Top Picks for Hard Workers

Construction workers, electricians, plumbers and other on-the-go sorts need reliable transportation that can double as a staging area for the job. From a pool that included our Best Bets and all the newer cars we've driven since, we looked at crossovers, SUVs, pickups, minivans and full-size vans. We looked at cargo capacity, reliability and overall durability.

Best New Car for Hard Workers 2010 Ford F-150 Starting MSRP $21,380 Ford didn't radically change the exterior of its F-150 full-size truck with its 2009 redesign, but it overhauled elements underneath the sheet metal, giving the truck a stronger frame and more powerful V-8 engines. That means the F-150 now lets you get more work done, as it's capable of towing up to 11,300 pounds when properly equipped. Equally impressive, however, is the truck's everyday driving ease and maneuverability; owners who spend the day in and out of their trucks will appreciate that. Of course, it's offered in an array of cab, cargo bed and drivetrain configurations, so you can find the one that's right for your job.

Best Deal for Hard Workers 2010 Toyota Tacoma Starting MSRP $15,345 At less than $15,500, the Tacoma is still the least expensive pickup truck on the market, and by a significant margin. Light-duty jobbers — contractors and landscapers — would do well to check it out. Toyota's recent quality issues notwithstanding, prevailing reliability studies point to the Tacoma being a solid, if basic, bet. Its maximum payload is a competitive 1,570 pounds, and the available 4.0-liter V-6 yields a stout 6,500-pound towing capacity. Available in single-, extended- and crew-cab configurations, the current-generation Tacoma is becoming an oldie — but it's very much a goodie.

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	Ford Escape Hybrid (2010) Starting MSRP $29,785 New York City cab drivers know the value of the Escape Hybrid's efficient gas/electric drivetrain, and you can have the same efficiency on your daily drives. With an EPA-estimated 34/31 mpg city/highway rating for the front-wheel-drive model, the Escape Hybrid is the most efficient small crossover available. Research this car      Build this car

	Honda Element (2010) Starting MSRP $20,525 No, this isn't the car for pulling stumps out of the ground, but not all jobs require a heavy hand. It's got tons of easy-to-clean cargo room, and as an added bonus, its boxy shape makes it a natural rolling billboard for your business. Research this car      Build this car

	Honda Ridgeline (2010) Starting MSRP $28,450 The Ridgeline is often underestimated because of its V-6 powerplant, but make no mistake, this is a versatile pickup. The in-bed trunk is still unique to the class, and a large interior with a flat second row when the seats are folded up is useful for cargo that needs to stay covered. Research this car      Build this car

	Toyota Sienna (2010) Starting MSRP $24,540 If your work involves carrying people, this is what you want. They'll be comfortable and you will be too since you'll have a commanding view and well-laid-out controls. You can get power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, and unlike others, the Sienna also has optional all-wheel drive. Research this car      Build this car

	Toyota Tundra (2010) Starting MSRP $23,155 The Tundra is the only full-size pickup from a foreign automaker that's truly competitive with American models, even among work trucks. Large knobs and many storage provisions cater to workers, and a new Work Truck Package has vinyl seats and rubber floors that should appeal to contractors. Research this car      Build this car