Make no mistake about it; American’s are infatuated with trucks. No longer relegated to being just a working man’s utility vehicle, the truck’s popularity has caught on with all segments of the driving population. As 2008 draws to an end with lingering memories of soaring gas prices, both the truck buyer and manufacturer are rethinking the role of the small truck for 2009.
The auto industry watched truck sales plummet as gas prices soared and American’s opted for smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. Trucks may have come a long way on many other levels such as luxury, and style, but gas, not so much. Decreasing gas prices has helped to infuse some much needed plasma back into truck sales, but in 2009 the small truck may just become the next big thing.
If you’re in the market for a new small truck this year here’s a look at some of the best 2009 has to offer. You’ll find no SUV’s or Crossover’s here, these are nothing but the truck; if it’s a wannabe you’re after you’ll have to find another list.
The Toyota Tacoma has been rated one of the EPA’s most fuel efficient small trucks for 2009. It also received very high marks in IIHS safety ratings, making this truck one of the best values out there, and a top seller in its class. The appearance of this truck hasn’t changed much from year to year and most of the new features of 2009 have been in the safety arena. Standard features on the 2009 Tacoma now include traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, and limited slip differential. The audio system has also been upgraded. The 2009 regular and access cabs have standard 2.7 liter 4 cylinder 159 HP engines. Rear wheel drive models have the option of 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual. If you want 4 wheel drive you’ll be driving a stick. Fuel economy for the 2 wheel drive 4 cylinder is 19 miles city and 25 highway. MSRP starts at 15,170. The biggest complaint about this truck is a bumpy ride.
If America has a darling when it comes to trucks it’s the Ford Ranger. Until recently this truck has been America’s best seller among small trucks for 17 years. 2009 brings an end to this trucks 3.0 liter V6 engine. This year’s models offer 143 HP 2.3 liter 4 cylinder or a 207 HP 4.0 liter V6, available in standard 5 speed manual or optional 5 speed automatic. New standard features include 4 wheel antilock brakes, dual stage front airbags, and a trailer hitch for your towing pleasure on 4.0 V6 models. Estimated fuel economy for this trucks 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine is 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. With an MSRP starting at $15,835 this truck can be had in regular cab or extended super cab models. The Ford Ranger scored only marginally well in IIHS crash tests and the biggest complaint about this truck is a lack of power.
The Mazda B2300 was a small truck destined to meet its end by 2010. It received a pardon when soaring gas prices made this truck a fuel efficient gem. Although little more than a Ranger Copycat it remains one of the better values out there in terms of fuel economy and sticker price. With an MSRP of $16,060 the B2300 offers 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Like the Ranger regular cab the B2300 is a 143 HP 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine. Available in optional automatic and manual, with safety features which include dual front airbags, antilock brakes, and tire pressure monitor. This trucks biggest complaint seems to be its lack of standard features such as a/c and child proof locks. It like the Ford Ranger also scored only marginally well in IIHS crash tests.
The Nissan Frontier has always been a popular truck for its capabilities both on and off road. Its 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine combines with good fuel mileage to make this truck a small workhorse even when you’re playing. Updates to the 2009 Frontier include new front grille and headlight designs, 16 or 18 inch wheels, and an array of optional packages. All Frontier models come with BF Goodrich tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and rear locking differential. Starting MSRP for the Frontier is $17,460 with estimated gas mileage at 19mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The Nissan Frontier faired well in the IIHS crash test. This trucks biggest complaint? It drives like a truck, go figure.
If what you want is for your little truck to haul like a big truck while seating five of your closest friends look no further than the Dodge Dakota. The 2009 Dakota isn’t much different from its 08 predecessor with the exception of the renaming of a few of its trims. All Dakota (excluding the TRX) trims come in extended cab or crew cab offering rear wheel drive or four wheel drive. TRX is available in 4 wheel drive only. All Dakotas have a standard 210 HP 3.7 liter V6 engine, 4 speed automatic transmissions is standard on all models except the ST, which has a 6 speed manual transmission. Rear wheel drive models will get an estimated 16 MPG city and 20 MPG highway, MSRP starts at $20,575. The Dodge Dakota got only a marginal rating in IIHS crash tests.
