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Robert Ryan - I'm surprised that you haven't been flamed ""We are not going to develop a fat cowboy truck for North America,"
Laramie, Long Horn, Lariet, King Ranch, High Country, 1794 all play up to that cowboy image.
2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4: First Drive
Editor's note: Yes, we know the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 is not a pickup truck. But if ever there was a vehicle that works like a pickup truck, the commercial van is it. That's why we're taking a closer look at this vehicle and sharing its high points. And there may be another reason th...
Same old arguments on both sides of the line drawn in the sand.
We do see small trucks have similar price tags to full sized and comparable mpg.
We've also seen a convergence in capacities. 1400-188 lb in the Colorado is definitely full sized capacity.
Ford looks at it from a profit basis...... will this product make me money?
They decided that the global Ranger or a variant is a non-starter for the USA.
VW has said that they would need to sell 100,000 Amarok's per year in the USA to make building a factory profitable.
Tim Esterdahl has not addressed the 800 lb gorilla in the room:
Small/midsized pickups currently are 90% the size (according to Ford) of the full sized pickup.
One can assume a 10% cost reduction?
Assembly costs are the same i.e. Tundra and Tacoma roll down the same line.
One can therefore assume that build costs are the same.
Global small trucks aren't the same as USA ones.... Why?
Tariffs, EPA, Safety Regulations. That has been compared to the cost equivalence of a 20-40% tariff. (Some countries have extremely poor safety regulations).
If one wants Global small trucks here then one needs homogenization of tariffs, emissions, and safety regulations.
That is the only way one can truly have a "GLOBAL" product.
Click bate.
Nothing more....... nothing less.
Five Reasons Ford Should Bring Ranger Back to U.S.
By Tim Esterdahl The reveal of a new 2016 Ford Ranger in Bangkok meant for only overseas markets once again raises questions about why Ford doesn't bring the Ranger to the U.S. Ford usually offers explanations that include the midsize pickup segment's decreased sales and the need to focus on...
Preventative maintenance................ Nice to see Uncle Sam has your back ;)
Was 2007 the year that de-icing chemicals came into full use? Those chemicals are a very corrosive.
NHTSA Provides Safety Tips for Brake Systems
As we move into spring, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is offering three key suggestions to help owners of older cars and pickup trucks limit the amount of brake-system damage caused by the corrosive effects of road salt. NHTSA says that for model-year 2007 vehicles and old...
Wrong rear end ratio?
If the guy bought the truck with specific towing in mind then Ram needs to give the guy a new truck. A gear change doesn't alter the ratings on the door tag unless Ram is going to recertify the door tags.
Ram Owner Files Class-Action Suit for Wrong Gears
Imagine if you bought a pickup truck to do some towing and hauling, and you made sure the truck you bought had the lowest possible gearing to give you the highest possible gross vehicle weight rating, and then you found out the axle gears listed on the Monroney weren't the gears actually on yo...
I don't like the fact in past tests trucks with higher payloads automatically get higher points even when compared to non max trucks.
Funny to see a Ram guy say that.
2015 Midsize Challenge: What the Judges Said
By Patrick Olsen, Cars.com For our 2015 Midsize Challenge, we had five judges: Mark Williams, PickupTrucks.com editor Aaron Bragman, Cars.com Detroit bureau chief Joe Bruzek, Cars.com road test editor Bob and Matt Trink, a father and son who live in the Phoenix area. Bob is a retired high s...
papa jim - some tires are better on ice and like anything there are differences in icy conditions. My friend moved to a warmer climate that rarely gets snow but when they do get it it is hell or maybe hell froze over ;). The snow is wet and heavy and packs quickly to ice but when it does it sheds a lot of water. That is about the worst possible ice scenario.
I've raced dirt bikes on lake ice with tires set up with carbide steel ice racing screws. You get better traction than on dirt. Great fun.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Braking
Panic braking a pickup truck from 60 mph to a full stop can be an unnerving experience. That's why we do all our brake testing on a closed test track with a professional test driver behind the wheel. Although you are not likely to experience this same set of circumstances in the real world, we...
