Light Trucks Pop Quiz Hotshot

[AaronP]

I was thinking about getting a 4 door sedan, and still am, but now I'm also thinking about getting a light truck. And please don't just bash the American cars unless you can back it up.

So, of these three, which is best.

Ford Ranger
Chevy S10
Toyota Tacoma

 

[BigSmooth]

I don't know what you mean by "best" but I'd go for the Ranger based on overall value.

 

[loup garou]

I'm not a big fan of light trucks, but the Tacoma gets my vote for looks.

 

[AaronP]

can I ask why you're not a big fan?

 

[Zenmervolt]

I have a friend who has a Ranger, and my uncle has a new S-10. Out of the two I prefer the Ranger. I had a chance a while back to look at the Toyotas, and I like them better than either the S-10 or the Ranger, but I didn't get a chance to ride in a Tacoma so I can't make a completely informed decision, but I'm willing to bet from past experience with Toyotas that the Tacoma will be less likely to give you trouble. Of course it will also cost the most.

Zenmervolt

 

[Soybomb]

I'd go chevy or toy.

 

[loup garou]

Mostly looks. Rangers and S10s just look dinky to me...I prefer their big brothers. The Tacoma's OK, but not great. Once again, I'd rather have the Tundra. But if you're looking for utility for the price, they're definitely the way to go. I don't want to dissuade you in any way, they're just not my thing.

 

[teckmaster]

If you are looking for a 4 door sedan and you are also looking for a light truck, why don't you look at the new Dodge Dakota Quad Cab? If you want to cover the bed, you could just go and buy the Durango which is a Dakota with a cap essentially

 

[yakko]

I'm not a big fan of trucks at all. If I had to choose from that list I would go with the Toyota.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

I have some background in this so I can help you out. First and foremost do not buy a dakota if you don't want any headaches. In the past I have owned an s-10, a ranger, and by friend owns a tacoma. Personall, I like the tacoma the best with the TRD package (also fourwheeler of the year BTW). But, if you go domestic the ranger is probably your best bet. I haven't had any problems with mine, and ford trucks are supposed to be the most reliable domestic - but, the tacoma has a bigger cab whcih I like and is more capable off-road in stock form (+more parts are available for it). Test drive them both (w/ v6 - don't bother w/ a 4 - the gas mileage difference isn't worth it IMO)and see which one you like. Any more questions PM me cuz I'll probably lose this thread

 

I am a Toyota tech,stay away from the V6 toyota.
They have a serious problem blowing head gaskets and warping heads.

 

[iamwiz82]

my brother has had 2 dakotas, a 1998 and a 2001, both of them have never seen the shop. I suggest a dakota R/T with the 5.9L engine. There is a powerful engine.

 

[ATLien247]

FWIW, I drive a '94 Ford Ranger XLT, 4.0L, V6, 5-speed, 4x4, extended cab. It has over 120k miles on it, and the only things that I've had go bad were the clutch slave cylinder and the thermostat--maybe $300 worth of repairs total.

I did have to replace one of the automatic hubs, but that was only because I stupidly tweaked it trying to get out of a mud hole. (BTW, never try to force your wheels to turn if they don't want to... I later found out that the wheel was between two pretty stationary slabs of rock under all the mud. Something had to give, and it was the hub mechanism.)

All in all it's been a pretty useful, reliable, and fun truck.

 

[nateholtrop]

now the s-10 Extreme's look very very nice. but so do the 4X4 rangers....i just really dont like imports. Personal preference.

Nate

 

[SpongeBob]

The Tacoma is an extremely nice truck. It gets my vote.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

S10's are crap in my experience...everyone I know who has a Ranger drives it like its stolen and it holds up like a charm....I only know one person with a Tacoma and it's pretty nice but out of personal preference, I'd get the Ranger.

I mean we can all give you preferences out the wazoo but its best just to drive it and see which one you like best

 

[loup garou]

ewww...the S10 Xtreme is quite possibly the cheesiest truck in existence, IMO.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Look at the V8 Dakotas. They can even be had in 4 dr