hilux was in order to add to the older lineup of the Briska, the Stout and the Hino Briska, and in some cases, the intention was to have them replaced in a few markets such as North America. The sole body style offered in North America was a short bed, a regular cab and rear-wheel drive. The truck setup employed was typical with coil springs and A-arms in the front, with a leaf-spring equipped live axle in the back, along with a standard 4 speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the 1973 model of the Hilux was released as the RN20 in mid-1972. How it was different was that its interior was made so as to provide additional comfort, and its exterior was upgraded as well. In a ‘first’ in North America, a ‘long bed’ which measures 2.3 meters or 7.5 feet was provided as an optional.
While it was released for the first time in America, it was there in other markets across the world since the month of April in the year 1969. In the year 1975, the Hilux underwent a completely radical change in terms of design. The truck now truly lived up to its name – the Hilux had gained in terms of luxury as well as size. At this point, it came out with the 20R engine as well as an upscale trim package – the SR5. Even a 5-speed manual was offered as an optional. The very next year, in 1976, North America chose the name ‘Truck’ over ‘Hilux’, a change that was even reflected in owners’ manuals!
Posted by cloud on
December 14, 2009
Chevrolet Silverado 3500
The Chevy Silverado 3500 is more functional than stylish, allowing you to haul the heaviest loads across long distances. You can get the Silverado with a 2WD / 4WD drivetrain and you can choose from amongst three engines: a 6 liter V8 that gives 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, an 8.1 liter gas V8 that’s worth 340 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque & a 6.6 liter turbodiesel that provides 360 horsepower plus 650 lb-ft of torque. 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional. The Silverado sells for $26,000 new, and $15,000 used.
GMC Sierra 3500
With the GMC Sierra 3500, you get better suspension, dual rear wheel as optional and ultimately, that which matters most – lots of power. The Sierra is often used on construction sites for heavy-duty hauling. Standard in all Sierra 3500 units is a 6.0 liter V8 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. You could also opt for the 8.1 gasoline V8 that is good for 340 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, or a 6.6 liter turbodiesel engine which provides 360 horsepower plus 650 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission also comes standard.
Dodge Ram 3500
The Dodge Ram 3500 is one mean truck. A word of advise: go in for this one only if you’re a hardcore trucker. What comes standard with the fullsize pickup Ram 3500 is a 5.7 liter V8 that packs 345 horsepower & 375 lb-feet of torque. Alternatively, you could choose the 5.9 liter Cummins turbodiesel that belts out 325 horsepower with 610 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota Tundra
A lot of people consider the Toyota Tundra as the very first import fullsize. With the Tundra, you get lots of choice when it comes to engines – a 4.0 liter V6 worth 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque and as an optional, a 5.7 liter V8 engine that provides an awesome 381 horsepower with 401 lb-ft of torque. The engines that are smaller have a five-speed automatic transmission whereas the bigger engines are mated with six-speed automatic.
Nissan Titan Crew Cab
The Nissan Titan Crew Cab is, by any standard, an excellent pickup. If there’s one thing to be said about this vehicle, it is that it doesn’t fail to live up to your expectations. What gets the Titan Crew Cab going is a 5.6 liter V8 engine with five-speed auto transmission that rumbles with 305 horsepower & 379 lb-ft of torque. The truck offers good fuel economy at 12 mpg city & 17 mpg highway.
Ford F-350
The Ford F-350 is a powerful vehicle, great for hauling and towing. The truck’s body styles are variable, but what you’d want to focus on is the engine options – the standard is a 5.4 liter V8 which gives 300 horsepower plus 365 lb-ft of torque, while the optionals are a 6.8 liter V10 which delivers 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque & a 6.4 liter power stroke turbodiesel V8 at 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevy Colorado is another excellent compact pickup. Check out the stats – a 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.7-liter five-cylinder that gives 185 horsepower and 242 horsepower respectively. The truck comes in rear wheel or four wheel drive; the former rates 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. You can also choose between manual or automatic.
Toyota Tacoma
If you’re looking for a good quality pickup with great off-road capabilities, you should consider the Toyota Tacoma. The engine under the hood of the Tacoma is a 2.7 liter four cylinder or a 4.0 liter V6 as per your choice. In terms of sheer hauling and towing power, the V6 engine is an excellent one.
Cadillac EXT
A luxury pickup truck? Luxury and pickup don’t seem too compatible with each other, until of course, you see the Cadillac EXT. Rough and tough, yet comfortable as an SUV, the Cadillac EXT is a limited-run truck with great stats – its suspension and powertrain are modeled after the Escalade, and the engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that packs a wallop with 403 horsepower. The EXT is a crew cab vehicle, so after a hard day’s work, you can fall on your bed and relax comfortably.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a stylish pickup with lots of room. It’s not the best for heavy-duty work, but if you’re looking to pull a trailer or transport furniture, it’s excellent for that. Cool features like an in-bed trunk which is also an icebox when you want it to be, make the Ridgeline worth a second glance. The truck’s engine is a V6 that gives you 247 horsepower and it’s mated with a 5-speed auto transmission.
Posted by cloud on
December 4, 2009
10. Ford F-150
If you’re looking for trucks with a high mpg quotient, the 2008 Ford F-150 (rear wheel drive) is surely one car you should consider. The F-150 is excellent as a mileage truck, with a 4.2-liter V6 engine under the hood.
9. Dodge Ram 1500
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500’s 3.7 liter V6 engine might not have the thundering power of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine which is optional, but provides excellent mileage coupled with a smooth ride, especially in 2 wheel drive.
8. Honda Ridgeline
Another good mileage truck is the Honda Ridgeline with a 3.5 liter V6 tucked away underneath the hood. It’s not too tough a truck, but it’ll get the job done most times. Another great thing about the Ridgeline is its independent rear suspension.
7. Toyota Tundra
Toyota has built an excellent full-size truck, the Toyota Tundra. With a 4.0 liter V6 engine, the Toyota Tundra comes in at number seven in this list of the top ten mileage trucks.
6. Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is often seen as the rival of the Dodge Ram – a kind of sibling rivalry, as it were. A tough and overall good vehicle, the Dodge Dakota (2WD) with the 7.7 liter V6 engine ranks no.6 as a mileage truck.
5. Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevy Colorado (2.9 liter four-cylinder) is not only a good truck to drive on a daily basis, but it’s an excellent mileage truck with the added advantage of being easier to navigate on city roads.
4. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier, another mileage truck, comes in at no.4. What’s great about it is that it’s 2.5 liter 4 cylinder plus 2WD handles well both on-road as well as off-road.
3. Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
Those who favor pickups can’t really reconcile with the idea of a ‘hybrid pickup’. However, even though it’s not preferred by too many, the Chevy Silverado Hybrid ranks no.3 on this list thanks to the great mileage provided by its 6.0 liter V8 engine.
2. Toyota Tacoma
The mid-size Toyota Tacoma 2.7-liter engine makes it to number 2 on this list of mileage trucks as it is a high quality truck that is quite tough and offers great mileage. It might not be as roomy as the larger Tundra, but if you’re not too big on space, this is one vehicle you really should check out.
1. Ford Ranger
And finally, the number 1 mileage truck…the winner is… you guessed it, the Ford Ranger. An inexpensive truck that offers great mileage, the Ranger has a loyal following and a stable customer base. This one goes out in 2011, so if you’re looking for a great mileage truck, pick this one up before it’s off the shelves!
