One's opinion on the quality depends partly on what the truck is to be used for. Hauling or pulling fairly heavy loads requires a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. Commuting, running errands, and light hauling is best served by a smaller truck. The ability of a truck to stand up to abuse varies from year to year and make to make. Two examples: early 1970's Fords are reputed to be tough trucks, the 1973 F 250 I had (used when I got it) held up very well. Also, on one occasion I saw a man shovel his 1980's Toyota full and rounded up with pea gravel and drive off with it. Most trucks will perform well if they are kept filled with fresh oil, radiator is filled, and ATF is changed regularly. I didn't do this on one truck and suffered for it.I pull heavy loads with a 1972 F 350. For other use I wanted a 4 cyl., 5 speed, 2 wd that would give good gas milage. Had to buy a new one since choices were limited and overpriced used. Almost got a Ford Ranger which had highest gas milage rating (29 hwy). Got a 2005 Toyota Tacoma after I couldn't get together with the Ford dealer. I think It is going to get about 28mpg. Don't like the carpet in the floor, prefer rubber. Toyota is IMO going the wrong way in small trucks because this Tacoma is larger than previous models, but so are all the rest of the small trucks except the Ranger which was already a little large. Since you mentioned 4wd Tacomas, my future SIL has a 2005 Tacoma 4wd, 4 cyl, long cab, which gets 22 mpg. Present Tacomas have a heavy duty plastic bed which should resist rust up in the salted roads belt. The best truck is usually the one that is paid for. KEH
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