Best Pickup for Commuting

[1979chevy.]

Hey guys, I need to find a truck that is well adapted for commutes but still has power and looks good.
I'm looking for late model (2008-2011) Dodges or Chevys. Any truck will need to be a quad cab.

Thanks so much for the suggestions

[Emaxx2.0]

Have you consider a Tacoma?

[PuppetMaster_97]

I really like the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, IMHO that's much better looking than the previous model. The guy I know who owns it is a contractor, he builds all sorts of stuff for people, anything from a chair to a business display shelf. He can tow just about anything with it.

[westoakmech]

What are your gas mileage goals, are you wanting 1/2 or 3/4 ton. What kinda service dept's are in your area. The chevy's will get a little better fuel mileage over the dodge. If 4x4 the chevy will ride better also. Other than that I would say price and personel preference. Good luck shopping

[slashbasher24]

Are you completely against fords?? Because they have the ecoboost v6 with crazy power for a v6 in their f-150 i mean im not by any means a ford guy but with 22ish mpg id buy that if i could and im 16 so good mpg is what i need (there is no way i could own this but it would be what i would get if i could....)

[ReaperGN]

Have you consider a Tacoma?

If only we could get the Hilux. It has a proper chassis and a turbo diesel. But apparently a 4wd offroader that can get 30+mpg is just to much for the American market to handle.

One option is a tuned 3/4 or 1 ton with a diesel. There are more than a few reports of them getting 25+mpg after a few mods.

[pavmentsurfer]

Not sure what your size requirements are but have you looked at something like a Chevy Canyon or Ford Ranger? They're small... but come in 4 cylinder versions that may be better on gas. Just a thought.

BTW, the chevy 4X4's don't ride better than the Dodge's independent rear end... the chevy seems to haul a bit better though. This is after owning both and doing mostly hauling and towing with both all the time. Not trying to start a war, but the whole reason dodge specced the new Ram's with the independent rear end was to improve the ride, and it worked.

[cuda0872]

If you havent seen yet if you wait a little while the 2013 dodge ram 1500 is coming with a bigger v6 that will putting out 300hp and 300 ftlb torque with a 20% increase in mpg over the current v6. There saying about 15.5mpg city and 21 highway. i drive an 03 ram 2500 hemi and i would love to trade it in but we will see

[1979chevy.]

Thanks guys!

Well I'm trying to find a full size quad cab truck, with a V6-V8 engine. I'm looking at dodge because we own a 1995 Ram 1500 with about 200,000 miles on it. It's proven itself.
The reason behind getting a truck instead of a car for a commuter is because we will use the truck for hauling things.
I'm not against Ford, I've just talked with a guy who was in a business that used fleets of trucks and he said the Fords were great for the road but he wasn't convinced they were as tough as the manufactures said they were.
But Ford's are great trucks, I have a relative who has over 200,000 miles on his.

I really like the look of the 2011 Ram 1500, and from the research I'm currently doing, I think that's going to be our best bet.
And no we're not buying a brand new rig, no way can afford that with the economy.
Looking for a good used one with low miles.

[pavmentsurfer]

Man, there is such a nice 2010 for sale here in town. I really want to buy it but I havent got the $10 000 more than what my trade would be worth. 2010 with 45000km, SLT package, silver with a HEMI... such a nice truck. Oh well.

[BanditTransit]

If you really would like it, a Ford F-150 with the EcoBoost engine. My friend's dad has one with a BullyDog on it, and it makes close to 400 horsepower. Good on gas too!

[1979chevy.]

Man, there is such a nice 2010 for sale here in town. I really want to buy it but I havent got the $10 000 more than what my trade would be worth. 2010 with 45000km, SLT package, silver with a HEMI... such a nice truck. Oh well.

Shoot man, yeah I hear you, but we're not even going to try to trade in the old pickup though haha.
It leaks every fluid inside of it

[1979chevy.]

If you really would like it, a Ford F-150 with the EcoBoost engine. My friend's dad has one with a BullyDog on it, and it makes close to 400 horsepower. Good on gas too!

Yeah man, I'm still looking at every brand out there, Ford seems to have the best mpg out there.
Thanks!

[iamsuperbleeder]

Have you consider a Tacoma?

I'm with Emaxx2.0 on this one

I miss my 91 Toyota Pickup DEARLY!





I put over 300k miles on it before needing to rebuild the engine in it, and put another 20k or so on it then before I sold it and financed a 2010 F150... worst mistake I ever made...





BUT, things are better since I traded it in on an 06 Tacoma Can honestly say it's by far the BEST vehicle I've ever owned. Makes the brand new F150 feel like it was made from Elmer's Glue and popsickle sticks





no offense, but I see too many Dodge parts in my line of work, and would never put myself behind the wheel of any Chrysler product, or GM product newer than 06

[BanditTransit]

Yeah man, I'm still looking at every brand out there, Ford seems to have the best mpg out there.
Thanks!

