Pickup Trucks: Reviews

Updated August 2011
Once a pure workhorse, the pickup truck is also a daily driver for many, and as such they can be outfitted with all the amenities of a car or SUV, such as leather seats, a backseat DVD player, and the ability to tow your boat. ConsumerSearch analyzes expert reviews from mainstream auto magazines like Car and Driver and Consumer Reports, to auto-centric sites like Cars.com and Edmunds.com to name the best compact, midsize and full-size pickup trucks. We also factor safety and fuel efficiency into our picks.
 

Best full-size pickup truck

2011 Ford F-150 Base MSRP: $22,790 to $51,525 Learn More

PickupTrucks.com: After testing all available engines in the 2011 Ford F-150, PickupTrucks.com picks the 5-liter V8 as "the box we'd likely check on the order form." During this 800-mile test, the F-150 tows a 9,000-pound horse trailer over mountains and across windy deserts without straining or swaying out of control.

PickupTrucks.com: Here, PickupTrucks.com tests three 2011 base-model pickups -- the Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500 and Dodge Ram -- head-to-head on the track, dragway and Detroit's streets and highways, looking for the best overall work truck.

Edmunds.com: This year's more powerful engine choices correct the Ford F-150's one big former flaw, Edmunds.com editors say.

ConsumerGuide.com: The auto editors of ConsumerGuide.com conduct a comprehensive road test of the 2011 Ford F-150, testing all available engines and offering insights on acceleration, fuel economy and ride quality, as well as steering, handling, braking, quietness and comfort.

Truck Trend: Motor Trend's Truck Trend track tests all four available engines in the 2011 Ford F-150.

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org tests two versions of the 2011 Ford F-150 -- the 5-liter V8 and the twin-turbo, EcoBoost V6 -- to see which one is faster, more fuel efficient and better at towing.

Autoblog.com: This thorough road test evaluates nearly every aspect of the 2011 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew (fitted with the 5-liter V8 engine), from price and fuel economy to interior room and cargo convenience.

TheTruthAboutCars.com: After driving all four 2011 F-150 engine choices at a Ford media event, Sajeev Mehta says most people will actually prefer the base 3.7-liter V6.

FuelEconomy.gov: FuelEconomy.gov lists mileage estimates for the 2011 Ford F-150 and other full-size pickups.

IIHS.org: This chart shows overall crash-worthiness for large pickups.

SaferCar.gov: This searchable database shows the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash-test performance and ratings for the 2011 Ford F-150.

Best midsize pickup truck

2011 Honda Ridgeline Base MSRP: $29,150 to $34,730 Learn More

Edmunds.com: Editors of Edmunds.com note that the 2011 Honda Ridgeline carries over unchanged.

IIHS.org: The Honda Ridgeline aces the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash tests (rear, side and offset front) but has not yet gone through the organization's new roof-strength evaluation.

SaferCar.gov: The Honda Ridgeline has not yet undergone the federal government's newly strengthened 2011 crash tests.

FuelEconomy.gov: FuelEconomy.gov lists mileage estimates for the 2011 Honda Ridgeline and other full-size pickups.

ConsumerSearch.com: The 2011 Honda Ridgeline is no different than the 2009 model, so this full analysis remains current.

Best compact pickup truck

2011 Toyota Tacoma Base MSRP: $16,365 to $27,525 Learn More

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com lists the minor changes to the 2011 Toyota Tacoma.

IIHS.org: This chart shows crash ratings for small pickups.

SaferCar.gov: The federal government strengthened its crash tests this year, and only the crew-cab version has been tested.

FuelEconomy.gov: FuelEconomy.gov lists mileage estimates for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma and other small pickups.

ConsumerSearch.com: The Toyota Tacoma has changed little since 2009, so this full review of that model is still valid.

Pickup Trucks Runners Up:

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