Friday, October 17th, 2008
The latest version of Toyota Tacoma is a completely redesigned one. Its quirky and brawny aura is retained only that its dimensions are expanded to accommodate bigger loading capacity. At first glance, it can be ascertained that the Tacoma these days are bigger and also said to be better than its predecessors.
Toyota Tacoma come in two choices – the 2WD and 4WD. The two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are available in all body styles. Both are sophisticated and powerful. However, between the two, Tacoma’s 4×4 is getting more sales than the former. Toyota revealed that 40 percent of Tahoma’s sold are 4×4 pickup trucks for sale. The latter feature a two-speed transfer case, optional locking rear differential and a heavy duty chassis. Toyota Tacoma is said to challenge the trucks made by DCX truck, Ford truck and GMC truck.
Toyota Tacoma is ruggedly designed to give comfort and remarkable performance while conquering the road. Its double-wishbone type suspension and air shocks provide a smooth ride like that of passenger cars.
On the road, Tahoma can deliver a first rate all-round drive ability. It is also manufactured with powerful Toyota Tacoma performance parts to complement its sturdy built. The rear step bumper, front tow hook, and its 6-foot cargo bed are also made lighter. They are made from durable composite materials to support its purpose and goal as a real truck. V6 Tacoma can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Alternatively, its four-cylinder models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Tacoma has 2 standard airbags, ABS and brake assist and anchor points for child restraint seats. The four-cylinder Tacoma engine produces 164 horsepower and features 16 valves, DOHC, and variable valve timing with intelligence.
In essence, Tacoma accounts for nearly 10 percent of US Toyota truck for sales. Moreover, the driving factor of Tacoma is the celebrated Toyota build quality and reliability. History reiterates that with Toyota you will lose a lot less bucks.
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Sunday, October 12th, 2008
The Chevrolet Colorado was introduced in the market in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S10 and the GMC Sonoma model of mid-sized pick-ups manufactured by General Motors. This is a product of collaboration with Isuzu trucks, the company that helped in designing this versatile truck. The Japanese car-maker began selling its own version of the truck in the last quarter of 2005 as its I-series of trucks.
Chevy Colorado is based on the GMT355 platform designed by General Motors of North America, General Motors Brazil and Isuzu. GMT355 was also used as the basis for the Hummer H3’s GMT345 platform.
The patriots camped at the General Motors assembly plants must be thinking of a non-conventional strategy to beat their Japanese rivals. Getting the support of their rival’s own rivals - does that make a sense? Good thinking! But don’t be caught with a spy in your bed. Show them you’ve got that loyalty badge from the patriots - a blue-topped keychain designed just for Colorado owners.
Colorado is available in both manual and automatic transmissions and in either two wheel-drive or four wheel-drive variants. Standard models are powered with a 2.8L LK514 engines, but a power packed variant sports a 3.5L L52 I5 engine - known as Z71 or the 4-door version of both Chevy and General Motors Corporation model (the Canyon). The Z71 later evolved as the LT2 and LT3. There is a ZQ8 edition featuring a lower and road-tunes sport suspension, which sports 17-inch wheels and beautifully designed bumper. So-called Xtreme editions of the ZQ8 have 18-inch wheels.
The US sales of the Colorado and the Canyon peaked in 2005 at 163,204 units, surpassing the Ford Ranger by almost 35% and just 3.3% behind the new best-seller Toyota Tacoma. In 2006, however, while still leading the Ford pickup truck for sale by 27.5%, Colorado and Canyon’s sales lagged their Toyota competitor’s by almost 34%.
So Colorado owners, get your Chevy Colorado Keychains to show them you are riding on a non-conventional truck, a secret warfare designed to steal technology from the land of the rising sun. Priced at $6.99, designs are available in Circular Chrome plates, Leather topped with Silver, Leather topped with Gold and an Oval Metal variant. All designs feature a blue crystallite dome embossed printed in faint gold scripts bearing the Chevy logo and model name “Colorado”.
The 2008 Colorado maintained its original hardworking stance. A regular cab, extended cab and crew cab variants are available. The 4×4 pickup trucks for sale models are equipped with the Insta-Trac, an automated system where you can easily shift from 2WD, 4×4 low to 4×4 high with just a touch of a button conveniently located at the panel board. As a standard on Z71 variants, the powerful, efficient and durable Vortec 3.7L I-5 engines truly lives on Colorado’s “Work Harder, Play Harder” marketing tag.
