2008 Toyota Tacoma

When matched against competing trucks such as the Nissan Frontier (*est. $16,250 to $28,050) and the Dodge Dakota (*est. $14,330 to $24,075), the Toyota Tacoma comes out on top in reviews among small pickups. Reviewers generally laud the roomy, comfortable passenger compartment, but Edmunds.com, Car and Driver magazine and ConsumerGuide.com note that its seating position is low, and that there's no height adjuster – a potential sticking point for shorter drivers. Overall ride comfort is praised in several reviews.

Available as a regular, extended, or four-door crew cab, the Toyota Tacoma is powered by either a 159-horsepower four-cylinder or a 236-horsepower V-6. There's also an optional supercharger for drivers seeking additional punch. Engine performance is praised by reviewers, who also note the smooth shift action of the Tacoma's automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, but a special tow prep package for the six-cylinder Tacoma ups the ante to 6,500 lbs. In its review, Edmunds.com editors single out the composite cargo bed lining as an attractive feature, saying it should resist scratching and denting.

Edmunds.com has the most credible, detailed review of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup. It covers all aspects in-depth and compares it with rivals from Nissan and Dodge. Consumer Reports magazine, as always, focuses on safety and predicted reliability, based on its extensive owner surveys. Truck Trend magazine names the Toyota Tacoma "Best in Class" for 2008 Compact Pickups, and it's labeled a "Best Buy" at ConsumerGuide.com. A brief summary can be found in Car and Driver's buying guide.