Available As: Large Pickup

Base Price Range (MSRP): $33,435-$37,355

Pros: Interior comfort, interior quality, refinement, ride comfort, cargo versatility.

Cons: Price, bed length, fuel economy.

Overall: A family car that can handle truck duty.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

The Avalanche is essentially a Chevrolet Suburban with a pickup bed behind the second row of seats rather than space for three more people and/or covered cargo. It also has a unique "midgate" cargo management system, with which the bed can be extended into the passenger compartment by removing a panel and folding down the rear seats. Even without that feature, the Avalanche differs from a conventional 4-door full-size pickup, as it uses an attached rather than separate bed, which makes the driving experience more pleasant when the bed is empty at the expense of loaded behavior. The bed is also relatively short, relying on the midgate system to increase bed space as needed. The priorities in the design of this truck are clear: everyday family use comes first. Interior comfort and quality, ride comfort, refinement, and on-road handling are excellent for a large truck. There is also no stripped-down base version like on most full-size pickups, only well-equipped 4-door V8s are offered, and at a price premium over most other full-size pickups.

If you want a daily-driver pickup that can do heavy duty work occasionally and are willing to pay extra for it and for its gas, the Avalanche is an excellent vehicle for you if the midgate system is sufficient for your cargo needs. But if you like it, also consider the conventional Chevrolet Silverado crew cab, which is mechanically identical to the Avalanche and shares its interior on high-end models. The Silverado is less expensive and has a longer bed, and is less finicky to use. And consumers who like the idea of a comfortable daily-use pickup but don't need as much truck capability as the Avalanche offers should consider the Honda Ridgeline, which is less expensive and more fuel efficient, but lacks the Avalanche's potentially useful midgate bed extending system.

Available As: Large pickup with regular, extended, and crew cabs

Base Price Range (MSRP): $21,485-$40,685

Pros: Acceleration (5.7-liter), towing capacity, bed length, interior space (Mega Cab).

Cons: Ride, handling, refinement, interior quality, fuel economy.

Overall: The Ram originally excused its crudity with its capability, but the refined competition has matched or exceeded it there.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

The Ram is one of the cruder large pickup trucks on the market, as the competition works on increasing comfort and refinement to appeal to consumers who are buying lavishly-equipped trucks as daily-use family vehicles. The Ram has tried to excuse its shortcomings with its truck capability, but the more refined competitors are now offering comparable towing and payload capacities, and useful beds and interiors. Unless you find the bouncy, noisy ride an enjoyable part of the truck experience, there are better choices.

 The Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra are two pickups very similar to the Ram in their focus on power and capability over comfort and refinement, but which have better acceleration, ride, and handling, and even higher towing capacities. The Chevrolet Silverado is a capable and well-rounded pickup with very good ride, handling, interior comfort, and refinement, but the Ram is less expensive, has longer beds, and is quicker with its 5.7-liter V8. Chevrolet's related Avalanche is worth a look for consumers shopping for the most comfortable pickup, for its improved ride and interior space over the Silverado, though it can be expensive and has a small bed. And budget shoppers should look at the Chevrolet Silverado Classic, which is an older version of the Silverado sold at discounted prices, and still a decent truck.

Available As: Large pickup with regular, extended, and crew cabs

Base Price Range (MSRP): $18,275-$39,355

Pros: Price, interior space, interior quality, refinement.

Cons: Acceleration, fuel economy, ride comfort.

Overall: What was groundbreaking about the F-150 in 2004 is now mediocre, and its flaws that were apparent then are even more obvious now.

Rating: 6/10

Recommended: NO

The F-150's 2004 redesign brought a new level of luxury and refinement to its class, along with what was at the time the highest towing capacity. But its main competitor, the Chevrolet Silverado, was just redesigned for 2007, bringing even more comfort, refinement, and capability, along with better powertrains and a lighter weight (F-150 weak points from the start). And other competitors have focused even more on their engines, making the F-150's shortcoming in that area even more obvious. The F-150 retains its roomy, comfortable, and high-quality interior, but with the Silverado matching that and it and others exceeding the F-150 elsewhere, it is no longer within sight of best-in-class. 2009 brings a necessary redesign.

The Chevrolet Silverado is the obvious better choice, offering a very similar character to the F-150 but with better ride and handling, even more capability, and better acceleration and fuel economy. The F-150's rebates currently keep it less expensive than that truck, however. If you favor power over refinement, consider the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra, though the Titan is only available in a few versions and the Tundra is more expensive. And if luxury is paramount, consider the relatively pricey crew cab-only Chevrolet Avalanche.