4x4 will expand the market for these vehicles. Good EMT vehicle.
This is the kind of testing one should do with any 4x4 pickup. Running them in an off-road park doesn't give any real world information.
2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4: First Drive
Editor's note: Yes, we know the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 is not a pickup truck. But if ever there was a vehicle that works like a pickup truck, the commercial van is it. That's why we're taking a closer look at this vehicle and sharing its high points. And there may be another reason th...
I prefer the monochromatic look to the big fake chrome look. Good looking truck. The grill on the Silverado is much nicer than the Sierra.
Chevrolet Debuts New Silverado 2500/3500 Custom Sport Edition
Chevrolet announced it will offer a new monochromatic trim package called Custom Sport for the 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty Silverados. The package includes front and rear body-colored bumpers, a body-colored grille, chrome trailer mirrors and 18-inch aluminum wheels (17-inch on 3500 dualies). The...
George C - never heard of a transfer case described as a PTO T-case in the format you describe. I grew up around heavy machinery so PTO means something totally different to me.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Off-Road Aptitude
In judging these V-6 midsize pickup trucks, we wanted to give the manufacturers a chance to show off how well they understand (or don't) what a good, capable four-wheel-drive system can be. We know most people don't need rock-climbing traction or a rut-pounding suspension, but as a versatile "...
The 3 season Wrangler SR/A's on my truck were better on paved road for traction on wet or dry pavement than my General Grabber AT2's. I know that and try to drive accordingly. The AT2's are vastly superior in puncture resistance, gravel road use, mud and snow. Even though they are winter rated they actually were not as good on ice as the 3 season Wranglers.
The take home message is: know your vehicle,and know your tires and drive accordingly.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Braking
Panic braking a pickup truck from 60 mph to a full stop can be an unnerving experience. That's why we do all our brake testing on a closed test track with a professional test driver behind the wheel. Although you are not likely to experience this same set of circumstances in the real world, we...
@BigAl - for most people they will never drive one of these trucks hard enough for long enough to shorten the lifespan.
Guys like my brother who spend most of his time on dirt roads, logging and construction sites can kill a truck easily in less than 100,000 km.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Acceleration
We tested our four challengers on the same day, at the same track (Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Ariz.), with the same test equipment and the same driver (and his test procedures). Since we had all V-6 engines, spinning tires was not much of a problem for these pickups, but muc...
uh huh - agreed. Rear end ratio's mattered more in the day of 3 speed automatics and a top gear ratio of 1:1.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Acceleration
We tested our four challengers on the same day, at the same track (Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Ariz.), with the same test equipment and the same driver (and his test procedures). Since we had all V-6 engines, spinning tires was not much of a problem for these pickups, but muc...
papa jim - I've been mentioning tire selection as a critique for the last few shootouts.
The 1/2 ton shoutout had the GM siblings, Ford and Ram all coincidentally running Wrangler SR/A's but there is a difference between a 20 inch tire and an 18 or 17.
The Tacoma was at a huge disadvantage due to its offroad bias. Toyota deserves what they got. A TRD package would of been a better choice.
The Nissan looks scary with that huge nose dive. No thanks. I'd take the Colorado or Canyon over the other 2 any day.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Braking
Panic braking a pickup truck from 60 mph to a full stop can be an unnerving experience. That's why we do all our brake testing on a closed test track with a professional test driver behind the wheel. Although you are not likely to experience this same set of circumstances in the real world, we...
@PapaJim - 1400 plus cargo rating and 7k tow for the GM siblings put them on par with many full sized trucks. The only real reason now to pick between a 1/2 ton and a small truck is preference for external dimensions and interior space. Capacity comes into play only if you are towing heavy or carrying heavy.
There will always be those that want 350-400 hp V8's and big trucks but GM has finally given the buyer better choices.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Mileage Drive
Given how important fuel economy seems to be nowadays to both buyers and the government, we know our real-world fuel-economy numbers are significant in a test like this. We took all four pickups on two driving loops with each truck driven empty and loaded. The winner of our empty loop was the ...
