# Pickup Truck Opinions **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 31, 2009, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884 "2009-07-31T17:30:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/21 "2009-08-02T21:09:25Z")
I’ve heard the Ford Ranger described as an utterly unremarkable, damn-near unbreakable modest little truck. I had a room mate who had one, and I think if I buy a truck, it’ll be a Ranger. ---
**Author:** ![zenith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zenith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zenith)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/22 "2009-08-03T03:02:00Z")
> [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](#): > > The main problem with the Ranger is that the basic design hasn’t really changed since the mid 80s. It’s been updated but the technology is really old. > > Since you mentioned the Civic, what about the Honda Ridgeline? It’s car-based instead of truck based, so it’s supposed to have a car-like ride. It’s not huge, either. The trouble with the Ridgeline is that it’s PORKY!!! 4550 lbs empty with a maximum gross weight rating of 6050. My Ford Ranger is 2770 lbs with 4220 GVW. That’s 330 lbs less, fully loaded, than a Ridgeline empty. The Ridgeline also has to be loaded/unloaded from the rear only, since its high-sided cargo box prevents its being loaded/unloaded over the side by anyone under 6’ 6". The Ranger comes with either a 6’ or 7’ box while the Ridgeline’s is only 4’. If you’re buying used, the Ford’s got the distinct advantage of not having that overrated “H” in it’s grille and is thus much cheaper to buy. ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/23 "2009-08-03T13:05:19Z")
Thanks for the replies. I’m leaning towards the Ranger and may go take a look. I also like the sound of the Baja. I’m definitely not going to dive in and get the first thing I see. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/24 "2009-08-03T14:07:32Z")
My brother drove the same '89 Ranger for nearly twenty years without doing much in the way of proper maintenance. I imagine that if he had taken care of it properly, or at least changed its oil regularly, it would still be on the road today. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/25 "2009-08-03T14:16:43Z")
I still have my '76 Chevy 1/2 ton. It’s now my plow truck. It was abused when I had it in High School, and now poor “Puddles” is abused pushing snow at 11 thousand feet. 33 years. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/26 "2009-08-03T14:42:50Z")
My wife has a Toyota Tacoma (2004, I believe). The truck has never had mechanical problems, and we’ve taken 6+ hour trips (each way) without any discomfort or other problems. It’s an extended cab, so there’s room for some secure storage behind the seats. I’ve sat in the back seat as well (folding seats in the back of the cab) and it’s fine for short trips. However, by car standards, it’s a pretty large vehicle - it’s as long as a standard minivan. And I believe all current model pickup trucks are even larger. It gets low 20s mpg, which is good for a truck but not good by car standards. Also I don’t think it’s as comfortable as a regular car, especially on rough pavement. So there are a lot of compromises. I admit, sometimes it’s really nice to have a pickup truck. Then again, sometimes it’s really nice to have a car. When you want to take more than 1 passenger on a long trip, for example. Or when you want to carry things that can’t sit exposed and unsecured on a truck bed. Or if you want to carry very long objects like kayaks and tandem bikes - those are easier to carry on a roof rack of a car. So think hard about which situations are more likely. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/27 "2009-08-03T15:33:59Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > I was hoping I wouldn’t have to by another car until smart cars were affordable and better than they currently are, but wish in one hand… > > Anyway, I am considering getting a pickup truck because it would be more useful than another small civic or similar type car. > > I would like to hear any opinions on trucks. A few years ago, I remember hearing Ford Ranger was supposed to be the best. Is that still the case? > > I prefer a small economical truck that gets good gas milage and is reliable. No extended cabs or huge monstrosities that seem to have taken over the road these days. > > TIA We’re on our third Ranger in 21 years. They’re AWESOME. All three were used and we drove the first two into the ground with no major problems. I think they both clocked in at around 140K miles. We bought this last one a year ago. We had to put brakes on it, and the A/C needs to be fixed, but other than that, she runs like a champ. FYI, you’ll probably want to go with a 6 cyl. The 4 cyl. has no get up and go. Also, go for the extended cab. Much more comfortable and versatile. ---
