2006 Toyota Tacoma in Claremont, California

The Toyota Tacoma may be the best pickup in its class. And that's saying a lot, because the entire class is outstanding. The Toyota Tacoma was completely just last year, but nearly every truck in this class has been recently redesigned.

Just in the past two model years, nearly every pickup in this class has grown from a compact to a mid-size, and all have been totally re-engineered in the process. Toyota, Nissan, and Dodge redesigned their smaller pickups from the ground up, keeping little the same but their nameplates; Chevrolet and GMC launched all-new trucks with new names. The aging Ford Ranger is the only truck left from the old generation, and it competes primarily on price.

The latest generation of mid-size trucks features roomier cabs, improved ride quality and increased stability. The boast more power and increased refinement. All are available in the increasingly popular crew cab configuration, and their larger size makes this a more compelling choice. The newest crew cab models are practical alternatives to a sedan, something that wasn't really true of the previous generation. Mid-size pickups offer better maneuverability than full-size trucks, while providing serious hauling and towing utility. With so many good trucks available, this is a fine time to be shopping for one.