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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2003 |
Most Wanted Compact Truck
Winner: Dodge Dakota
Larger than most of its compact competitors, the midsize Dakota's dimensions pay off big when it comes to passenger room. Four-door Quad Cabs have enough space for the whole family, but standard and Club Cab versions are still quite comfortable. The Dakota now comes standard with a 3.9-liter V6, but for real towing and hauling power, you can upgrade to a 4.7- or 5.9-liter V8. Well-tuned suspensions offer a great compromise between comfort and handling, while tow ratings are easily best in class. Whether for work or play, the Dakota is the one compact truck we would want at our disposal.
Honorable Mention: Toyota Tacoma
When you're looking for a compact truck, you'll likely want attributes like good reliability, strong performance, lots of versatility and a simple, comfortable cabin. The Tacoma scores on all counts. Toyota has built its reputation on bulletproof drivetrains, and, with a choice of economical four-cylinders or powerful V6s, performance certainly isn't a problem. Toyota offers regular, extended and double-cab body styles, thereby ensuring there'll be a truck that fits your needs. When it comes to compact trucks, the Tacoma is a solid choice.
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