Glad I could help.

[Jersey Crewmax]

With whats out there now in that date range I'd suggest the for Eco boost as well. I do remember gearing that dodge was coming out with a diesel for their 1500 truck line but not 100% sure. I myself own a Tundra with the crew cab. Great truck but mileage could be better.

[Emaxx2.0]

I'm with Emaxx2.0 on this one

I miss my 91 Toyota Pickup DEARLY!



BUT, things are better since I traded it in on an 06 Tacoma Can honestly say it's by far the BEST vehicle I've ever owned. Makes the brand new F150 feel like it was made from Elmer's Glue and popsickle sticks



no offense, but I see too many Dodge parts in my line of work, and would never put myself behind the wheel of any Chrysler product, or GM product newer than 06

Those are beautiful. I love how your old 91 looks. Best trucks in the world.

[DiggerPede]

I'm with Jersey & Emaxx. I love my Toyota Tundra. I've driven all kinds of trucks and like this one the best. Like said wish MPG was a little better, but if you stay out of it and stay on the HWY it does great. Well any truck will really. But how can you with a 5.7L 381hp 401 lb torque. LOL All these truck companies are building mean trucks.

I'll share a few pics of mine.

[cuda0872]

go with the dodge all these trucks are pretty much equal its just down to preference. I just love the look of the new dodge. i just picked up a 04 ram 2500 4x4 hemi about a month ago im getting 11mpg city and 16highway bu thats with the 2500 with 3.91 in the rear but the 1500 are running 3.55's so theyre getting better gas mileage than mine but i couldnt pass up the deal $13,995 and it only has 73,xxx miles on it

[1979chevy.]

I'm with Jersey & Emaxx. I love my Toyota Tundra. I've driven all kinds of trucks and like this one the best. Like said wish MPG was a little better, but if you stay out of it and stay on the HWY it does great. Well any truck will really. But how can you with a 5.7L 381hp 401 lb torque. LOL All these truck companies are building mean trucks.

I'll share a few pics of mine.

I'm considering the Tundra also, and yeah it's a great truck. A relative has one with the 5.7. A crazy amount of power under that hood

[BanditTransit]

The only thing is, the EcoBoost makes 20 horsepower less, and 500 foot pounds of torque. From a v6, that's pretty good. Plus you get to hear the hiss of the turbos!

[westoakmech]

Not sure what your size requirements are but have you looked at something like a Chevy Canyon or Ford Ranger? They're small... but come in 4 cylinder versions that may be better on gas. Just a thought.

BTW, the chevy 4X4's don't ride better than the Dodge's independent rear end... the chevy seems to haul a bit better though. This is after owning both and doing mostly hauling and towing with both all the time. Not trying to start a war, but the whole reason dodge specced the new Ram's with the independent rear end was to improve the ride, and it worked.

So is it the 1/2 ton dodge with independent rear. I know the 3/4 tons dont have indepenent, but on the new body style they went with hydraulic dampend cab mounts, that does help the ride a whole lot better.

[harry697]

Have you consider a Tacoma?

I like the way you think!

My 04 Tacoma has been flawless since day one. Just about to turn 90k and it still runs and drives like the day I brought it home from the dealership. I don't see myself ever selling it. I keep up on the maintenance and keep the truck clean. No need for another vehicle. I plan to do all the 100k maintenance soon and maybe my kid will be driving it some day. He turns three in June, so he still has a little while before he needs a truck. But I bet it will be ready still when he is.

[1979chevy.]

I like the way you think!

My 04 Tacoma has been flawless since day one. Just about to turn 90k and it still runs and drives like the day I brought it home from the dealership. I don't see myself ever selling it. I keep up on the maintenance and keep the truck clean. No need for another vehicle. I plan to do all the 100k maintenance soon and maybe my kid will be driving it some day. He turns three in June, so he still has a little while before he needs a truck. But I bet it will be ready still when he is.

Tacoma is a awesome truck, I'm looking for a full size vehicle though.
I know I'm sacrificing mpg, but it's necessary.

Update, now looking at a base model Camaro coupe. With 18mpg city and 28-30 on the highway it might be the best thing.

[Nitronaught]

Tacoma is a awesome truck, I'm looking for a full size vehicle though.
I know I'm sacrificing mpg, but it's necessary.

Update, now looking at a base model Camaro coupe. With 18mpg city and 28-30 on the highway it might be the best thing.

OK so now your switching up on this?

Sheesh,,,, Next thing I bet you ask about is an MPG monster like a Hybrid... Just seems you scaling down due to fuel considerations... Just saying...

If you have kids, forget the camaro, unless you have a shoe horn in the glove box for the passengers... That rear seat is tiny!

[1979chevy.]

