2004 Pickup Trucks

Joe Wiesenfelder says: “Best Compact Pickups: It’s common for the most recently redesigned model in a segment to be the best in some ways, and that’s certainly true among pickups, where significant changes come less frequently than in cars and sport utility vehicles. Compared to the S-10 and Sonoma that they replace, respectively, the Colorado and Canyon are enough larger to increase their usefulness and comfort without barging into the unofficial compact/midsize pickup category. They have the right look, right equipment and right capabilities.”

Jim Flammang says: “Notably more refined than its smaller S-10 predecessor, the new compact Colorado combines satisfying performance and appropriate handling skills with a pleasantly roomy cockpit. It’s not significantly larger than the S-10, but it’s just enough bigger to make a difference. Drawbacks include a somewhat stiff ride and a slightly noisy engine, but the Colorado — and its GMC Canyon twin — provide an appealing compromise between a full-size and a compact truck.”

Joe Wiesenfelder says: “Best Full-Size Pickup: The pickup builders tend to leapfrog each other each time they issue a full redesign. If that’s so, the 2004 F-150 is a giant leap for Ford and will be a giant leap for any frog that intends to compete. From regular cab to SuperCrew, the F-150 lineup impresses with its ride and handling, features, amenities, quietness and a level of interior quality that all manufacturers are promising but only Ford appears to have delivered. If you want your truck to do work, all of the F-150’s capabilities are competitive if not best in class.”

Jim Flammang says: “Just about every time a manufacturer redesigns a strong-selling vehicle, it leapfrogs past the competition — at least temporarily. That’s the case with the F-150, which has been the top-selling vehicle in the United States for years. In its prior form, the F-150 didn’t necessarily stand above the competition from Dodge and GM in everyday capabilities. But in its newly redesigned form, the roomy F-150 looks more serious and feels more substantial. Its suspension reacts better to pavement imperfections, and two quiet, strong, V-8 engines are available — though neither delivers truly swift acceleration.”

Joe Wiesenfelder says: “Best Full-Size Pickup: The pickup builders tend to leapfrog each other each time they issue a full redesign. If that’s so, the 2004 F-150 is a giant leap for Ford and will be a giant leap for any frog that intends to compete. From regular cab to SuperCrew, the F-150 lineup impresses with its ride and handling, features, amenities, quietness and a level of interior quality that all manufacturers are promising but only Ford appears to have delivered. If you want your truck to do work, all of the F-150’s capabilities are competitive if not best in class.”

Jim Flammang says: “Just about every time a manufacturer redesigns a strong-selling vehicle, it leapfrogs past the competition — at least temporarily. That’s the case with the F-150, which has been the top-selling vehicle in the United States for years. In its prior form, the F-150 didn’t necessarily stand above the competition from Dodge and GM in everyday capabilities. But in its newly redesigned form, the roomy F-150 looks more serious and feels more substantial. Its suspension reacts better to pavement imperfections, and two quiet, strong, V-8 engines are available — though neither delivers truly swift acceleration.”

Joe Wiesenfelder says: “Best Compact Pickups: It’s common for the most recently redesigned model in a segment to be the best in some ways, and that’s certainly true among pickups, where significant changes come less frequently than in cars and sport utility vehicles. Compared to the S-10 and Sonoma that they replace, respectively, the Colorado and Canyon are enough larger to increase their usefulness and comfort without barging into the unofficial compact/midsize pickup category. They have the right look, right equipment and right capabilities.”

Jim Flammang says: “Notably more refined than its smaller S-10 predecessor, the new compact Colorado combines satisfying performance and appropriate handling skills with a pleasantly roomy cockpit. It’s not significantly larger than the S-10, but it’s just enough bigger to make a difference. Drawbacks include a somewhat stiff ride and a slightly noisy engine, but the Colorado — and its GMC Canyon twin — provide an appealing compromise between a full-size and a compact truck.”