Dodge
Ram 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-ton pickups continue with Regular and Quad Cab models. Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups can now be had with a new Cummins "600" High-Output diesel boasting a class-leading (for now) 600 lbs.-ft. of torque and 325 hp. It can be mated to an NV 6-speed manual or a new Chrysler 48RE heavy-duty 4-speed automatic. The 5.7-liter 345-hp gasoline Magnum Hemi V-8 is standard in Ram Heavy Duties, while the 8-liter V-10 has been dropped. The Hemi is optional in the 2-wheel-drive 1500 and standard with 4WD; the 1500 is also available with a 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 and standard with a 3.7-liter V-6. The Hemi is mated to the 5-45RFE automatic transmission, with a reverse gear ratio equal to the low's — useful for reversing while towing — and an alternate second gear ratio for use in grade-climbing and passing. Ram Heavy Duties offer side-curtain air bags and power adjustable pedals with automatic and manual transmissions. A new factory "box-off" option for 2500s and 2500s results in a cab-and-chassis vehicle for mounting commercial bodies.
Ford Motor Co.
New-series '04 F-150 was launched in late summer with new frame, body and interiors, and upgraded 5.4-liter (330-ci) V8. New F-150 has greater strength, better ride, more power and burlier looks than the previous model, which continues through June as the lower-priced Heritage model. That truck's 4.2-liter V-6 will become the new F-150's base engine in July. New series' GVW ratings go from 6,200 to 8,800 pounds; all cabs are several inches longer and all have four doors; work-oriented Regular Cab has short rear-hinged doors allowing easier access to behind-seat storage. Super Duty F-250 and 350, with GVWRs from 8,500 pounds, continue with Triton V8 and V10 gasoline engines and International-built 6-liter V8 Powerstroke diesel.
General Motors
The 3500 series gets a 4x4 in Regular, Extended and Crewcab versions with single-rear-wheel option (complementing the current dually) good for 9,900 pounds GVW. Other 3500s and 2500s continue with two Vortec gasoline V-8s and the 6600 Duramax diesel (just boosted to 310 hp and 590 lbs.-ft.). Last year's 1500HD crewcab with its 6-foot bed and 8,600-pound GVW rating has been redesignated as a 2500. It's replaced with a new 1500 crewcab with a shorter 5-foot, 8-inch bed and a GVW of 6,800 pounds in two-wheel-drive and 7,000 pounds as a 4x4. A 6-liter 6000 V-8 equipped to burn compressed natural gas or "bi-fuel" (either CNG or gasoline) is available in 14 Chevy and GMC models. Special models with GVW ratings of 8,500 pounds (versus the standard 9,200 pounds) allow customers to meet fleet requirements in EPA "non-attainment" areas.
Nissan
Titan 1/2-ton full-size pickup — Nissan's first — just entered production at a new plant in Mississippi. It comes as a King Cab or Crew Cab (no regular cab) with a modern 5.6-liter 305-hp/379-lb.-ft. V-8 and a 5-speed automatic (no manual is offered). Cabs are roomy and well-trimmed, and ride is jounce-free, even with 4WD. A factory sprayed-in bed liner is optional, as is a "Utili-track" system with five open-section channels to mount tool boxes and tie down cargo. And there's a 12-volt plug toward the rear to power a lights and other accessories. Frames include box-section rails shaped throughout their length to achieve desired strength at given points. Frames and suspensions could be beefed up to achieve 3/4-ton ratings, and the Titan might go there some day.
Toyota
New "Double Cab" four-door pickup assembled in a new plant in Texas joins the Indiana-built four-door extended Access and two-door Regular Cab models previously offered. Double Cab is standard with Toyota's 240-hp/315- lb.-ft., 4.7-liter V-8 mated to a 4-speed automatic, and comes in SR5 or Limited interior trim. It's rated at 6,600 pounds GVW and can tow up to 6,800 pounds. Access Cab also has the V-8 and automatic, but a 5-speed manual is standard. Regular cab is much more work-oriented; it comes only with a 3.9-liter, 190-hp/220-lb.-ft. V-6 (no V-8), a manual or automatic transmission, more basic interior trim, and a low price (check local ads). Its GVW rating is 5,500 pounds and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