The hardworking features of the Chevrolet Colorado trucks are balanced with a powerful Radio Data System compatible radio and music entertainment platform with an in-dash 6-disc CD change. Your remote keyless entry control replaces the key in your elegant keychain this time.
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Friday, October 10th, 2008
By all available indications, the best 4×4 is the Dakota in all of its incarnations. The Dodge Dakota has been a favorite since its inception. 2007 Dodge Dakota truck, which is a favorite because it is the only pickup truck in its class which offers a V8 engine. Those who drive and rely on pickup trucks appreciate this because, in general, especially for people who have to use a truck for their jobs, they are hauling and towing a lot of heavy loads. A powerful engine comes in handy for this, but according to numerous reviews of the 2007 Dakota, this vehicle is advantageous for many more reasons.
The 2007 Dodge Dakota is considered a high quality 4×4 pickup trucks for sale in part because of its engine; even standard, it comes with a 3.7 liter Magnum V6 engine which features two hundred and ten horsepower at 5200 rpm, with two hundred and thirty five pounds per feet of torque at 4000 rpm. There is also the option for the High Output 4.7 liter V8 engine, which is considered one of the best engines currently on the market. It creates two hundred and sixty horsepower and three hundred and ten pounds per feet of torque. Given the fact that most truck fans utilize their trucks to haul heavy loads and to tow strenuous items, this kind of engine power is not only required but thought to be the highest possible standard. It offers fifteen miles per gallon for city driving and nineteen miles per gallon for highway driving.
The 2007 Dodge Dakota is also praised for the way it handles and its braking capabilities. It comes with rack and pinion steering as well as highly developed hydroformed rails on the chassis. This allows for a solid driving experience and maneuverability, which again, makes it a good choice of Dodge truck 4×4 for those drivers who rely on their trucks to tow or haul extremely heavy loads and cargo. It has also been ranked on several lists as producing the best gas mileage for a mid sized pickup truck. In general, it is always in the ranking on top five lists, usually falling somewhere between the number two position and the number four positions. The Environmental Protection Agency plays an important role in determining gas mileage, as does the amount of miles per gallon a truck gets for city and highway driving.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Because gas prices are climbing at a steady and steep rate, a lot of people who require the use of pickup trucks for their personal or professional lives find themselves suffering. Generally, those people who use trucks on a daily basis, especially for their jobs, need such a big vehicle because they are carrying heavy loads. In such cases, a lot of them prefer a 4×4 pickup truck diesel rather than a gas powered truck, because these pickup truck diesels are specifically designed to tow or carry extremely heavy loads without showing ill effects. For the most part, the same Big Three names which make the more popular gas driven pickups also make up the most favored diesel engines: Dodge, GMC, and Ford pickup trucks. Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Nissan, Toyota, and even Mitsubishi all have at least one brand pickup truck diesel as well.
The capabilities of the exterior of a pickup truck diesel engine have an effect on their interiors, which are generally designed to be roomy and comfortable for the passengers, even when the truck is engaging in rough activities. For that reason, some sort of sound cushioning or even sound proofing is often incorporated. The windows are thick, the chassis is built solidly and sturdy, and there are usually double layers located within the doors. Most pickup truck diesel engines also have intake resonators and exhaust systems with low restriction, which further blocks out the effects of road noise and rough terrain.
Most pickup truck diesel engines come fitted with multiple valves which is designed to offer the maximum amount of power, which in turn allows diesel trucks to pull and carry heavier loads, thanks to high amounts of horsepower and torque - generally 300 horsepower or better, and 365 feet per pounds of torque or better. The majority of them also have electronic throttle control systems. These make for high quality transmissions which can handle all different types of altitudes equally well. Their steering systems are also advanced, because handling heavy loads safely and confidently is important.
It may be beneficial to look into purchasing a used pickup truck diesel driven. Research shows that their outdoor capabilities can actually save money in terms of gas and maintenance, especially during a long run of time. That being said, they might be for everyone, but those who rely on their pickup trucks may want to consider them; they provide excellent standard safety features as wellFind Article, which is just as important if your job requires you to frequently haul heavy loads or drive through rough terrain.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
If you have a pick up truck, you should definitely buy fiberglass truck lids for it. These lids represent the latest trend in pickup truck cargo care. The reason behind their popularity is that they are lightweight, are easy to install and use, and can be customized according to the use.
