2012 Ford F-150 XLT
America loves the pickup truck. Want proof? Let's examine the facts. The Ford F-Series is not only the best-selling vehicle in America, but has been for 35 years. And while there are only six full-size light-duty and three heavy-duty pickups on the market, those nine vehicles account for 11 percent of all automobile sales in the United States. That's especially impressive when you consider that more than 200 models account for the other 89 percent.
But why?
To get a bead on the pickup's appeal, we talked to two people who study the pickup market: Ed Kim, vice president of industry analysis at the research firm AutoPacific, and Marc Lapine, consumer marketing manager for the Ford F-Series.
So, what does America love about the pickup? Is it the capability, the brawn, the possibility of adventure? Well, it's all of the above, and more. "They are so functional and adaptable," Kim says. "The fact that it has an empty pickup bed makes it a kind of blank canvas, which can perform any kind of task." Lapine agrees: "We look at trucks as an enabler. It allows you to do things you really can't do with other vehicles."
There's a more practical reason, too. "The pickup truck is very much a part of Americana," Kim says. "It's connected with the idea of a man going out to work hard and create his own path. The truck is a tool to do that." To that end, many pickups are sold to fleets, and quite a few others go to individual contractors who need them to do their jobs.
The pickup truck is also a tool for play. The bed can haul fishing, hunting and camping equipment; available four-wheel drive allows the truck to go anywhere; and the trailer hitch lets owners tow their toys.
Some folks also choose pickups for everyday transportation, even if they don't use them for work or hobbies. Lapine says these buyers want the option of that capability, and may aspire to be more serious users.
No matter how you want to use your pickup, the 2012 model-year lineup offers something for everyone. Here, we break down seven aspects of the modern pickup you should consider when making a purchase. Think of it as a handy guide to the modern pickup.
Bing: History of the Pickup Truck
Configure to Taste
2012 Chevy Silverado Hybrid
Every light-duty pickup is offered with three cabin sizes and three bed lengths, and buyers configure their trucks for their needs. There's the regular cab (two to three passengers); the extended cab, with rear doors that open at the front (five to six passengers); and the crew cab, with four standard doors (five to six passengers). Bed lengths vary slightly, but most brands offer lengths of roughly 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet and 8.0 feet. While a contractor might choose a barebones regular cab with a long bed, a family that competes in equestrian competitions will likely get a crew cab with a short bed, primarily using the pickup to tow a horse trailer. Opt for the configuration that fits your needs.
Read: Pickups Aren't Just for Contractors
Towing and Hauling Capability
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
For owners of full-size pickups, towing and payload capacity are the stuff of bragging rights. Among light-duty trucks, Ford tops the list, with a maximum payload of 2,080 pounds (3,060 pounds with a heavy-duty payload package) and a top towing capacity of 11,500 pounds. Chevrolet is next with a maximum payload of 1,937 pounds and 10,700 pounds of maximum towing capacity. Ram's best numbers are 1,860 and 10,450; Toyota's are 2,090 and 10,400; and Nissan's are 2,053 and 9,500. The heavy-duty pickups can increase payload to more than 7,200 pounds and towing capacity to 18,000 pounds (23,000 with a fifth wheel), while the compact pickups can handle under 1,500 pounds of payload and tow up to 6,500 pounds. If capability is your main concern, do your research and choose the truck that meets your needs.
Compare: Ram 3500 vs. Ford F-350 vs. Chevrolet Silverado
Work Trucks
2012 Ram 1500 Tradesman HD
Skilled laborers of all types don't just want pickups, they need them to make a living. They work them hard and expect them to deliver the power, capability and space to get the job done. Whether the trucks are bought by fleet managers concerned with the bottom line or contractors just trying to get by, luxury amenities can cost too much and hinder the job. Therefore, work trucks often have vinyl floors and upholstery, regular-size cabs and longer beds. They must balance price and capability. We like the $22,340 Ram 1500 Tradesman, which comes with the powerful Hemi V8 engine. Other models to consider are the $23,715 Chevrolet Silverado WT with the 5.3-liter V8, and the $23,990 Ford F-150 XL with the 5.0-liter V8.
