Top 5 Compact Trucks
If you are in the market for a compact truck, then it might be worth taking note of the top 5 models on the market today. Purchasing a compact truck is not something you should do on a whim, and the purpose of this article is to educate you about the top 5 compact trucks and help you decide which one is right for you.
The list of compact trucks below is the top 5 based on 2009 results. All models listed are available as compact diesel trucks, and they have been rated according to their performance, exterior, interior, safety, and reliability.
The Toyota Tacoma is number one on the list. This compact truck has been voted the U.S. News Best Car for the Money in its class because it has a car like interior, as well as the strong capabilities of a compact truck. When it comes to performance, the Tacoma scored high at 8.3. This model has a very powerful engine and comes with a five speed automatic transmission. It can be used for hauling and off road driving.
The exterior of the Tacoma scores a very good 8.1. The interior does not score as highly, only receiving an 8 for the car like seating. This model does, however, receive an excellent 9.9 when it comes to safety, and reliability scores highly with a 9. The Tacoma comes with a 3-year basic warranty up to 36,000 miles, which you can upgrade to a 5 year 60,000 mile warranty.
The Nissan Frontier is ranked number two on the list. This compact truck model is the perfect choice for those who want a truck that is both fast on and off the road. The main complaints about this model include the unrefined suspension and uncomfortable back seats, but it does get some of the best gas mileage in its class.
Nissan Frontier compact trucks, with a two-door king cab, are available in four trims, and the four-door crew cab model is available in three trims. This compact truck scores an impressive 8.6 in performance, mainly because of its awesome drive train. The exterior of this model scores 8.2, while the interior only scores 8, as reviewers felt that cheap materials were used inside. The Frontier scores 8.6 when it comes to safety and is equipped with a variety of safety features including an energy absorbing steering column. The Frontier only scores a mediocre 6 for reliability, based on the trend of the past three years. The Frontier comes with a limited 3-year warranty for 36,000 miles.
The Dodge Dakota, number three on the list, can seat up to six people, but has been reported to have low-grade cabin materials and an uncomfortable interior. Despite this, the Dakota is very good for its class and has been updated since its 2008 model. If you are looking for maneuverability in a compact truck, then the Dakota does measure up. It also has the towing capacity of big trucks and includes a powerful V8 engine. The 2009 model is available in six different trim levels with four-wheel drive optional.
The Dakota scores an 8 in performance, thanks to its refined suspension, but many report that the braking system and the size of its bed could be improved. The exterior scores 7.9, and the interior a 7.3 with most reviewers commenting on the lack of comfort and style. The Dakota does, however, impress most reviewers with its safety features and scores an excellent 9.9. The reliability score for the Dakota is 8, which is very good, and this model comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.
The Suzuki Equator is number four, the first time that a Suzuki has been featured in a compact trucks list. This model is designed to haul Suzuki ATV’s and boats. Although Suzuki fans will love this model, reviewers complained that its engine was very loud and a luxurious interior was not to be expected. The Equator is classed as a compact pickup truck and can be purchased in a short or long bed with a tow or a four-wheel drive, and three trims are available.
The Equator only scored 7.2 for performance because of the noisy V6 engine. The handling of this vehicle is also questioned, but the towing is excellent. The exterior of this vehicle scores an 8, but the interior only manages a mediocre 6.2 because of the cramped rear seating. There are no safety or reliability ratings for this model, as it is the first time it has been entered into the compact trucks category. This model comes with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty.
The Ford Ranger, number five on the list, is in the middle of the pack for refinement, but top choice when it comes to budget price. The complaints with this vehicle are its rough ride, scoring a low 6.4, and limited maneuverability. The Ranger comes in six trims with a choice of 3 engine sizes and 2 cab sizes.
The exterior gets a 7.2 rating, and the interior only a 6.3. There is no comfort in the interior, and this is what is pulling this model down. The safety and reliability ratings do pull this model up with safety scoring a 9.2 and reliability an 8. The Ranger comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.
Benefits Of Buying A Compact Truck
There are a number of benefits to buying compact trucks; the main one being that they are lower priced than large trucks, and they have excellent payload and towing capacities. Compact trucks are higher off the road than cars, which means both driver and passengers have a better view. They are also easier to park, and can be purchased in two and four wheel drive. Many of the compact diesel trucks have extended and double cabs, and they can be purchased in a variety of engine sizes too.
Another benefit of buying compact trucks is the fact that they get better gas mileage than full size trucks, and they are capable of towing around 3,000 pounds.
Many families are now purchasing compact trucks as a means of taking care of all the family chores. The storage capacity of compact trucks is excellent, which is great for large families.
Where To Find More Information On Compact Trucks
If you are considering purchasing a compact truck, you can find a great deal of information online at websites such as http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Compact-Pickup-Trucks/. Future compact trucks are set to get better and better as more manufacturers look at entering this market.
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