Personal Picks: Pickup trucks, part 1

For the September full-sized pickup truck test, we decided to put a different spin on the monthly "Personal Picks." Instead of probing the minds of our engineers and editors, we went directly to the people who use trucks on a day-to-day basis: the maintenance staff of Consumer Reports' auto test facility. These guys drive pickup trucks everyday, and they use them for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They also use them on weekends with their families and going on vacation. So who better to explain the wants and needs of everyday truck drivers?

This test was significant in that it was our first test of the redesigned Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado (a BIG deal to both companies); they were pitted against the perennial best-selling Ford F-150. Plus, we wanted to find out if the Dodge's claim that they made some major upgrades to the Ram proved worthwhile to the driver. And for the first time ever, we tested heavy-duty (2500-series) turbodiesel trucks. All were capable at hauling and towing, none were very fuel efficient, and all were pretty expensive -- as-tested prices ranged from around $34,700 (Tundra) to $50,700 (Ford F-250).

Here is the first installment of the facility staff's personal picks.

Ed Smith:
Half-ton pick: Toyota Tundra
With the half-ton gasoline models, I think the manufacturers tried to make the vehicles fancier than necessary, putting them further away from a basic truck. Being a truck driver most of my life, I tend to think that simpler is better. While it's certainly nice to have the extra frills that these trucks have, not one of them sticks out in my mind as a "have to have" feature. I like the visibility of the Ford F-150, the engine of the Toyota Tundra, the transmission of the Chevrolet Silverado, and the interior controls in the Dodge Ram. If all these attributes were wrapped into one truck, then I would have my can't-miss vehicle. There are numerous strengths to each but there are probably just as many weaknesses. If I had to go and buy a truck right now based on these four, I'd take the Toyota. It certainly has the best ride (and if they are trying to make a truck ride close to a car, this would be it), and I liked the smoothness and power of the engine.

Three-quarter-ton pick: Dodge Ram 2500
The Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford all had their strengths and weaknesses. I drive a diesel every day so I feel more comfortable comparing these. I think these "trucks" that all sell for over $50,000 are so full of wonderful amenities and options that they might loose focus on being "work trucks." I like the Chevrolet's transmission (you'll never beat an Allison), the seats were by far the most comfortable of the three, and the dash was nice looking with the right amount of wood grain. The Silverado's integrated tow system is a great option but needs to show the brake tension numbers like the Ford. In the Dodge, I liked the quiet and powerful engine, and the brakes felt good -- the other two felt like you had to push harder. The Ram's exhaust brake is the best new thing I saw in any of the trucks. The Ram's controls were easy to use, and the interior had a lot of nice touches. In the Ford, I liked the tow command system, including the up fitter switches that give you the option to hook up any accessories without drilling holes or adding switches. The F-250's gauges were the easiest to see of the three trucks, and the interior had a lot of room in the back seat. Finally, the Ford's ride was as good in this truck as any. Still, if I had to choose a truck in this group, I would probably go with the Dodge because of its shorter wheel base and easy maneuverability. Between the Chevrolet and Ford, with their longer wheel bases, I would take the Ford mainly for the ride and interior room. But, in my opinion, the Chevrolet definitely has a better powertrain than the Ford.

The next installment will be posted later this week.

Comments

[Bob Rothermel]

Why was the '08 Nissan Titan not tested? Mine has the new 7'3" bed with factory sprayed bed liner and the utility track tie down system. I looked at all the other crew cabs and it came down to the Tundra or the Titan--but Toyota doesn't offer a lease program on their crew cab.

[andy anderson]

I have a 2000 Ford F-150. The only thing that has gone wrong since I bought it was the brakes, not supprising since it's a Ford. I am thinking of getting a 250 as the family has grown.
Now that I have said that I hope Murphy does'nt get me.
Andy

[Todd]

I'm looking at purchasing a 2005 Dodge RAM SLT 3500 Quad Cab. Can anyone give me some feedback about this vehicle? Thanks!