The Mitsubishi Raider is in essence a Dodge Dakota with a better warranty. The Raider is offered in one extended cab model and 2 double cabs, the major difference being the length of the cab bed. Again we see 210 HP 3.7 V6 engines with 4 speed automatic transmissions standard on all models but the LS extended cab with the 6 speed manual transmission. Standard features include A/C, power windows and door locks, tilt steering, cruise control, and AM/FM stereo with CD player. Gas mileage and safety ratings are the same as the Dakota. Starting MSRP for this truck with a 21,135, this truck has a bumper to bumper warranty of 5yrs/60,000 miles. The biggest complaints for both the Dakota and Raider are with its acceleration and rear seat room, or lack of it.
If you find yourself getting lost frequently, or are a bit of a road warrior one of the few new features of the 2009 GMC Canyon might make this a very attractive purchase. On the whole the 09 Canyon isn’t much different from the 08 model aside from the addition of free Onstar service for a year, and a new engine option. The Canyon is available in regular, extended, and crew cab with the engine option of either 185 HP 2.9 liter 4 cylinder or 242 HP 3.7 liter 5 cylinder. 4 cylinder trucks have the option for 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual transmission. Crew cab models get a further engine choice with a new 300 Hp V8.Standard features for this truck are antilock brakes, daytime running lights, dual stage front airbags, and engine disable. MSRP starts at $16,705 and with the 4 cylinder 2 wheel drive model you can expect to get 18 mpg city and 20mpg highway. Non Canyon fans claim this truck is all looks and no brawn; it also scored poorly in the IIHS crash test.
A close relative to the GMC Canyon is the Chevy Colorado. So close in fact you’ll get all the same cab and engine options. You will not however get the power of Onstar. This year stability control, traction control, 16 inch wheels and a bed liner are standard on all models. MSRP, gas mileage, and IIHS safety rating for the Chevy Colorado are the same as those for the Canyon.
In an industry comprised of doppelgangers it shouldn’t be a surprise to know one of the newest trucks for 2009 is indeed a spin off of an old favorite. The 2009 Suzuki Equator learned everything there is to know about trucks from the Nissan Frontier. The Equator and the Frontier may share the same production plant, but for Suzuki enthusiasts the resemblance stops there. For it is these very enthusiasts Suzuki had in mind when designing this truck. Anyone who owns Suzuki toys needs a vehicle to transport them and the Equator hopes to be the truck doing just that. The Equator will be offered in extended cab and crew cab options with two available engine options. 152-horsepower four-cylinder with a five-speed automatic or manual transmission, or a 261-hp 4.0-liter V-6 teamed to a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. A shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system is available on either version. MSRP for the Equator starts at 18,770 backed by a power train warranty of 7yrs or 100,000 miles. Estimated mileage is 19/ city and 23/ highway. You’ll have to stay tuned for any complaints about this truck. This truck also received high marks in the IIHS crash test.
For most of us the word Hummer conjures up the image of a huge gas guzzling vehicle, but the H3T may just change all that. A variation of the H3 SUV this new Hummer pick up boasts a 242 HP 3.7 liter inline 5 cylinder engine with standard 5 speed manual or 4 speed optional automatic transmission. For those of you who wish to increase acceleration or towing capacity there is also an available 300 HP 5.3 V8 with 4 speed automatic transmission. A starting MSRP of $30,750 will get you full time 4 wheel drive, 32 inch tires, functional skid shields and hill assist, along with frontal and curtain side impact air bags. Onstar, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity are also standard.
With an estimated 14 mpg/city and 18mpg/highway, although no gas sipper it’s getting closer. There is not safety data from the IIHS on the H3T at this time, but as a rule Hummer receives an acceptable grade.
There you have it 10 small trucks for 2009, get out and kick some tires. That is of course after you scour the web for hidden rebates.
Sources:
www.autos.aol.com
www.iihs.com
www.consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com
www.fueleconomy.gov
www.cargurus.com
www.roadandtrack.com
