Although primarily a showcase for new cars and futuristic concept vehicles, both Ford Motor Co. and Nissan Motors used the venue of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January to introduce new full-size pickup trucks Both trucks will be available later this year as 2004 models.

In a sense, the companies were introducing more than just trucks. Both introductions were statements by the respective companies about their plans for the future.At a show where most vehicle introductions are accompanied by flashing lights and music loud enough to hurt, Ford’s introduction of its new F-150 truck was the loudest. That is understandable, considering how critical the success of this truck is to the company’s profitability.

The F-150 is the cornerstone of Ford’s products. Ford sold more than 800,000 units in 2001 and the truck accounts for up to one-fourth of the company’s U.S. sales. And, although it is still the biggest selling pickup truck on the market, Ford’s lead has shrunk. Both General Motors and Dodge have introduced new trucks since Ford last redesigned the F-150 in 1996. Also, the market is getting more competitive with Toyota and now Nissan in the mix.

The 1987 Chevy Truck or the Chevrolet Trucks were manufactured by the Chevrolet brand under the General Motors Corporation. General Motors, GM in short manufactures cars and pickup trucks under various brand names such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac etc. The earliest model of pickup truck designed by Chevrolet dates back to 1924. The full sized Chevrolet pickup trucks are known as C/K and they were manufactured in between 1960 and 1988. The trucks were revamped after that to design more powerful and fuel efficient models.

The Chevy trucks had minor changes in them from 1973 to 1980. After dip in sales of pickup trucks in late 70s the Chevy Truck were massively rebuilt from 1981 to 1988. The fuel economy was increased without reducing the load carrying capacities of the trucks.

This was obtained by designing better aerodynamics for the trucks, shedding extra unwanted weights and increasing the efficiency of the engines. The wind tunnel was reshaped and redesigned to make them more slippery. The compression ratio of the engine was raised to 9.2:1 which the highest in the Chevy Truck engine in ten years.

As a means to fight back the heavy competition in the market from Ford motors the engines were implanted with Electronic Spark Control and with four barrel carburettor to ensure best performance. New aluminium transfer case was fitted in the Chevy Truck so that drivers can change from 2nd to 4th gear at even 25mph. After the K10 and k20 models of the Chevy Truck in 1981 the S10 model with a shorter wheel-base was launched in 1982. The S10 went on to get redeveloped and added with newer features through 83 to 87.

From 1982 onwards the 6.2 litre diesel V-8 engine was made available on all models of Chevy Truck. 1983 onwards the Cab models of the trucks were extended in response to the steep competition with Ford who have been offering an extended cab with the trucks from a long time. New additions to the Chevy Truck models were 2.0 litre 83 hp four cylinder engines that became prominent in 1984. New Sports Suspension was added to the S-10 trucks in 1984. The suspensions were gas pressure shocks that were tailored and installed on all four wheels.

Very minor changes were made to the Chevy Truck in 1985 and 1986. The changes were mostly non technical and were in the design of the cars. The 4.3 litre V-6 engine was the new offering in 1985. The front grill was redesigned in all the models in 1985 to give the cars a new look. In 1986 the S-10 was given a throttle body fuel injection system. 1987 was the last year when the light model of the Chevy Truck was designed hence no changes was made to the cars as the new era of heavy pickup truck started from 1988.

If you drive your pickup truck on a surface other than asphalt, you are more than likely going to need to add a very important accessory to your truck: mud flaps. Although the non-traditional pickup truck owner who simply likes to feel like the king of the road may add mud flaps to his truck for aesthetic reasons, most truck owners realize that mud flaps are important in helping to keep their truck clean and protected from whatever substances might be kicked up by their truck’s tires.