These fiberglass truck lids are made of fiberglass which is very lightweight yet is a very strong material. In fact these lids are very easy to install and use because of their light weight. You can easily install them with a wrench and screw, You do not have to drill any bad looking holes in your truck. Plus, the lids are durable enough to withstand the worst weather and road conditions. Since they are so light in weight, they are very easy to operate. You can easily lift the cover, secure it in place, and then access the truck bed. Usually these lids have hinges near the bed of the truck which can be opened from tailgate. Some of the lids have these hinges running in the middle of the bed. Therefore they can be easily opened from either side.
Also like mentioned above these lids are completely customizable. You can easily accustom them according to the color of that particular truck. You can paint entire designs or emblems on them. Usually the fiberglass truck lids have a handle located over the tailgate. This handle provides a professional look to the lids. You can add a wing on the back end which adds to the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle. The lids provide you with an organized storage system. You can easily store the loose items in the bed as the lid will keep them from falling off the truck. It keeps the cargo safe as it protects the cargo from any damaging weather conditions like snow, rain and extreme sun. Since the cargo is covered, the chances of cargo theft are considerably less.
Also the lids provide you with an immediate improvement in gas mileage. This is because usually when the air flows over the aerodynamic front end of the truck, it tends to swirl into the rear truck bed and catch on to the tailgate. As a result the pickup truck loses several miles. However the lid covers have a tight, aerodynamic shape that covers the drag-prone open bed. Hence the air hits the lids and passes past the vehicle. The best part is that it looks good also. 4×4 Ford pickup trucks and some other manufacturers have also endorsed the idea. The lids are available in a range of smooth leather grain patterns as well as custom color matched style. All these benefits and features make these fiberglass truck lids a must have for your pick up truck.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
Buying a new pickup truck can be very confusing. Of course one could go for a well known brand or a manufacturer but still there are many options that one can consider. The first thing that you should consider is size. Ask yourself just how big a pickup truck do you need? This shouldn’t be a very difficult decision for you to make. All you have to consult are your needs and your budget. Keep in mind the price of a new pickup truck varies. It can range from the affordable to the very expensive. A good basic pickup truck can be owned for around $20,000 while a full sized fully loaded 4×4 pickup truck can go for as much $30,000 or more.
One should keep in mind one of the most important features of a pickup truck is its engine. So the engine should be a primary consideration when buying a pickup truck. Most pickup trucks will have a V6 engine. This type of engine consumes a fair amount of fuel depending on what you will be hauling or pulling. However, full sized pickup trucks usually have V8 engines that use up gas pretty fast. A diesel engine is recommended if you need lots of power for towing things around. Another consideration is the number of people a pickup truck can carry. Would you be using the pickup truck to transport people? Then you would be better off buying an extended cab pickup truck which can carry 5 or more people. You could also get a crew cab which can be a very good replacement for a car and can also seat up to 5 individuals. But if you are basically using the pickup truck to tow and transport things, then you could just buy a regular cab pickup truck which can hold two to three individuals.
Determine the size of bed you will need. The bed is the part of the pickup truck used for transporting things. Pickup trucks usually are equipped with 6.5 to 8 foot beds. Look at the drive-train options. Pickup trucks come with either a manual or automatic transmission and you could choose between a two wheel driven or a four wheel driven pickup truck. Many pickup trucks offer limited-slip or locking differentials and electronic traction control. Check the truck box configurations. Trucks come with different cargo box. Most have fairly straight exterior sides, with arched areas just inside the bed to accommodate the rear wheels. Many also have spaces in front and behind each arch so there’s more room to tuck shorter cargo. On the other hand, some pickup tucks have flared fenders to provide more storage space. This type of cargo box is called a step-side box.
The Internet is a very good source for new and used pickup trucks. There are many websites specially dedicated to pickup trucks. One such highly recommended site is http://www.4×4pickuptrucksforsale.com. This site has an extensive list of new and used pickup trucks by all the famous manufacturers like Ford, GMC, Dodge, Chevy, etc. From there, you can get in touch with local dealers. And even read reviews of the vehicles for sale. Using this website is very easy for both sellers and buyers. Using this website can definitely save your time when buying a pickup truck.
