| The 2006 new truck models are out. Let's explore | | | | in a 6 speed manual, with 325 HP and 610 lbs-ft of |
| the all-new models for 2006, from small size to mega | | | | torque. |
| size, including the Isuzu i-280 and i-350, Mitsubishi | | | | Of course, what is distintive about this truck is not |
| Raider, Honda Ridgeline, and the Dodge Ram Mega | | | | only it's mega cab, but the exceptional storage space |
| Cab as well as two new limited-edition models, the | | | | it provides as well. The cab has been lengthened by |
| Chevy Silverado Intimidator SS and the Ford | | | | 20 inches. With folding rear seats, you'll find 7.5 cubic |
| Harley-Davidson (TM) F-150. This may be a refresher | | | | feet of storage beind the rear seat. On the comfort |
| course for some of you since the 2006 models have | | | | side, the rear-seat bench also reclines. Built tough to |
| been out for awhile, but here are reviews of some | | | | handle almost anything, the Mega Cab also offers |
| of the newly-introduced 2006 pickup trucks, from | | | | luxury options such as a rear-seat DVD |
| small size to mega size as well as a couple limited | | | | entertainment system, power sunroof and full-screen |
| additions for 2006. For a small-size truck, Isuzu has | | | | navigation system. So there you have it - mega |
| introduced the all new i-280 and i-350. The i-280 is a | | | | power, mega space, mega luxury. That's ONE MEGA |
| two door, 2WD model with an extended cab, | | | | TRUCK! Pricing starts at $32,760. There are also two |
| 2.8-liter, 4 cylinder I-4 (in-line 4-cylinder) engine with | | | | new limited-edition trucks for 2006: |
| 175 HP, 185 lbs-ft of torque and a max payload of | | | | Chevy Silverado Intimidator SSThis limited-edition |
| 1532 lbs. It comes with a standard 5-speed manual | | | | truck is a collaboration between Chevrolet and Dale |
| transmission (4-speed automatic is optional). Safety | | | | Earnhardt Incorporated. The Intimidator comes with a |
| features on this model are optional and it comes with | | | | race-inspired spoiler, unique silver front grille and a |
| 3 optional packages. Pricing starts at $14,239. | | | | lowered ride height, not to mention the |
| The i-350 is a four door, 4WD model with a crew | | | | performance-tuned suspension, two-stage multi-leaf |
| cab, 3.5-liter I-5 engine with 220 HP, max payload of | | | | springs, Tenneco shock absorbers, a stiffer front |
| 1190 lbs and a tow rating of 4000 lbs. It comes with | | | | stabilizer bar and stiffer front jounce bumpers. |
| a 4-speed automatic transmission, and expanded list | | | | The exterior is complete with a black monochromatic |
| of standard amenities and an optional limited package | | | | color scheme and 20-inch chrome wheels. The Vortec |
| with upgrades including power-heated seats, 6-disc | | | | 6000 V8 engine has 345 HP and 380 lbs-ft of torque. |
| CD changer and leather seats. Pricing starts at | | | | Based on the 2006 Silverado SS, the Intimidator also |
| $24,608. | | | | has available features such as a 4-speed electronically |
| In the mid-size range, we have the Mitsubishi Raider. | | | | controlled transmission, 3.73 final drive ratio, locking |
| Mitsubishi offers the Raider in a 3.7 liter V6 with 210 | | | | differential, cruise control, split bench seats, power |
| HP and 235 lbs-ft of torque or a 4.7-liter V8 with 230 | | | | seat adjuster, power windows, rear-wheel, 2-wheel |
| HP (a leader in it's class) and 290 lbs-ft of torque. | | | | rear drive as well as other amenities available on the |
| The Raider comes either with an extended cab with | | | | 2006 Silverado SS. |
| small access doors or a double cab 4-door. You can | | | | The interior features Dale Earnhardt's signature on |
| choose between 2WD or 4WD with 3 transmissions, | | | | the white-faced gauge cluster, black leather seats, |
| 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 5-speed | | | | plenty of Intimidator badging and Dale Earnhardt's |
| automatic. The Raider sports rack-and-pinion steering | | | | Legacy logo embossed into the headrests. Chevrolet |
| and tows up to 6500 lbs. One trendy option offered | | | | only plans to have 1,333 of these beauties in |
| on the Raider is it's High Output Audio Package, with | | | | production, and a portion of every sale is going to |
| a 508-watt audio system including a 6-disc CD | | | | the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. The 2006 Ford |
| changer with MP3 capability, 9 speakers and Sirius | | | | Harley-Davidson (TM) F-150 SuperCabIn a continued |
| Satellite radio. Pricing starts at $19,180. | | | | collaboration between Ford and Harley-Davidson, this |
| Where do we put the Honda Ridgeline? It's in a class | | | | limited-edition truck features a 5.4-liter, three-valve |
| all it's own. This pickup is designed for comfort for | | | | Triton(R) V8 engine with a specially tuned exhaust |
| everyday driving but it's also tough enough to keep | | | | system, 300 HP and 365 lbs-ft of torque. |
| up with the "big boys" in towing and payload | | | | The SuperCab sports a 6 1/2-ft. Styleside bed, |
| demands. Ridgeline comes in 4WD only, with a | | | | smoked-out tail lamps, blacked-out bumper, chrome |
| 3.5-liter V6, 247 HP and 252 lbs-ft of torque. It has a | | | | tie-down hooks, slash-cut chrome exhaust, chrome |
| total payload of 1550 with it's 8.5 cubic foot bed and | | | | billet grille, blacked-out headlamps and badging on the |
| 5000 lb. towing capacity. It seats 5 easily with 4 | | | | fenders and tailgate. Other stand-out features are |
| full-size doors. It's also the only 4WD pickup to | | | | the special chin spoiler and it's mammoth 22-inch |
| achieve the highest government crash test rating (5 | | | | polished aluminum rims with split 5-spoke design, a |
| stars) for both frontal and side impact tests. It also | | | | first for the F-150. |
| has a unique dual-action tailgatge which swings down | | | | The SuperCab exudes power with it's black and |
| like most pickups but also swings to the side. Pricing | | | | chrome color scheme. The exterior high-gloss piano |
| starts at $27,700. | | | | black is accented with LOTS of chrome, giving it an |
| In the full size truck category, we have the new | | | | aggressive, albeit stylish look that sets it apart. |
| Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Ok, the Dodge Ram isn't | | | | Accenting the interior, you'll find once again the |
| new, but with the largest pickup cab ever at 143.2 | | | | high-gloss piano black with splashes of chrome |
| cubic feet and 111.1 inches long, it certainly is worth | | | | highlights on the instruments, handles, vent rings, floor |
| mentioning. The Mega Cab has a total seating | | | | shifter and door pulls. Black leather front captain's |
| capacity of 6 and, depending on which model you're | | | | chairs and the Harley-Davidson logo give styling to |
| looking at, comes in a 2WD or 4WD. The 5.7-liter | | | | the SuperCab in the spirit of the Harley motorcycle. |
| Hemi V8 has 345 HP and comes in a 5 speed | | | | Ford and Harley-Davidson plan a production of only |
| automatic, rear or 4WD, with 375 lbs-ft of torque. | | | | 10,000 SuperCabs. |
| The 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel six-cylinder comes | | | | |