George_C - you can only get a PTO drive in HD's. Why would you want it in one of these?
@PapaJim - agreed. Anyone I know who does any hardcore offroading modifies their own truck since what you want/need varies based on where you live.
The Colorado/Canyon cover more bases than the other 2 trucks. I like the looks of the Colorado but I'd rather have the better interior of the Canyon.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Off-Road Aptitude
In judging these V-6 midsize pickup trucks, we wanted to give the manufacturers a chance to show off how well they understand (or don't) what a good, capable four-wheel-drive system can be. We know most people don't need rock-climbing traction or a rut-pounding suspension, but as a versatile "...
The whining and crying post test is just too predictable. As others have pointed out, PUTC can only test what the manufacturer sends them. Toyota sent the TRD Pro to both the 1/2 ton and small truck shootout. Bad choice on Toyota's part.
I'd pick the Canyon too.
- I don't like the mini-me Sierra looks but one does not see that out of the driver's seat. It is unfortunate that the Colorado does not get the same level of interior refinement as the Canyon.
- The Canyon was way too soft for the offroad test but who drives one of these trucks or any truck on a closed course track?
People buy smaller trucks because that is what they want. Pretty simple.
The Canyon offers great ride, good empty and loaded performance, and respectable economy.
I'd add:
-Tow test with 4-5k trailer.
- Testing with both max load and load based on weakest truck.
- Test with the same tires.
- Extended gravel road test.
I love the idea of adding civilian testers to the mix.
Good job PUTC.
2015 Midsize Challenge: Results
We've done our most comprehensive test of the midsize pickup truck class to date here, taking four competitors (the Honda Ridgeline does not offer a 2015 model) to the test track, to the streets, to the dyno shop and to their payload limits. Four pickups, six days and 21 scored tests, 14 of wh...
BD - ask Tom#3. He sounds like he could cover the first option you mentioned.
The $40,000 Midsize Pickup Is Here to Stay
By Tim Esterdahl Years ago a midsize pickup truck was a $10,000-$15,000 compact, bare-bones truck with better-than-full-size-pickup fuel economy. Fast-forward to now and a midsize truck is anything but compact and bare bones. Case in point: We recently tested a 2015 GMC Canyon SLE with the All...
Interesting to see guys saying that Silverado/Sierra is as light as the current F150. One forgets that the F150 has taller box sides, the truck rides higher and has a bigger cab. All that adds weight to a truck. Cam in block pushrod engines tend to be lighter and more compact when compared to twin overhead cam engines. Turbo's and their associated hardware also add weight.
Ford needed to shed weight from the F150 to stay competitive.
Here is a tidbit - I read a test where a 2010 F150 supercrew 5.4 was run against a comparable Chevy crew with 5.3. There was only 0.1 seconds difference in the 1/4 mile.
Like i said, Ford needed to loose weight.
Ford Saves Weight Throughout F-150
Saving weight on a pickup truck is an idea that's been around for quite a while. During the last several decades just about every full-size truckmaker has made some kind of weight-saving decision to increase the efficiency or capability of its pickups. Some manufacturers offer smaller, more ef...
Nick- great comments.
The global Colorado was Brazilian engineered and IIRC most of the testing occurred in Thailand. I suspect that a USA version was also planned since new products tend to have a 5-6 year R&D cycle i.e. from initial idea to rolling off the line.
GM did get hit with a very poor product roll out for the Sierra and Silverado. Some pundits said it was GM's poorest launch ever.
I do not think anyone would of predicted an oil price crash. Fuel prices have traditionally have had an effect on small trucks versus larger ones. That would mean small truck sales should crash but we have seen the opposite happen.
The billion dollar question is "who is buying Colorado/Canyon?
Tacoma and Frontier sales have improved so it is safe to say that they have not been hurt by the GM twins.
Big Al floated the theory that they are poaching V6 1/2 ton buyers BUT as you pointed out, GM isn't bragging about conquest sales. Big Al also thinks that the aluminum F150 is a flop and that may be a source BUT again, no bragging from GM on conquest sales.
