2005 Pickup Trucks

Joe Wiesenfelder says: "Best transformer pickup: The term hybrid now applies to gasoline/electric-powered vehicles, and 'crossover' has been used to describe everything from SUV/pickup combinations to car-based vehicles with trucklike features. So I use the term transformer to describe a vehicle that attempts to fit into two classes. Vehicles like the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac are handy, but they're really just short-bed crew-cab pickups. Transformers require a structural doohickey like the Avalanche's midgate, which folds to extend the cargo bed into the cabin. The Hummer H2 SUT has an updated midgate with a roll-down window — nice, but the point of a transformer is versatility and usability. Unless your goal is to climb boulders, the Avalanche offers more."

Joe Wiesenfelder says: "Best transformer pickup: The term hybrid now applies to gasoline/electric-powered vehicles, and 'crossover' has been used to describe everything from SUV/pickup combinations to car-based vehicles with trucklike features. So I use the term transformer to describe a vehicle that attempts to fit into two classes. Vehicles like the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac are handy, but they're really just short-bed crew-cab pickups. Transformers require a structural doohickey like the Avalanche's midgate, which folds to extend the cargo bed into the cabin. The Hummer H2 SUT has an updated midgate with a roll-down window — nice, but the point of a transformer is versatility and usability. Unless your goal is to climb boulders, the Avalanche offers more."

Joe Wiesenfelder says: "Best overall full-size pickup: The pickup builders tend to leapfrog each other every time they issue a full redesign. If that's so, the F-150 redesigned last year is a giant leap for Ford and will be a giant leap for any frog that intends to compete. The F-150 comes in regular, extended and crew cabs where some competitors leave out a body style. The F-150 lineup impresses with its ride and handling, features, amenities, quietness and interior quality. If you want your truck to do work, all of the F-150's capabilities are competitive if not best in class."

Joe Wiesenfelder says: "Best overall full-size pickup: The pickup builders tend to leapfrog each other every time they issue a full redesign. If that's so, the F-150 redesigned last year is a giant leap for Ford and will be a giant leap for any frog that intends to compete. The F-150 comes in regular, extended and crew cabs where some competitors leave out a body style. The F-150 lineup impresses with its ride and handling, features, amenities, quietness and interior quality. If you want your truck to do work, all of the F-150's capabilities are competitive if not best in class."

Joe Wiesenfelder says: "Best full-size Detroit challenger: Toyota has been trying for more than a decade to compete with Detroit's full-size pickup trucks and only now is its Tundra in the same ballpark (and truly only one of its body styles goes the distance). Nissan, on the other hand, hit the ground running with the Titan. Right off the bat, it was large enough for the U.S. market. Aside from its competitive capabilities, what impresses is a standard engine comparable to Ford's optional one and some clever features such as access doors that open nearly 180 degrees, a factory spray-in bedliner and tie-down cleats that can be repositioned. (Where's your innovation, Detroit?) Excellent crash-test ratings and safety equipment such as an optional stability system help make the Titan a more than viable option."