Hey all.

Here's an eight page comparison of 2011 model 1/2 ton trucks.

Before you read I have to say I am a bit shocked with two things from this test...

#1 - The Critera, The only Critera was that the truck cost less than 30,000 dollers, which leaves alot of room for this to be an apples to orange's comparison. And not an apples to apples comparison.

#2 - The Results, I'm about to spoil the winner for you so if you want to find out for yourself then dont read on here.........But anyway the winner of the comparison test is Dodge Ram 1500, Second place is Toyota Tundra...Third is the Ford F-150.

Now the thing that I don't understand about this test is that the F-150 won 6 out of 8 comparisons...Yet the testers criticize it for not offering more room. The F-150 was the only truck in the test to come in a regular cab vs the other trucks extended cab option. Now generally speaking shouldn't the F-150 have won since it won 6 out of 8 comparisons while still meeting the criteria they set for it? Or do you think their choice for a winner was jest?

Comment back and let us all know what you think!

$30,000 Pickup Truck Shootout: Introduction - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports

 

This is no doubt a most for your money comparison where multiple doors are more desirable than build quality, appearances and function.

Then again, did the tester specify the cab configuration? Or, was the price the only stipulation?

Ford could have easily sent an Scab XL truck with base XLT features and came in under 30K.

 

No that's the thing. They didn't specify any cab size.

I think Fords thinking in sending a regular cab to compete in this test was that they could send one with more options because the regular cab is inherntly cheaper than the extended cab.

So it boiled down to a low optioned extended cab. Or a high optioned Regular cab.

I guess it was just a gamble by Ford and it didn't pay off in the finishing results.

 

This was a value comparison, and one trip to a Dodge dealer will tell you that these are the most truck for your money. I have no problem with this test at all, I think it makes sense for their criteria.

What's not rated is how well they hold up over time, which has always been the Ford selling point. My 2008 Dakota I drive for work has 41,000 miles on it, and just required new tie rod ends that prematurely destroyed the front tires. $500 to replace cheap tie rod ends and the truck is barely 3 years old. The balljoints are also getting loose.

So the most truck for the money may not be the best value in the long run. I like to think Dodge has made improvements in the last three years, but I think the jury is still out.

 

These tests can say what they will but bottom line for me is there are 3 things I remain faithful to. (so far...) My wife, Ford trucks, and Skoal mint.

 

You're too damned funny Tim! Tried to rep ya but got the flag.

I'm sure that the powers that be at Ford are looking at this and basically saying, **** off. We sent you the best truck and you still didn't like it.

 

Check the visitor msg I sent you yest

 

LOL.
I read through the test, and when coming to the end, I was wondering how the Ford could possibly not have won, it got the best mark in most tests, including the best braking performance.
Anyway, it's just a test. Opinions are involved. For what I want / need, the Ford F-150 HD payload is the BEST and ONLY out there. It is just very reassuring that the F-150 won most of the categories even in this test.

 

Remember, many so called "tests" performed by third parties may have an ulterior motive and could be biased in some way, either by the reviewers themselves or the sponsor.

Obviously, given that the F-150 provided is the only "regular" cab in the "test" puts it at disadvantage when cabin amenities and accommodation are being evaluated, and it's apparent that the reviewers did not take this into consideration nor at least discuss that SuperCab and SuperCrew variants are available (whether they could have been included under the arbitrary $30k cap is debatable, depending upon whether only MSRP is considered, or "street" prices.).

We, here, on these forums, are biased as well as we are obvious (most of us) "fans," if not owners, of Ford trucks.

 

Poor test IMO. I want to see as close to identical trucks tested as possible right down to the gear ratio in the rear. Post the prices of each truck in the article and let the consumer decide what they want. Honestly I don't pay attention to pickuptrucks.com any longer their tests have gone to pot and the GM promotional vid participation left a bad taste in my mouth. Comparing reg cabs, SCa and CCs together with varying rearratios, base V8 vs only V8 and etc doesn't yield results that are worth the paper they are printed on IMO.

Also when you factor in the constant cost to the tax payer Dodge/RAM/Chrysler (whatever they call themselves now) the RAM is not the best value. Well unless you don't pay taxes.