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That's fine and dandy, but automakers are in business to make money.
Part of making money is not making redundant product lines.
A v6 regular cab/short bed F150 has about 100 more horsepower, more utility and gets about the same MPGs and more towing than a loaded $24k top of the line Ranger ever did. That's right. I saw a '12 Ranger SuperCab on a car lot for $24 last year. That's not a big deal if not for the fact that I could have bought a SuperCab 5.0L F150 for $18k. Sad to see you go, Ranger.
Why does the rest of the world have to settle for Mazda-made Rangers? Because there isn't room for full-size trucks.
Nissan did away with regular cab Frontiers most of a decade ago. Hasn't hurt their bottom line one iota.
I have two F150s parked out front. Should I get a convertible next or spring for a Town Car?
Once everyone gets used to the idea that automakers aren't here to do anything more than make a buck, then it'll all be fine.
One reason that the Tacoma doesn't get very good fuel economy for a smaller pickup is that much of its driveline components are "overbuilt" (weighing more as a result) for the GVW of the truck. That is good for reliability and durability under heavy use, but not good for fuel economy. For fuel economy, it needs to go the route of the Hilux that Toyota sells overseas and have the V6 diesel as an option. Why Toyota won't certify the whole Hilux for sale in the US, I've never been able to figure out--it's really a better truck than the Tacoma.
It's pretty simple, the current mid sized trucks suffer the same mpg as their bigger brethren for about 10-15% less in cost. Not enough to sway that buyer. The 4 cylinder engines are modest power plants for the long haul.
The bigger trucks can't get the better mpg due to weight, rolling resistance, and frontal non aerodynamic air resistance. Look at the front of one. Nuff said. Add the fact that most have a .355-.410 axles to give them towing capacities most owners will never test and the desired mpg is all but impossible. The shutting down of cylinders helps but, not enough.
Now, go make a powerful 3 or 4 cylinder diesel and slap it in an extended or crew cab Tacoma or frontier or, make either a hybrid (yes, hybrid, it's not like they don't have the room for the batteries) and push the mpg up to 28/25) and I'll show you compact/mid sized trucks F'IN FLYING off the lots.
If you needed a true f-250 heavy duty you could still get one. For the rest of us who would be DELIGHTED with a 4 cylinder diesel with say, 220 hp and 220-270 ft lbs of torque and 5,000 lb towing capacity while delivering that type of fuel economy a small diesel would be fine. That, or when $4.00 gallon gas arrives. You pick.
A hybrid compact would work for those that want very light hauling. Home depot and kid event type stuff. I'd love one of those. Now, the narrowing in price goes away as a decision and the true needs come forward. You would buy based on need, not value.
If you want to make a speech about the president, why stop at truck standards? And why not put it on the politics thread? It doesn't seem to me that you're really looking for an answer to the actual question you posed. Also, if you're so interested in the environment, why would it be your dream to have THREE vehicles?
Eh, I just wanted to use the "Thanks Obama" meme since Obama is a nice scapegoat and all. Also to rant about vehicle options that are overseas instead of here. In addition, I wanted to rant about diesel as well.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by valley slacker
What is the purpose of a compact truck? I don't understand when they would be a better option than a half ton full size. I guess that they are easier to park.
The bed in my ranger holds a lot at 51"x72", and with the 4.0 V6, 5 speed automatic, 4x4 and tow package I can pull 5,500 lb. trailer and still fit in compact parking spaces. I don't need to carry any passengers other than maybe my wife, but the back doors are convenient for storing things behind the seats. It fits in the garage and takes up less space in the driveway. When I bought it new, it was $10,000 less than a comparably equipped F150 and while 15/22 mpg is not great, the F150 was 13/17. (Mine's the red one)
make either a hybrid (yes, hybrid, it's not like they don't have the room for the batteries) and push the mpg up to 28/25) and I'll show you compact/mid sized trucks F'IN FLYING off the lots.
Doubt it...GM didn't exactly do all that well with their Hybrid Silverado/Sierra trucks.
If you want to make a speech about the president, why stop at truck standards? And why not put it on the politics thread? It doesn't seem to me that you're really looking for an answer to the actual question you posed. Also, if you're so interested in the environment, why would it be your dream to have THREE vehicles?
Sorrry, but the fact is that politics does figure heavily into this discussion. A couple years ago Mahindra was planning to bring its small pickup to the US. I was interested in getting one. A small diesel pickup with crewcab and 4wd would have been perfect for me. They ultimately nixed the plan, citing "regulatory" concerns. Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S. - Autoblog
Politics has its tentacles in everything now. Look at the drudge report today He's got a ton of snow and ice stories up, obviously in allusion to the global warming debate, i.e. politics. Growing up 40 years ago, it would have seemed bizarre to have politics in either a discussion about trucks or about weather. That's where we are now, though.
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