Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006

Most Wanted Compact Truck
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Winner: Toyota Tacoma

Compact pickups may be getting more carlike, but the Toyota Tacoma is still a real, honest-to-goodness truck. Whether you're towing a boat or crawling up a mountain trail, the Tacoma's powerful engines supply plenty of smooth, easily accessible power while the tough suspension provides excellent ride and handling. With 18 different configurations, the Tacoma offers a wide range of body styles and trim combinations including the only crew-cab/long-bed combination in the segment. The interior is comfortable, practical and well constructed with plenty of storage. When we're looking for a compact truck that does it all, the Tacoma always lands at the top of our list.

Honorable Mention: Nissan Frontier

After a full redesign last year, the Nissan Frontier is now a compact truck to be reckoned with. It has the most powerful V6 in the segment, a sturdy frame borrowed from Nissan's full-size Titan and class-exclusive features like an optional spray-in bedliner and electronic stability control. It's tough enough to tow your toys, yet it still rides smooth enough to drive every day. There's plenty of room inside, simple controls and all the right features. If you're looking for a compact truck that doesn't always feel like one, the Frontier is a solid choice.

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