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
Pickup trucks have long been a mainstay of American byways and highways, and GMC has been there from day one. Originally used and respected by farmers, construction workers and small-business owners, GMC’s hauler was a basic workhorse known for its reliability and longevity. More recent times have seen GMC’s full-size pickup truck adopt the name Sierra, which was previously an upscale trim level. As with its rivals, the modern-day GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is available with a wide variety of body styles, power trains and trim levels. Thanks to this flexibility, the half-ton Sierra pickup is just as adept at serving as the weekday family car as it is at transporting home-improvement supplies or towing a boat on the weekends. Older versions of the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup have been praised for their strong work ethic, but soundly criticized for their bland, often overly plastic-endowed cabins. With the current model, fit and finish has improved to the point where the Sierra now stands proud in that area. Of course, there are other choices in the full-size pickup truck market, but the half-ton GMC Sierra remains a solid pick no matter what the intended use.
The current GMC Sierra 1500, introduced for 2007, is much improved over the past version in terms of cabin materials and build quality. Where there was once an abundance of lackluster design, hard plastic and uneven panel gaps, there’s now richly grained upholstery, softer materials and precise fitments. The lineup offers three body styles regular, extended and crew cabs and trim levels ranging from no-frills “Work Truck” to ultra-plush Denali. The most popular trim is the mid level SLE, which provides most features people want as standard. A recent addition to the lineup is the rugged “All Terrain,” which is essentially a fancier version of the Z-71 Off-Road package. Power train choices, traditionally a strong point, encompass everything from a frugal 4.3-liter 195-horsepower V6 to a muscular 6.2-liter V8 with 403 hp. Most Sierras, however, will be fitted with either a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8 or a 315-hp 5.3-liter V8. A four-speed automatic is standard across the board (except for the GMC Denali, which gets a six-speed unit) and one may choose either rear- or a 4×4 pickup truck.
Calling cards of the GMC Sierra 1500 include strong performance, a refined and quiet ride and a comfortable, well-finished cabin. The few downsides we’ve noted in reviews include minor interior ergonomic issues and the hesitant response of the four-speed automatic transmission in downshift situations. We have no quibble with GM’s excellent six-speed automatic in the Denali, as it is smooth and spot-on in its performance. The previous generation of GMC Sierra 1500 pickups ran from 1988-’98. Standard cab and extended cab body styles were offered, as was a crew cab, though the latter was actually from the previous 1981-’87 generation. Although six-cylinder and diesel V8s were offered, chances are strong that most GMC trucks from these years will have either a 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic. In keeping with tradition, one could choose either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Trim levels for these 4×4 pickup trucks include the bare-bones Special, base SL, mid level SLE and top-line SLT. Strengths of these trucks include powerful, durable power trains while weaknesses center on sketchy build quality and sub par materials within the cabin.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a four-door, five-passenger, midsize pickup truck. It was unique when it first appeared in 2000, but today it must compete with midsize four-door pickups from every major player. Essentially a Ford Explorer with a pickup bed, the Sport Trac offers plenty of room inside for people and out back for cargo. It comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 210 horsepower, and a 292-hp V8 is optional. Both engines are available with rear- or four-wheel drive. With the V8, the Sport Trac offers power near the top of the class. The power is delivered smoothly, but isn’t as responsive in passing maneuvers as some might wish. The Sport Trac’s high ride height means the ride quality gets a bit busy over potholed or broken pavement, but otherwise, the ride is smooth, thanks in part to an independent rear suspension that also aids handling. Directional stability is good, steering response is quick, and body lean is well controlled for a heavy vehicle.
Inside, the Sport Trac has easy-to-read instruments and nice materials. Unfortunately, the door pulls are strangely positioned, making them hard to operate for some. Room, on the other hand, is plentiful front and rear. The bed offers decent room and some unique storage bins, but those who haul a lot of cargo regularly will want a more traditional pickup. After benefiting from a redesign for 2007, the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac adds more standard features and additional optional equipment. The most notable new feature, available on late-2008 models, is Ford’s Sync communications and entertainment system. New standard features include fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power rear window, a drop-in storage bin, and side curtain airbags. The optional navigation system offers voice activation for 2008.