**Author:** ![Hakuna\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/28 "2009-08-03T16:23:51Z")
Our truck is a 1994 Ford Sporttrac with a 6 cyclinder. Gets good mileage, allows us to carry 5 people and it pulls our trailer. Has a small bed, but we didn’t need a full size bed. We have had zero problems with it and are very happy with the choice for our family. The truck has a bed if I need to haul something like wood chips, but it isn’t a full size truck which I had zero need for. It functions very much like a car and is nice inside. I also like that it is strong enough to pull our trailer with little problems. I have yet to find a need that I couldn’t accommodate with the Sporttrac. If you want a TRUCK though–don’t buy the Sporttrac. It is a nice combination vehcle but if you truly want a truck you will be disapointed in my opinion. But if you need/want a combination truck/car it is a good choice. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/29 "2009-08-03T16:41:06Z")
> [@Hakuna\_Matata](#): > > Our truck is a 1994 Ford Sporttrac with a 6 cyclinder. 1994? The first year for this truck was 2001. ---
**Author:** ![Hakuna\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/30 "2009-08-03T16:43:45Z")
> [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](#): > > 1994? The first year for this truck was 2001. oops I meant 2004. My other car is a 1994 miata. thanks for the catch. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/31 "2009-08-03T18:15:00Z")
Get a Mazda B-series pickup. Soooo much better than the Ford Ranger. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/32 "2009-08-03T19:25:09Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > Get a Mazda B-series pickup. Soooo much better than the Ford Ranger. Very funny… ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/33 "2009-08-03T21:38:22Z")
> [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](#): > > Very funny… Why is this funny? Glancing at some reviews it sounds like a good truck that gets good mileage and is reliable. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/34 "2009-08-04T01:02:22Z")
Is a mid sized wagon plus a trailer an option? Trailers are cheap enough, and then you get the convenience of a proper car unless you really need the towing. Plus a wagon normally has really good load carrying for most people (excpeting the carpenter / landscaper type trades) QUickly adding - not sure about where you are, but for me the local hardware store would normally rent trailers cheap enough if you were buying things from them - like $20 for half a day ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/35 "2009-08-04T14:26:24Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > Why is this funny? Glancing at some reviews it sounds like a good truck that gets good mileage and is reliable. Because the Mazda B-Series truck IS a Ford Ranger! It’s a rebadged version of the same truck. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/36 "2009-08-04T16:27:55Z")
You must seek out a Toyota Hilux. Then you can do [this!](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrk6vsb77xk) ---
**Author:** ![festiva76](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8e8cbc/32.png) [@festiva76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/festiva76)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/37 "2009-08-04T16:46:02Z")
I can give a personal opinion on both the Ranger and the Ridgeline. I had an '03 Mazda B 2300 (same as a Ranger,) and my wife had an '06 Ridgeline. The Mazda was a great little truck. I drove it for 76,000 miles before trading for another vehicle, and it never gave me any trouble. Even though it was a 4-cylinder, it could tow my pop-up camper with ease, and only once in the time that I owned it since new did it not start (battery @ 31,000 miles.) I got 22 miles per gallon around town, and nearly 26 highway. I even got 18 mpg while towing the camper in the mountains. It also survived getting rear-ended by a minivan (the van got totaled, thanks to my trailer hitch.) I regreat getting rid of the darn thing. My wife leased her Ridge. It was a sweet ride. Great power and comfort, and you couldn’t tell the camper was even hitched to it (unlike the Mazda.) I have no complaints except that the bedliner scratched easily (despite what the Honda folks advertise) and the gas mileage. We only managed around 18 mpg in town, and no more than 20 on the highway. That figure dropped to around 16 with the camper. Both are great trucks in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884/38 "2009-08-04T17:02:43Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > You must seek out a Toyota Hilux. > > Then you can do [this!](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrk6vsb77xk) That was pretty amusing. I don’t think you should do that at home though. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickup-truck-opinions/504884.md?page=1)