2008 Initial Quality: Pickups and Vans

Pickups—and especially vans—may not be the most alluring vehicles on the road, but when it comes to practicality, these industry workhorses are tough to beat. In the pickup and van segments, the Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Silverado (light-duty) and Ford E-Series are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS)^SM award recipients.

Midsize Pickup Segment

Highest Ranked: 2008 Dodge Dakota
Improving two rank positions from last year’s No. 3 segment ranking, the Dodge Dakota captures the midsize pickup segment award in the 2008 IQS. For 2008, Dodge amps up the Dakota’s performance with a new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that can run on E85 ethanol fuel, classifying it as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). The Dakota Crew Cab has the most interior room in its class, Dodge claims, with 37 cubic feet, and seating for up to six. Dakota also has the largest standard cargo bed in its class, and best-in-class towing capability (up to 7050 pounds), according to the manufacturer.

For 2008, the Dodge Dakota lineup includes two body styles—Crew Cab and Extended Cab—and six trim levels: ST, SXT, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie. All are available in 2- or 4-wheel drive. There are two cargo bed options: with the Extended Cab, the cargo bed is the longest standard in class at 78 inches, while the Crew Cab has a 64-inch cargo bed. Both feature built-in utility rails and a dual-position tailgate. Revised exterior styling includes new front fascias with available fog lamps, sleeker fenders, and a rear spoiler that Dodge says aids fuel economy.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota lineup features two different engines: a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 unit coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission (standard on all V-6 engines except Sport and Laramie); and an all-new, 290-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 engine with Flex Fuel capability (able to operate on E85 ethanol fuel and classified as an FFV) connected to a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available on the V-8.

2008 Dodge Dakota prices
2008 Dodge Dakota photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is the No. 2-ranked model in the midsize pickup segment in the 2008 IQS. Originally introduced in 1983, the Ranger has not seen a significant design update since 1998. It comes in two cab styles: regular cab and extended SuperCab. The SuperCab is available with 2 or 4 doors, including two rear-hinged rear access doors. SuperCabs come with a 6-foot cargo bed, while regular cabs also offer a longer 7-foot bed. Regular cabs have seating for 3, while SuperCabs can seat 5 with two fold-down rear jump seats. One 4-cylinder and two V-6 engines are offered, and the Ranger is available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. The Ranger shares its platform with the Mazda B-Series.

Ranked No. 3: 2008 Toyota Tacoma
After ranking highest in its segment in the 2007 IQS, the Toyota Tacoma falls two rank positions to the No. 3 ranking in the midsize pickup segment in the 2008 IQS. For 2008, the Tacoma is available in three cab choices: Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab, the latter offering a choice of long (73.5-inch) or short (60.3-inch) beds. The Tacoma is available in 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD), or as the PreRunner, which combines the high ground clearance of 4WD with a 2WD drivetrain. Toyota offers the 2008 Tacoma with both 4- and 6-cylinder engines, ranging from a 159-hp, 2.7-liter 4-cylinder available on 2WD models to the 236-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 engine available in PreRunner and 4WD Access Cabs and Double Cabs.

Large Pickup Segment

Highest Ranked: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado LD
Redesigned for the 2007 model year, the Chevrolet Silverado light-duty pickup is ranked highest in the large pickup segment in the 2008 IQS. With three cab styles, three box lengths, four engines, and a maximum towing capacity of 10,500 pounds, Chevy’s popular pickup offers some minor refinements to pique consumer interest in 2008. Improvements include new brighter-lit instrument pointers, a new optional integrated trailer brake controller, and a new optional power seat on Regular Cab models, while XM satellite radio and one year of OnStar are now standard.