I suspect that they are attracting buyers that normally would buy a SUV or CUV. GM has a huge stable of those vehicles so I'm inclined to say that most buyers are chosing a smaller GM pickup over a GM SUV/CUV.
The $40,000 Midsize Pickup Is Here to Stay
By Tim Esterdahl Years ago a midsize pickup truck was a $10,000-$15,000 compact, bare-bones truck with better-than-full-size-pickup fuel economy. Fast-forward to now and a midsize truck is anything but compact and bare bones. Case in point: We recently tested a 2015 GMC Canyon SLE with the All...
Fiat could bring the Strada aka Ram700 to the USA if it was built in a tariff free zone but why would they? They would rather sell you a Pentastar Ram or Ecodiesel Ram with considerably higher profit margins.
FCA does need to improve mpg across the board or hope CAFE rules get adjusted. It is starting to look like we will get readjusted CAFE ratings.
Ram CEO Continues to Resist Midsize Entry
The most significant hurdle keeping Ram CEO Robert Hegbloom from jumping into the midsize pickup truck segment is building an entry that meets or exceeds the fuel-economy expectations at a price that's economically feasible. According to Automotive News, Hegbloom continues to believe — as he h...
I doubt that Merc would bring a pickup to the USA. it isn't the image they want to send. The rest of the world is a different story.
I always find the whole small versus large truck debate interesting. No sense putting down a product if it doesn't meet their wants or needs. You put down a product only if it doesn't compare well to the competition - in this case other small trucks.
There is overlap between every class of truck:
We have the doublecab Tacoma with a cargo rating around 1100 lbs and tow of around 7k. The new Colorado crew can carry 1800 and tow 7k. Those numbers fit the mid to lower end of the 1/2 ton crew market.
One then looks at max cargo F150 Crew in the 2,300 lb range and Chevy at 2k. Both can tow 12k which again overlaps with 3/4 ton trucks.
Look at your wants and desires and buy what makes you happy. Just make sure it can do what you want it to do.
It's Official: Nissan and Mercedes Partner to Build Pickup
After much speculation and some interesting public interviews, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan have made it official, announcing they will partner on a global midsize pickup truck to be built off the Nissan Navara platform. The new truck will be built in Argentina and Spain. This global segment is of...
This story perpetuates the legend that small trucks sell based on price and mpg. That was why they sold in the 70's but no more.
People just want a smaller truck and want the same features available in larger trucks and are willing to pay for it.
How hard is that for people to comprehend?
The $40,000 Midsize Pickup Is Here to Stay
By Tim Esterdahl Years ago a midsize pickup truck was a $10,000-$15,000 compact, bare-bones truck with better-than-full-size-pickup fuel economy. Fast-forward to now and a midsize truck is anything but compact and bare bones. Case in point: We recently tested a 2015 GMC Canyon SLE with the All...
waste not want not
Truckmakers Emphasize 'Green' Initiatives
By Tim Esterdahl "Going green" is always good public relations for big companies, and it's also smart business, especially for the big truckmakers. Not only do pickup trucks have to battle the stereotype of being gas-guzzlers and disproportionate polluters, but the plants that make them are ...
HEMI V8 - Ram 1500 gets the nod for civilian use but not work.
Ram doesn't make a 1500 work truck.
Just a reskinned Crown Victoria with a useless balcony.
Vincentric Names Chevrolet Best Value Truck Brand
Vincentric announced its 2015 Best Value Awards, and the overall winner for Best Value Truck Brand is Chevrolet, winning three of the six main pickup categories. Vincentric is an automotive data compilation and analysis firm that measures the cost of ownership during the first five years of a ...
Tom#3 - how many miles on it?
What brand of tire?
Original?
How does rear diff behave on snow/ice and mud?
Spied: Could This Be a New Ram Midsize Pickup?
According to sources close to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a new Ram midsize pickup truck is likely headed our way; however, whether it will be a badged a Ram, a Dodge or something new (a Fiat?) remains to be seen. FCA has been working with several cobbled-together mules in Europe and the U.S., ...
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