Types

Compact pickup trucks

The category known as compact pickup trucks refers to the smaller-sized models such as the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. Capacities are more than adequate for a typical suburban homeowner. Other models include the Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier. Those trucks are built on a separate chassis frame and usually offer a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines. The Ridgeline is the exception, being unibody and offering a V6 only.

Full-sized pickup trucks

Full-sized pickup trucks are the brawny workhorses of the pickup truck world. They are larger, more rugged, and ride higher off the ground than compacts do. They also come in more configurations of cab type, bed size, and drivetrain choices. The basic pickup truck is what used to be called the half-ton truck and now often called 1500-series. Current models in that class include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra. Those form the backbone of the pickup truck market. They serve well as work trucks and for some, as a family car substitute.

The Chevrolet Avalanche, which has an unusual combined cab and bed structure, fits the same size and similar carrying-capacity territory.

Heavier-duty pickup trucks, which may carry numerical designations such as 2500 or 3500, are designed for carrying very heavy loads, such as sand and stone, and for hauling fifth-wheel trailers, those whose hitch point is in the center of the cargo bed. These are serious trucks for the most demanding chores, making them overkill for most noncommercial purposes shy of hauling a huge trailer.

See also:

GPS Navigation Systems

Car batteries

Car seats

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Guide to Driving Green