OK so now your switching up on this?

Sheesh,,,, Next thing I bet you ask about is an MPG monster like a Hybrid... Just seems you scaling down due to fuel considerations... Just saying...

If you have kids, forget the camaro, unless you have a shoe horn in the glove box for the passengers... That rear seat is tiny!

Haha I'm sorry,

We're still not sure about what we're getting. Still looking at trucks and cars.
Most likely a truck though, because I feel the need for one to lug stuff around every once in a while.
Yes there are kids, but we have a Yukon for hauling the family around town. The vehicle we're looking for will be used for driving to a job on the coast a couple of times a week.

Thanks

[BanditTransit]

Sorry, the v6 with the BullyDog makes 460 hp. (EcoBoost)

[DiggerPede]

Camaro's are nice. Sure gonna turn some heads.

[wildironman]

that noting look at f650

[mamba man]

Toyota trucks are not so good. The ecoboost is better my dad has one and he put a cold air intake and a bully dog tuner and it makes 450hp and more than 500 foot pounds of torque. The truck will spin in 2nd gear.

[wildironman]

my dad boss truck dooge ram can pull a a vary big tractor and tow a truck up a steep hill at the same time
with no probem

[wildironman]

the tuck will out pull the biger pull trucks

[Wolfslash16]

Ok, if your looking at agetting a truck, get a 08-12 dodge ram. My dad bought a 2011 dodge ram 1500 slt new last year and we love it so far. It already has 25,000 miles on it so far nothing has gone wrong. What I also find sad is NO ONE on here has remembered the new ram trucks has the coil link supennsion, not leaf spring. It gives you THE BEST RIDE EVER while you can still fit 1000+ pounds in the rear bed and tow over 9000 pounds. Get a new ram. you want regreat it!

[bjoehandley]

You beat me to it Wolfslash, it was kind of a big deal when the current platform released a few years back too. Seem to remember truck guys whining about how horrible and weak the coil set up would be, couldn't get any responses when I'm mention that some of the stuff they knew were going to be a problem with the coils were already a problem on my leaf sprung Cherokee and that if you were to swap springs how easy coils are in comparison to change out vs leaves.

[harry697]

Toyota trucks are not so good.

Yeah, ok.


And you say this because??????????????


BTW, the laughing smilie is because that statement comes from a Dodge fan.

[Bloody_Wheels]

Go diesel. I own a 2008 F-250 straight piped with a spartan tuner. I get 16-18mpg and can pull anything I want, including room for the family. I always liked the look of the Dodge trucks but after managing parts stores for years, I know which trucks and cars I want to stay away from. Just my personal experiences though. It all boils down to what you want, what you can afford, and is it practical.

[mamba man]

Harry I say this because on youtube there is a video of trucks chevy ford and toyota. The test was a lot of big bumbs and the trucks went other them, and to see witch trucks beds moved the most and the fors ecoboost did the best. you should have seen the toyota. The bed looked like it was going to fall off. I'm not trying to hate Toyota but it is true. I wouldn't trust them. Just my opinion because im a Ford guy. And chevy guy

[mamba man]

Ford not fors

[harry697]

Harry I say this because on youtube there is a video of trucks chevy ford and toyota. The test was a lot of big bumbs and the trucks went other them, and to see witch trucks beds moved the most and the fors ecoboost did the best. you should have seen the toyota. The bed looked like it was going to fall off. I'm not trying to hate Toyota but it is true. I wouldn't trust them. Just my opinion because im a Ford guy. And chevy guy

Haven't seen that one. Not really sure how significant the movement of an empty pickup box is, but I have no trouble believing the results. The newer Toyotas (at least the Tacoma, don't remember on the Tundra) have composite beds. I'm no fan of the design and prefer my steel bed on my older truck. Regardless, every truck I've ever seen take a decent rear end hit will smash the front of the truck bed into the rear of the cab. Just goes to show how much flex is going on with all of them. It still wouldn't deter me from buying another Toyota down the road though. Just the point of how many of them are still on the road with hundreds of thousands of miles, bodies and frames rusting away and they just keep on trucking. There are examples of every kind of vehicle out there that have extreme miles, but it seems to be the norm with the old Toyota 4-bangers. Far from the fastest vehicle I've owned, but the most reliable hands-down.

While we're on the rattling truck bed thing, the best is those custom truck guys who try to mold the cab and bed together with fiberglass and bondo! True story. Seen it happen and have heard stories from paint reps who get calls from angry customers about their primer cracking. I guess it looks kinda cool as long as you don't start the engine or move the truck in any way.

[Emaxx2.0]

Toyota's have proven to be incredible trucks. Idc what YouTube says. Ford raptors has problems with the frames bending but that doesn't me its not a good truck. Every brand has issues. But I just preferred the Toyota truck. Only a Toyota has made it to the northpole lol