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Video: 2011 Pickuptrucks.com Under $30,000 Shootout: Results
By Cars.com Editors
September 16, 2011About the video
Pickuptrucks.com's Mike Levine tests five trucks, all under $30,000. They Include the 2011 Ram 1500, 2011 Toyota Tundra, 2011 Ford F-150, 2011 Nissan Titan, and the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. For more information, visit, www.pickuptrucks.com
Transcript
(climactic music) This is Mike Levine from "PickupTrucks.com" and we are here at Forge Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan to test five trucks that cost $30,000 or less.
We have the Chevy Silverado 1500, the Toyota Tundra, the Nissan Titan, the RAM 1500 and the FORD F-150. We put the trucks through several tests. First we put a thousand pounds of ballast in the cargo boxes and measure them up at seven percent [Indistinct]. Next, we put 'em through a timed ride and handling course. And finally we measured 60 mile an hour to zero braking. Let's take a look at our top three finishers. (car brakes screeching) <v Narrator>In third place, is the 2011 Ford F-150 regular cab, with a new five liter V8. This was a difficult decision because while the F-150 had excellent acceleration numbers, the best fuel economy and ton's of convenience inside, we couldn't overlook the fact that this truck wouldn't carry as many passengers as we might need. Trading space for content doesn't make sense to us and for $30,000 we want as few functional trade-offs as possible, wishing for a super cab F-150 instead. (climactic music) In second place is a 2011 Toyota Tundra double cab, with a 5.7 liter V8. (car wheels screeching) The Tundra was well equipped as tested and posted excellent performance numbers, even when loaded with a 1000 pounds of ballast in the cargo box. We think that the Tundra we tested is a very good ratio of content and capability for the money, though we wish it had better fuel economy and an updated instrument panel. (climactic music) In first place, after a long and hard fought battle, is a 2011 RAM 1500 quad cab with a 5.7 liter Hemi V8. Hands down, the half ton RAM offered the best combination of fuel economy, carrying capacity, performance, interior room and value. We especially liked all the power features and the spray in bed liner. And although it's not perfect, the RAM 1500 did offer the most bang for our buck, solidly competing in most of our testing categories. (upbeat music) So there you have it. Our top three finishers in a very different type of comparison test. (car whooshes by) The good news is you can still get creature comforts, enough seating and solid truck capability for $30,000. Unfortunately, the challenging news is that, if you're into locked into that price point, there'd be some very nice options and capabilities you likely have to do without. (upbeat guitar music)
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