This limited edition 4×4 pickup truck comes standard with automatic headlights, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped shift knob, keyless entry keypad, auto-dimming rearview mirror. Sundry exterior trim pieces that are painted black on the XLT change to body color or silver on the Limited. The 2008 Sport Trac is considerably longer than the Explorer. Wheelbase and overall length are both almost 17 inches longer. Thus, while the Explorer is the more people-oriented of the two, the Sport Trac’s longer wheelbase promises a less choppy, more controlled ride. Curious. The Dodge Dakota Quad Cab is the only other midsize pickup to exceed the Sport Trac in wheelbase and overall length, and by less than an inch in wheelbase. Of the remaining four-door, short-bed, midsize pickups, the Chevrolet Colorado, the Honda Ridgeline, the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma measure between three and four inches shorter overall.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008
Every GMC vehicle, from the Envoy to the GMC Sierra pickup, bears an uncanny resemblance to a model wearing the bow tie badge, and the updated Yukon XL is no exception. Aside from those homely headlights, a tweaked grille, an added engine, and unique badges, that GMC is a Chevy. In a time when General Motors is losing market share, has been forced to reduce sticker prices across the line while keeping rebates alive, why money is still being dumped into this purely duplicative brand is a mystery. That’s not to say that the 2007 Yukon XL isn’t a nice vehicle, because it is, one with a renewed focus on style, quality, and value. But that can all be said of the truck on which the Yukon XL is based, the Chevrolet Suburban, and barring the premium XL Denali trim and its larger engine, there’s not enough distinguishing the two vehicles, despite GMC’s “Professional Grade” tagline.
Billed as the largest of the brand’s family of SUVs, the 2007 GMC Yukon XL is a nine-passenger truck with 137.4 cubic feet of cargo room. Buyers can choose from two trims - XL and XL Denali - and either rear- or four-wheel-drive capability. Based on the Chevrolet Suburban, the Yukon XL and XL Denali models are available to buyers looking for more brand cachet and an added touch of luxury, but aren’t quite ready for the flash and price of the Cadillac Escalade, another ride that shares its platform with the Chevy.
Despite all of the news about shrinking sales of large SUVs, this segment is still expected to move between 700-800,000 units annually, with General Motors reportedly grabbing 62 percent of that pie. Gas prices may continue to be volatile, but the fact remains that thousands of pickup truck buyers continue to choose the utility of a large vehicle like the 2007 GMC Yukon pickup truck versus smaller and more efficient alternatives. Competition in this field has largely been limited to the Ford Excursion (and fellow GM players like the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade), but that model is being replaced by an extended version of the Ford Expedition that promises to fight for its spot in American driveways.
Couple that with GM’s tarnished image, and one can see how vital it is that the 2007 GMC Yukon XL represents the company’s best effort. It seems ironic that just as the light appears to be dimming on the large SUV segment, GM unveils its best looking 4×4 pickup truck lineup to date. The lines of the 2007 GMC Yukon XL are much crisper, and the promise of tighter gap tolerances and a stronger focus on build quality address two of the main complaints with the existing vehicle. Add in the extra power and improved efficiency, and GMC makes a good case for purchasing its 2007 Yukon XL, should you be in the market for such a ride.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008
4×4 pickup trucks sure have changed over the past few decades. Once reserved for commercial applications or hauling hay and feed around the farm with barely a heater and windshield wipers, these versatile vehicles have been transformed into what is often the family four-door, the four-wheel-drive king cab commuter, or the cause of envy at local drag strips. And for a few years now there have been some new players strutting onto the field with a box attached to a luxury vehicle. Lincoln has taken two stabs at this segment so far, the first being the forgettable and misguided Blackwood and more recently the Mark LT, also known as a thinly-disguised Ford F-150. Over at General Motors, luxury division Cadillac has been a bit more thorough with its dressing up of the Chevrolet Avalanche, with the result being the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
With its rear box, the all-wheel-drive EXT is technically a pickup truck, one that features an innovative fold-down midgate that effectively creates a full-size bed. But, aside from that design element, the EXT is much like the rest of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade lineup, with the same fresh face accented by vertically-stacked bright headlight housings and an expansive chrome grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. There are clean new body lines with tighter gaps, front fender vents, and integrated running boards. The new Escalades get an interior distinct from the lesser Chevy and GMC versions, with an attractive dash layout and generous use of leather. Added luxury comes in the form of an optional heated steering wheel, a touch-screen navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system, a surround sound system by Bose, and 18- or 22-inch chrome alloy wheels.
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