In addition to protecting a trucks paint from damage caused by debris like rocks and sticks, truck mud guards also help keep your fenders clean and your finish fresh. Although the “off-road” look may appeal to some, repeated exposure to mud, dirt, and rocks can eventually take a toll on a truck’s paint job. Mud and dirt that is allowed to dry on a truck’s surface can be difficult to remove, often resulting in scratches when attempts are made to remove it. For the most part, mud flaps help confine the dirt and grime from the road (or off-road) to the truck’s wheel well, making it easier on the truck owner when it comes time to give the truck a wash.

Mud flaps also help protect your truck from unfinished business left behind by careless road crews. Fresh paint from the road and even freshly laid asphalt can fly up and can severely damage a used trucks paint job. With the addition of mud flaps, there is no need to worry about road paint and asphalt becoming a permanent fixture on the sides of your pick up truck. Truck mud flaps can usually catch any paint or warm asphalt that may fly up and become attached.

Besides the fact that mud flaps help keep the sides of a truck from road debris, it is difficult to argue against the idea that they also add aesthetic value to a truck. There are many types and varieties of mud flaps available on the market today that can help give a truck a unique and customized look and feel.

Other than the traditional rigid or flexible rubber mud flaps, some mud flaps are available with steel or aluminum reinforcement for added stability and protection. There are even some mud flaps that are made completely of metal, usually a composite or lightweight form. Which mud flap works best depends, like other truck accessories, on the way the truck is used. All mud flaps protect, but if a truck is going to be used in areas that are full of rocks and other debris, or if it is going to be driven at relatively high speeds, it is best to purchase a set of rigid and sturdy mud guards that will be able to absorb or deflect the flying debris.

Whether a truck is intended for use on or off the road, light or heavy duty, or fast or steady driving, chances are there is a set of mud flaps ready to be slapped on to your pickup truck and provide just the look, feel, and protection you need.

Buying a new pickup truck can be very confusing. Of course you could go for a well known brand or manufacturer but still here are many options to consider.

Below are some guidelines that could point you in the right direction in buying a new truck.

The first thing that you should consider is size. Ask yourself just how big a pickup truck do you need? This shouldn’t be a very difficult decision for you to make. All you have to consult are your needs and your budget.

Keep in mind the price of a new pickup truck varies. It can range from the affordable (like buying an ordinary car) to the very expensive (like buying a luxury car). A good basic pickup truck can be owned for around $20,000 while a full sized fully loaded pickup truck an go for as much $30,000 or more.

Trucks come with different cargo box. Most have fairly straight exterior sides, with arched areas just inside the bed to accommodate the rear wheels. Many also have spaces in front and behind each arch so there’s more room to tuck shorter cargo. On the other hand, some pickup tucks have flared fenders to provide more storage space. This type of cargo box is called a step-side box.

The Internet is a very good source for new and used pickup trucks. There are many websites specially dedicated to automobiles and trucks. From there, you can get in touch with local dealers. And even read a review of the vehicles for sale. Using such website is very easy for both sellers and buyers. Using such websites can definitely save you time when buying a pickup truck. Most automotive websites serve as an online market place for cars and pickup trucks. Sellers post the vehicle they want to sell. Then a buyer can browse through it. When a buyer wants to buy a vehicle, the website puts him touch with the seller. And that’s it. They will even handle the transporting to your driveway.

Last 2007, Chevy sparked the interest of motorists when it came out with its 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid. As history has shown, hybrid concepts have a tendency to fall off the face of the concept world, never to be heard from again. Not this time. Chevrolet trucks has announced that the eco-friendly 2009 Silverado will be released later this year. Finally, a truck that looks cool and kicks butt at the same time.

For those unaware of what features came with the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, here’s a rundown of its capabilities. The 2009 Silverado was built with a 6-liter V-8 engine and comes equipped with Active Fuel Management and late-intake valve closing technology.

