Not all car models are suitable for each buyer. Buyers often need to purchase a type of car model which is not necessarily the most fuel-efficient available. Buyers who need to haul small to medium-sized loads find that purchasing a mid-sized truck is one of the best ways to handle their hauling requirements. Mid size trucks have advantages that larger trucks do not, including their greater maneuverability, higher fuel-efficiency, and lower environmental impact. Of course, just having a truck to haul loads is not the only consideration.
Many people who use trucks for occasional hauling duties also need them to be daily-drivers. That means that there needs to be at least a few creature comforts that the driver can enjoy to make his or her use of the truck far more versatile. Mid size trucks are among the most popular and versatile vehicles on the planet, and mid size pickup trucks see a great deal of use in both private hands, and the hands of small business owners around the world. Mid size trucks are the delivery trucks and animal rescue vehicles; they are the beach patrol vehicles that keep swimmers safe, and are hugely popular with rescue crews and emergency responders too.
What to Look For
Finding the perfect mid size trucks can be a difficult prospect. Since not all mid size pickup trucks are created equal, buyers need to figure out their primary uses before they make their purchase. The reasons behind a purchase will determine which mid size pickup trucks a buyer chooses. Some may look for the best mpg new mid size trucks offer. Some people prefer new mid size trucks while others will choose a used model.
Mid size trucks can often carry at least a thousand pounds of cargo in their cargo bed, while some prefer focusing on passenger comfort and internal passenger space. Mid size trucks are offered in two, three, and four-door models, and many are offered with options that make them look more like luxury cars than mid size pickup trucks. The best mpg new mid size trucks offer under 30 miles per gallon, but many models are at least as fuel efficient as a comparably heavy car.
2009 Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota was introduced during the 1980’s, and quickly became one of the top mid-size trucks in the United States. The Dakota is offered in several trim levels, and with both 2 and 4-wheel drive. One of the best mpg mid size trucks currently in production, the Dakota gets over 20 miles per gallon on the highway with its standard 3.7 liter V6 engine. The Dakota is offered with an optional 4.7 liter V8 engine. It is the only V8 engine in its class. The Dodge Dakota is consistently ranked among the top mid size trucks for reliability, and the drivetrain has one of the best warrantees in the industry. The Dakota is offered with both a manual and automatic transmission, and customers can customize their Dakota in hundreds of different ways. The Dakota has received a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more details on the Dodge Dakota, visit:
www.edmunds.com/dodge/dakota/2009/index.html
2009 Ford Ranger
The 2009 Ford Ranger is one of the most popular mid size pickup truck models in America. While the 2009 Ford Ranger does not have the cargo capacity of its heavier counterparts, it does get fuel economy that is higher than those other models. The fuel economy of the Ford Ranger is as much as 10 percent higher than many of the other offerings in the mid size truck market, but buyers do compromise a bit of luxury as well as hauling and towing capacity. The Ranger does offer very high ground clearance, though, and is available in both 2 and 4 wheel drive which makes it among the most capable off-road offerings in the mid size truck class. The Ford Ranger provides exceptional value for money, and is one of the least expensive of all midsize trucks in its class.
For more details on the Ford Ranger, visit:
www.edmunds.com/ford/ranger/2009/index.html
2009 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline has not been as widely accepted as many of the other mid size truck offerings. Though the Ridgeline does offer towing capacity in excess of the Ranger, as well as hauling capacity to rival the Dakota, the Ridgeline remains relatively unpopular since its reliability numbers are not as highly rated as those of makers such as Toyota, Ford, and Dodge. The Ridgeline is offered primarily with an automatic transmission to a V6 engine. The Ridgeline is more typically used as a city driver and occasional hauler than to rugged usage, though it can certainly hold its own against the other trucks in its class.
For more details on the Honda Ridgeline, visit:
www.edmunds.com/honda/ridgeline/2009/index.html
2009 Toyota Tacoma
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma remains popular among those who are looking for a highly reliable mid size pickup truck and are willing to sacrifice a bit of luxury to get more towing and hauling capacity. The Tacoma provides one of the highest towing and hauling capacities, as well as the most powerful engine in its class. While the Tacoma is available in both 2 and 4-wheel drive, the 4-wheel drive is by far the more popular of the two options. The Tacoma has extremely high ground clearance, and can easily be fitted with larger tires, meaning that its off-road capabilities are unrivaled among mid size pickup trucks. The powerful V6 and V8 engines offered in the Tacoma provide drivers with versatile towing and hauling options, while the low-range 4 wheel drive allows them to crawl through mud and water, and over rocks that would stymie other trucks its size. The Tacoma is one of the most reliable trucks in its class, and while it costs more than the Ranger, it is still affordable, and is a great buy for anyone considering a mid size truck purchase.
For more details on the Toyota Tacoma, visit: www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacoma/2009/review.html
Regardless of the type of mid size truck offered, buyers should take great pains to research each model before they make their final purchase. Only after careful scrutiny should a final purchase be made after each model is considered and the prospective buyer is certain that they are getting the truck that will best meet their needs.
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