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Full-size pickups are getting better at carrying people in comfort, thanks to the availability of everything from premium sound systems to leather upholstery. Of course, if utility is your primary concern, you can still buy a base model from around $16,000 to $23,000.
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Pickup Trucks - More new pickup trucks are sold in this country than any other type of vehicle. The smaller models now offer quad or crew-cab four-door versions, with seating for 5 adults. Full-size models offer extended cabs with smaller third and fourth doors giving access to the rear seats. Standard rear-wheel drive versions don't handle well on snow or ice without a substantial amount of weight in the rear of the truck. When equipped with towing packages with 8- or 10-cylinder engines, these rear-wheel drive vehicles can tow large boats and trailers. Full-size 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive pickups get about 15 miles per gallon. Most trucks fall into either the compact or full-size category, although there are a few models designated as midsize. Base model compact trucks are some of the cheapest vehicles on the market, but premium models can cost well into the mid-$20Ks. Full-size trucks range from the low-$20,000s to the low-$40,000s. Compact trucks offer both four- and six-cylinder engines that deliver respectable mileage. |
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Full-size trucks offer six-cylinder engines on base models, but most trucks use V8 or even V10 engines that return marginal fuel economy numbers at best. Most full-size trucks also offer diesel engines that provide plenty of towing power and better mileage. Most trucks offer basic safety equipment like front airbags and seatbelts for all passengers. Some newer full-size trucks offer more advanced systems like side curtain airbags and electronic stability control. Almost all trucks offer both manual and automatic transmissions as well as two- and four-wheel drive. Many vehicles also offer traction aiding devices like limited-slip/locking differentials and electronic traction control.
There are three basic body styles for trucks: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Regular cabs have two doors and seat between two and three comfortably. Compact extended cabs add mostly extra storage space while full-size versions can seat three additional passengers. Crew cabs have four full-size doors and seat between five and six passengers comfortably. Most trucks with extended or crew cabs offer the ability to either fold the entire rear seat up or at least one half or the other. Some new model full-size trucks also allow you to fold the front passenger seat flat to provide a handy tablelike surface.
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