Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Feb. 22, 1996, edition 1 / Page 51
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AFRICAN AMERICANS ON WHF.E1.S 13 URBAN PICKS I COMPACT TRUCKS: AMERICAS NEW LOVE AFFAIR By Myron Stokes Compact trucks, which were once sold primarily in rural areas have become the urban vehicle of choice. So naturally, the class of vehicle selected for this issue’s Urban Pick, focuses on this new market trend. At present, the shoot-out for the heart and mind of the ‘urban cowboy’ is between Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10, along with CMC stabiematc Sonoma. The opening salvos are furious, leaving no doubt as to how serious the participants are at throttling the competition. 'foyota is making some headway with its Tacoma, but continues to encounter resistance from buyers loyal to Ainerican trucks. How ever, Toyota expects '96 to be a better year, and in fact, is betting the cost of a new truck assembly plant in Princeton, IN. Nissan, the inventor of the “urban pickup,” expects that its share of the market will increase with the advent of its redesigned truck for the ’97 model year. Ford’s efforts are exemplified by its offering of a passenger side air bag — the only manufacturer to do so in this category — com plete with a de-activation switch for rear-facing infant seats not com patible with supplemental restraint systems (an airbag compatible infant seat, however, has been developed by GA International, of Colorado Springs); while Chevy and GMC offer an ingenious rear cab access panel with their extended cab models, a kind of third door, that is destined to be a runaway best seller in our view. Engi neers report that installation of this feature actually contributes to the structural rigidity of the passenger compartment, thus enhanc ing safety. Add to this another GM exclusive; daytime running lights (DRL). Finally, the GM product continues to make great strides towards a “maintenance free” vehicle, as represented by 100,000 mile platinum-tipped spark plugs and engine coolant of the same longevity and transmission fluid that never needs changing. Since off-road capability is not a primary consideration among this class of buyer, 4X2 rather than 4X4-based drivetrains get the lion’s share of the sales mix. Deal ers also report that young, single consumers are opting for sport truck packages that signify indi viduality, while maintaining a mo dicum of practicality. “One of our hottest sellers is a Ranger sport package with 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine, with a 5-speed manual transmission, chrome wheels and pre-requisite fea tures like cloth seats and a good sound system for under $ 15,000,” says Dwayne Horton, sales manager for Gorno Ford in Woodhaven, MI. “Amazingly, there are probably more women buying this ‘Saturday night cruiser’ package than men.” Dodge, however, can lay serious claim to the moniker of “muscle truck,” since it is the only manufacturer to offer a V- 8 (5.2 liters) for the compact class in conjunction with its sport package. With 220 hp on tap, the Dakota Sport is a stop light screamer worthy of the name. Of course, these sport packages aren’t what the average urban family would buy, but they are proof that pickups have come a long way from their traditional role as mechanical replacements for the horse. With all the great truck products out there, choosing the best among them was difficult, especially when you take into consideration the urban assessment parameters like fuel effi ciency; handling over a variety of road surfaces which are likely to include pot holes; initial and long-term affordability, insurance; ease of maintenance; durability and comfort. But choose we did, and based on subjective (our opinion) and objective (just the numbers) analysis, the nod goes to the GMC Sonoma and the Chevy SIO pickups, primarily due to that wonderful side access panel which allows these vehicles to go even further in terms of offering a realistic alternative to the traditional family car. Make Avg. transaction price Engine Liters Cylinders Horsepower Trans. MPG (city) Rec, gas (unleaded) Wheel base Length/width Airbag Ford Ranger XLT (regular cab) SIS,140 4,0 V-6 160 Auto, 19 reg. 107.9 184 3/69,4 yes' Ford Ranger XLT (super cab) 16,640 4.0 V-6 160 Auto. 19 reg. 125.2 198.2/69,4 yes* GMC Sonoma SLS (regular cab) 15,500 4.3 V-6 170 Auto. 19 reg. 117.9 205,0/67 9 yes GMC Sonoma SLS (club coupe) 16,900 4.3 V-6 170 Auto, 19 reg. 122.9 203.7/67.9 yes Dakota SLT (regular cab) 14,674 3.9 V-6 175 Auto. 19 reg. 112.0 189.0/69,0 yes Dakota SLT (extended cab) 15,000 3,9 V-6 175 Auto. 19 reg. 124.0 201.0/69.0 yes Chevrolet S10 (regular cab) 15,200 4.3 V-6 170 Auto 19 reg. 117.9 204 6/67.9 yes Chevrolet SIO (extended cab) 16,700 4.3 V-6 170 Auto. 19 reg. 122.9 203.3/67,9 yes Mazda B4000 (extended cab) 15,740 4.0 V-6 160 Auto. 19 reg. 125.2 184-3/69.4 yes Nissan Pickup (King cab) 16,200 (est.) 3.0 V-6 153 Auto. 19 reg. 116.0 180.0/67.0 no Toyota Tacoma (regular cab) 13,800 2.4 1-4 142 Auto 20 103.0 175-0/67,0 yes Toyota Tacoma (xtra cab) 15,983 2,4 1-4 142 Auto. 20 reg. 122.0 193.0/67.0 yes Average transaction price includes tax. title, transfer and destination charges All vehicles shown are 4x2 and equipped with V-6 engines and automatic transmissions, except for the Toyota Tacoma which features an 2 4L 1-4. The 2.7L V-6 is only available on 4x4 models. Also. V-6 powered Nissan trucks will be in short supply since production of these engines ceases this month in preparation for the next generation truck with a new engine with OBD II diagnostics as required by law Nissan did not want to spend the money upgrading the ’96 engine knowing that the '97 was just around the corner. ’ Passenger airbag available.
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 22, 1996, edition 1
51
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