The used truck gives a 40 percent increase in city fuel economy and a 25 percent increase in overall fuel economy allowing the vehicle to go more than 500 miles. The Silverado can also hit 30 miles per hour when running solely on electric mode and depending on the battery charge, the truck can even go up to a full mile. The truck is also capable of towing up to 6,100 lbs and is equipped with the GM’s 2-Mode Hybrid system that optimizes the truck’s transmission allowing it to vary its gear ratios. The Silverado also comes with a front air dam and a tonneau cover for the bed. The truck is not without its drawbacks, however, having only minimal cabin space and having the battery pack placed in the car’s backseat. Despite those two minor setbacks, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado pretty much makes up for this with its other features.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is set to come out in two types: a 2-wheel drive and a 4-wheel drive truck. Look for this bad boy to appear in the market later this year.

There is just something about that bow-tie. Chevrolet trucks have long gained a reputation for being sturdy and dependable. This does not only reflect on their pick-ups and SUVs but on their semi trucks and other heavy duties as well. From the Kodiak to the W Series, the boys behind the bow-ties really know how to manufacture a truck that is as nice to look at as it is thrilling to drive.

Light and medium duty trucks are available in a wide range of styles, colors and even manufacturer’s brands. If you have never driven a particular brand then you may not have a preference. Of course you probably know about Ford, Freightliner, Peterbilt and all the others, but there are many truck drivers who simply will not drive anything but a Chevrolet truck. Of course there are also people who will not drive anything but a Chevy car or SUV. Beginning to see a pattern here?

If you know the Chevrolet brand then you definitely know that it stands for quality and service. This is true whether you are referring to the smallest car or the most heavy duty truck. There really is something in a name, and the bow-tie symbol represents a name that stands for one of the most stellar reputations in the history of automobiles. Whether you drive a small commercial truck or one of the biggest and baddest rigs on the road, there is absolutely no denying that when you see that bow-tie you think of quality. Why else would they be one of the very top automobile and truck manufacturers in the world for so many years in a row?

It is because of quality. If you are planning to purchase a commercial or heavy duty truck, then this is a brand that you should definitely consider. The trucks are manufactured with the highest quality and safety standards in mind. If you are setting up your own trucking business or are considering becoming an owner/operator then you definitely want a truck that you can depend on for traveling without costly repairs. Remember the bow-tie. Chevrolet trucks are popular for a reason. They are good trucks. Companies and drivers depend on them to transport their cargo without incident and they deliver more than what they promise. When you get ready to purchase your new truck remember - the power of the bow-tie compels you.

Marilee McCormack is the managing editor for which specializes in Trucks for Sale. In addition to editing, SEO For Truck Dealers and Website Marketing Services are offered.

The model lifespan of new vehicles is likened to that of the presidential term of office since they usually get voted in every four years however pickups are different being extremely popular in the United States usually stayed for two terms.

Moreover since producing full-size pickups are also immensely profitable, automakers tend to spend more on further improving the quality of their truck parts. Plus they make sure that they employed only the best and brightest product engineers and planners to help them create the next blockbuster pickup that can become the next contender for the next Truck of the Year award. And for this year Motor Trend has chosen two pickup trucks from the stable of the world’s largest automaker—the new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

In choosing the Truck of the Year one of the criteria is significance in which the Silverado scored high. The sales of the two brands tally well, each achieving over a million units year in and out courtesy of the numerous combinations and permutations of cabs, drivetrains, beds, and suspensions offered. The Silverado has also recorded high in terms of sales on both Chevrolet truck accessories and Chevrolet truck parts. Its Chevrolet truck part components are made from high-grade materials—only the best from GM.

Unfortunately, market significance doesn’t have that much effect on the Truck of the Year voter base. Each of the truck has to prove its worth and this means passing several tests that are to be conducted by the judges on Motor Trend.

The fresh styling of both trucks have made quite an impression and have successfully differentiates the two trucks from each other. However since it’s a competition there would always be some features that would make one truck to outshine the other. The Silverado’s chrome-bisected grille and brawnier square-shouldered quarter panels enhanced the truck’s looks. Its interior design is made even more impressive with Chevy’s fake wood earning higher marks than the Cadillac’s timber.

