2008 Full-Size Truck Comparison

Perhaps more than any other vehicle category, pickup trucks attract loyal audiences. Full-size pickups, in particular, tend to be bought by shoppers, mostly men, who have owned the same make and model before. Until the past few years, nearly all of those big-pickup sales have gone to domestic models: the long-lived and top-selling Ford F-150, the Dodge Ram, and Chevrolet Silverado (or its GMC Sierra counterpart).

The Category
Toyota had tepidly tackled the larger-pickup market in the 1990s with its T100, but sales fell short of expectations. The first-generation Toyota Tundra that took its place for 2000 was nearly a foot shorter than domestic rivals. For 2007, Toyota decided to assemble a full-press assault against the domestic truck makers, launching a Tundra that could compete energetically against them in every category. Nissan, meanwhile, introduced a mammoth Nissan Titan pickup for the 2005 model year, with the same goal: beat the domestics at their own game, even in states like Texas where full-size pickups are an integral part of the local culture.


Pickups have always been purchased primarily for utility. More recently, however, a considerable market has developed among folks who don't really need a big pickup, but like to tool around in one regardless. No one expects fuel economy to come anywhere close to sedan levels, especially with the sizable V-8 engines that slip beneath so many full-size truck hoods. This comparison applies specifically to light-duty (half-ton) models, including the Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and F-150. Heavier-duty 2500 and 3500 models are available from the domestic-brand companies.

The Competition
None of the five models presented here are new or redesigned for 2008, though two—the F-Series and Ram—are getting major makeovers for the 2009 season.

Ford F-150
Ford last redesigned its F-Series, led by the popular F-150, for the 2004 model year. A factory-installed Cargo Management System is newly available for 2008. So is a rearview camera system. New versions of the 2008 Ford F-150 include a Lariat Limited, an STX Wheels and Stripes Package, and an XL SuperCrew. A supercharged engine is optional for the latest Harley-Davidson model, and all-wheel drive is newly available.

Dodge Ram
Dodge introduced the current-generation Ram pickup for 2002. A new 4.7-liter V-8 engine for the 2008 Dodge Ram delivers more horsepower and torque than its predecessor, but promises greater fuel economy and can run on E85 (an ethanol/gasoline blend).

Chevrolet Silverado
For the 2007 model year, Chevrolet launched an abundantly reworked Silverado, giving it a fresh appearance and more powerful V-8 engines. Little is new for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, apart from standard XM Satellite radio, brighter instrument pointers, revised seats, and an optional integrated trailer brake controller. The 2008 GMC Sierra offers the same for '08, as well as dealer-installed 22-inch wheels.

Toyota Tundra
As for the import brands, Toyota introduced the enlarged Tundra pickup as an early 2007 model. New "Tundra Grade" models for 2008, now available in all three cab styles, are positioned just below the SR5 trim level. SR5 models have added such standard equipment as power bucket front seas, a six-disc CD changer, and heated mirrors. 2008 Toyota Tundra Limited models gain front and rear parking sensors.

Nissan Titan
Nissan has given its Titan a modest makeover for 2008. Two new long-wheelbase models joined the lineup: a Crew Cab with 7-foot, 3-inch cargo bed, and a King Cab with an 8-foot bed. Also new is the PRO-4X, produced only with four-wheel drive and aimed at the "sport truck enthusiast."

Call a Cab
All models except the Nissan Titan come in regular-cab form (with no backseat), but Ford's F-150 includes a small access door that can ease loading of items behind the seat. All except the Dodge Ram come in extended-cab form, with a back seat but access doors rather than full-size rear doors. Crew Cab pickups with four conventional doors are offered by each manufacturer. Dodge takes the prize for maximum size with its Mega Cab model—a Crew Cab design with additional rear-seat leg space.