Quote Originally Posted by MED View Post
I think Nissan is looking at following GM's lead with a Diesel in the Frontier; might want to look at that, but it is a year or two away. I commute from Conifer into Denver everyday, and 16-20mpg is not fun; hopefully, the Frontier is better then 20mpg. The diesel in my Jeep helps a great deal with fuel economy as well as performance in the mountains.

Although, I have never understood the purpose of a mid size truck. The box is too small to do much of anything; why not just get an SUV so you have the flexibility with cargo and passengers? What does the small box really give you? ...except the need to purchase a utility box or topper...or both. However, I don't understand the purpose of the ½ ton pickup either; why have a box unless you can put 5,000lbs of rock in it, or the flexibility to do any job. I don't agree with the suggestion of getting a ½ ton as a commuter in the mountains; what a waste of gas and money.
Good points. I actually don't agree with the idea of a diesel in a mid-size truck but I guess we'll see what the buying public says about that one. I have a feeling they're creating a solution to a problem 1% of the buying populace had.

I've found that my Tacoma's bed is MORE than capable for what I need to do. I opted for the Access Cab because it fits my needs better (easy to get into the back to get to tools & such... no kids and rarely do I haul anyone other than a single passenger around with me) and I wanted the longer bed. The tiny little bed on the double cab mid-size trucks are... tiny. I've found that for 99% of my needs this truck bed does great and I've even had heavier loads of rock & sod in the back and it does just fine. Not like my Tundra mind you but I rarely actually need to do this and a couple of trips for the same load is worth it for all the advantages the truck has for me for 98% of it's use.

Trucks have gotten HUGE and I don't understand how the average driver thinks they NEED that much pick-up. Granted, I know some that do but for the most part it's status. I'm a pretty large dude and the Tacoma has plenty of room for me. It's cozy. If I need a bigger truck I'll rent one but have yet to need a bigger truck since 'downgrading' to a Tacoma. Best vehicle move I've made in many many years.