On the other hand, the entry-level dash fitted to Sierra makes it classy. The seats both the front and back provides great support while the interior’s hush is so quite that no squeak or rattle can be heard. The new cargo bed earned high marks for utility especially since its equipped with a cargo-management system and spring loaded EZ-Lift tailgate. The judges also appreciated the low sides of the bed which makes it easy to reach unlike the cargo boxes found on the Avalanche/Escalade EXT and the current Ford F-150.

The Silverado’s 5.3 liter V8 featured fuel-saving displacement on demand and a clever dash readout that indicates if it’s operating in V4 mode. This boost fuel economy to an EPA rated 16 mpg city/20 mpg for highway. Only the Dodge Ram Hemi is known to offer a similar system however its EPA numbers trail by 1 mpg each.

Some voters also expressed doubts about the overall smoothness of the engine and quality of the four-speed automatic’s shift but judges at Motor Trend has found the drivetrain of the 2.5 ton four-wheel-drive quite reliable in sprinting to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds which is 0.3 second faster than a rear-drive 5.4 liter Ford F-150 and 0.4 second quicker than the Dodge Ram Hemi 4×4. And that’s not all once loaded with 1050 pound load its sprinting time is only stretched by 1.2 seconds as compared to Ford and Dodge Ram Hemi which took additional 1.3 seconds.

And in a boat towing test conducted the Sierra and the Silverado has showed remarkable toting and towing prowess. The figures obtained by the two GM trucks are just part of the whole story. The Judges were very much impressed with the composure of the Silverado when loaded. The truck didn’t ride down on its bump stops and although its front is a little light the truck didn’t lose control.

A week long testing has satisfied the Motor Trend judges and the result shows that the new GM full-size pickups have earned excellent marks in terms of superiority front and by limiting the price increase to about $300 on most models, the Chevy and GMC faired well when it comes to Value Category. But since only one truck should be voted as winner all the judges have agreed to award the Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year for 2007 to the Chevrolet Silverado Trucks.

Automotive News has put together an excellent article on Ford’s product strategy. Here’s what’s coming up in regards to Ford trucks. See also: F150 Raptor Ford F100.

Ranger: The small pickup had been scheduled to die, but now Ford is considering extending Ranger output by as much as two years. The automaker had been expected to end Ranger production in fall 2009 when it planned to close its assembly plant in St. Paul, Minn.

What may give the Ranger new life is the relatively high mpg capability stemming from the standard four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission.

Ford may keep making the aging Ranger into the 2011 calendar year. While it’s unlikely that Ford would invest in any significant update in the truck, changes may be made to comply with federal rollover mandates.

Ford eventually could replace the Ranger with a small pickup truck developed on a new global architecture Ford of Australia is developing, called T6.

F-100: Ford is developing a smaller version of its flagship F-series pickup. The new pickup, code-named P525, could be called F-100; it is scheduled to go into production in mid-2011 for the 2012 model year.

The pickup is based on a lighter version of the Ford F-150 chassis and would share front-end sheet metal with the next-generation Expedition, if that vehicle is produced. The F-100 would be offered in a crew-cab model only.

The trade-off for the lighter frame is reduced capability. The F-100 is aimed at buyers who want a pickup but do not need to tow 10,000-plus pounds or carry 3,000-pound loads.

A performance version of the F-100 that tops 400 hp is a possibility.

F-150: Talk about bad timing. Ford is launching the 2009 re-engineered, restyled F-150 in a terrible market for pickups.The 2008 models stacked up at dealerships as gasoline prices rose.

The inventory overload and drop in demand caused Ford to push back the on-sale date of the 2009 truck by two months and eliminate two shifts of production. The 2009 F-150 now is expected to go on sale in late fall. Ford plans to build more basic work trucks and fewer high-end models.

