Three Best Trucks of 2008

Being a native of the Pacific Northwest, I can't imagine there being a household without a pickup truck. The versatility of the pickup truck allows greater mobility, with it's 4-wheel drive. It also allows us to haul around our essentials such as fire-wood for heat, camping and fishing gear and home repair essentials without having to pay to have them delivered.

No longer limited to just the front bench seat; with its extended cab and king cab, the truck now ranks up there as a comfortable, family vehicle.

The best trucks for 2008 are the Chevrolet Colorado, the Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger. They are American made, which makes them best for our national economy. They are small enough to make them economical to run, but big enough to be useful. Because they are the mid-size truck, they are also roomy enough to be comfortable if you decide to take on a trip.

The following points will show why I feel the Chevrolet Colorado, the Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger are the best trucks for 2008.

The Price

Because were are living in a stressed economy, every person looking for a new truck wants to make sure they are getting the best truck for their money. I have listed here the MSRP (manufacture suggested retail price) for each of these three trucks; with the bottom price for the basic truck, and the top price all the amenities.

Chevrolet Colorado - $15,085. - $25,150.

Dodge Dakota - $20,470 - $32,135.

Ford Ranger - $14,490. - $24,350.

Based on price, the Ford Ranger is best.

Fuel Economy

Chevrolet Colorado

In town this truck gets between 15-18 mpg (miles per gallon), and on the highway 20-24.

Dodge Dakota

In town this truck gets between 14-16 mpg, and on the highway 18-20.

Ford Ranger

In town this truck gets between 14-21 mpg, and on the highway 17-26.

Based on fuel usage, the Ford Ranger is best.

Engine/Power

The Chevrolet Colorado has two sizes of engine

1. 185 hp (horse power) 2.9 liter 4 cylinders

2. 242 hp 3.7 liter 5 cylinder

The Dodge Dakota also has two sizes of engine.

1. 210 hp 3.7 liter V-6

2. 302 hp 4.7 liter V-8

The Ford Ranger has three different sized engines.

1. 143 hp 2.3 liter 4 cylinder

2. 148 hp 3.0 liter V-6

3. 207 hp 4.0 liter V-6

Each of the engines on each of the trucks is excellent. I couldn't rate one above the other. They are all three great.

Transmission

For me, the choice of transmission is quite important. I prefer a manual transmission. All three of these trucks offer an automatic and a manual transmission. It's all up to the consumer.

Features

All three of these trucks has an excellent features package. It sure doesn't make the decision as to which of these three is the best.

Chevrolet Colorado

Very little has changed with this truck since it was introduced in 2004. One addition to this truck that I think is excellent is, the OnStar Communication as standard equipment. It also has new line of gorgeous colors.

Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota has an updated body-style for its 2008 model. It also has full-swing rear doors for its extended cab model.

Ford Ranger

The front bumper is on Ford Ranger is more aerodynamic, and comes in two cab styles. As standard equipment, it has a passive anti-theft system.

With all these great points and features, it is no wonder that the Chevrolet Colorado, the Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger are the best trucks for 2008.

Resources:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/consumerstoprated/2008/index.html

http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp?aff=national

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Three_automobile_manufacturers

http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/bamw/bamw-061129-auto.shtml