The 2009 F-150 has an all-V-8 engine strategy. Ford has dropped a base V-6 for now. Executives say a turbocharged V-6, part of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine family, will be added in 2010. The three engines for the 2009 model are a 5.4-liter, three-valve V-8; a 4.6-liter, three-valve V-8; and a 4.6-liter, two-valve V-8. They are paired with a four-speed automatic or a new six-speed automatic transmission.

F-series Super Duty: A freshened Super Duty is expected for the 2011 model year.

Bully Dog Diesel is one of the biggest names in diesel performance and they have been around for about 10 years as of 2007. One of their claims to fame is their downloader’s that can be switched between a Ford trucks, Dodge trucks, and Chevy trucks. This is a great feature because with any other performance programmer if you buy a different make of truck, you have to buy a whole new programmer for that truck. The Bully Dog Triple Dog and Bully Dog PMT (performance management tool) on the other hand can be changed from one truck to another saving quite a bit of money is the individual buys a different truck or upgrades. Although good luck trying to get a die hard Ford person to switch to anything else and vice versa. There are some that don’t care though.

The Bully Dog Triple Dog is their original one size fits all downloader which has been extremely popular. Downloader’s in general just plug into the diagnostic port under the dash and upload a new program onto the truck for either fuel economy, economy while towing, or performance. The Triple Dog plugs into the diagnostic port under the dash like the others do, but has a few differences. One, you can go to Bully Dogs website after purchasing the Triple Dog and download an extreme program for free. Two, it can be linked up with Bully Dog’s Outlook monitor which is a full digital gauge set up that also allows you to switch between power levels while you are driving. This is something that no other downloader can do.

The Bully Dog PMT also plugs into the OBDII diagnostic port under the dash. The PMT is exactly what its name says; it’s a performance management tool. The Bully Dog PMT offers push button or touch screen navigation; both navigation styles come with each unit and are active all the time. It also has a color screen with the best resolution and highest contrast of any screen in the diesel industry. It gives you the capability to display four different engine parameters at a time and gives your twenty engine parameters to choose from. Bully Dog is the only company that has a monitor that will work on all three of the major diesel trucks. I personally happen to be one that is happy driving any of the major diesel trucks so this is a feature that appeals to me. For others it might not matter as much.

Chevrolet’s Trucks  new Silverado aims to give Ford’s F-series pickups a run for their money.

Why are pickups so popular?

We once posed that question to a friend of ours, a former chief engineer for the American Automobile Association. “It’s the American way,” he replied. “Everyone has to have a truck at one time or another.”

Looking at the numbers, he may be right. The two best-selling vehicles for 1998 are both full-size pickups, one from Ford and the other from General Motors. Not far behind is Dodge’s Ram, which ranks sixth. American truck manufacturers sold or leased about two million full-size pickup trucks this year, cornering the market, at least for now.

We say for now because Toyota, having withdrawn its T-100 pickup from the market, is reportedly ramping up to be the first Japanese manufacturer to sell a full-size pickup truck in America.

Ever since Ford built the first pickups in 1925, the vehicles have taken on a dual role as a virtual beast of burden and the American family’s second car– personal transportation for people who put a lot of stock in their rugged image.

Despite its seemingly ordinary looks, the full-size pickup is a vehicle of many configurations. Generally three- or six-passenger vehicles, they can be purchased with two, three or four doors. You can buy a regular-cab, two-door model or choose a three- or four-door extended or crew cab model.

There are smooth-riding pickups for city and country duty, and heavy-duty pickups for hauling big loads–all of which are equipped with two-wheel drive. If you need to take your truck off-road, the manufacturers offer light and heavy-duty pickups with four-wheel drive capability.

With Toyota trying to crack the market, 1999 could be a watershed year for pickups. A lot is riding on Ford’s F-series truck. It’s the best-selling vehicle in the country, and Ford intends to keep it that way. GM, on the other hand, hopes its all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups will gain on Ford and cut its lead in sales. And Dodge, which seems to have cornered the market for styling with its Ram trucks, would like to see its sales numbers climb too.