For 2008, consumers can choose a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in Regular Cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab, in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. Three box lengths are offered: 5-ft. 8-in., 6-ft. 6-in., and 8-ft., along with five trim levels. The basic Work Truck (WT) is a short box, available as a Regular, Extended or Crew Cab. The LS trim (Crew Cab only) adds features such as remote keyless entry, power windows/door locks/mirrors, 17-inch chrome styled-steel wheels, and black foldaway, power heated, outside rearview mirrors. Silverado 1LT models (Reg., Ext. & Crew Cab) have V-8 engines (depending on model) and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and temperature display. Silverado 2LT adds, among other items, 6-way power adjustable front seats with memory; dual-zone automatic temperature controls; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; fog lamps; and 17-inch custom aluminum wheels. LTZ models add heavy-duty trailering equipment; an automatic locking rear differential; leather front bucket seats; 10-way power adjustable front seats with memory; a Bose sound system; remote vehicle start; and a heated windshield washer fluid system.

Engine choices for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vary by model and include a 195-hp, 4.3-liter V-6; 295-hp, 4.8-liter V-8; 315-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with an iron or aluminum block and with flex-fuel capability; and a 367-hp, 6.0-liter V-8. All engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. A super-duty transmission is optional for LT and LTZ models, and the manufacturer provides a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado (LD) prices
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Toyota Tundra
After a rocky 2007 launch that resulted in several recalls for quality problems, the Toyota Tundra ranks No. 2 in the large pickup segment in the 2008 IQS. All-new for 2007, the 2008 model receives a handful of features added as standard equipment, and has added 13 additional models for a total of 44 offerings. The 2008 Toyota Tundra comes in three cab styles: Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax, and in 2- or 4-wheel drive. Buyers can opt for standard-bed or long-bed length, and base Tundra, SR5 or Limited trim levels. The base powerplant for the 2008 Toyota Tundra is a 236-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 engine. The entry-level V-8 engine is a 276-hp, 4.7-liter V-8. Toyota also offers a larger, 381-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 engine. The V-6 and 4.7-liter V-8 engines are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, while the 5.7-liter V-8 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Ranked No. 3: 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
Achieving the No. 3 ranking in the large pickup segment in the 2008 IQS is the Chevrolet Avalanche. The 2008 Avalanche is carryover from 2007, when it was redesigned, but does offer a few enhancements for 2008. Avalanche’s main claim to fame is its unique Midgate, which opens a panel between the cabin and bed to extend the bed from 63 to 99 inches. With the rear seat up and Midgate closed, the Avalanche has 6-passenger seating. Available in rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, the Avalanche offers two V-8 engines (a standard 320-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 and an optional 366-hp, 6.0-liter V-8), including an E85 flexible-fuel version. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on all 2008 Avalanche models.

Van Segment

Highest Ranked: 2008 Ford E-Series

Improving two rank positions from last year’s No. 3 segment ranking, the Ford E-Series receives the award for highest initial quality in the van segment in the 2008 IQS. Ford's E-Series has been the best-selling full-size van in the U.S. since 1980, according to Ford. The 2008 model year marks the first major alteration to the E-Series since 1992, and only the fifth major revision since Ford introduced its first flat-nose van nearly 50 years ago. The 2008 E-Series is not a completely new design. Though all sheetmetal forward of the windshield pillars is new, Ford notes that other sheetmetal, including doors and seat mounting points, are unchanged. The E-Series also received suspension, steering and braking changes for 2008.

Ford offers the 2008 E-Series van in several configurations. Passenger versions are available in E-150 and E-350 Super Duty (SD) form, as well as the extended-length (15-passenger) E-350 SE, and come in XL and XLT trim levels. The XL includes front air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and vinyl seats and floor covering. An interior upgrade package adds cloth seats and carpeting, power windows and locks, better sound insulation, and improved interior trim. The XLT includes cloth seats and carpeting, CD player, power mirrors/windows/locks, and cruise control. A new XLT Premium package replaces the 2007 model’s Chateau trim level. It includes front and rear leather captain's chairs, a power driver's seat, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, and running boards. Cargo vans come in E-150, E-250 SD, and E-350 SD forms as well as extended-length E-250 SE and E-350 SE.

2008 Ford E-Series prices
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Nissan Quest
The top-ranked minivan in the 2008 IQS, the Nissan Quest ranks No. 2 overall in the van segment, below the Ford E-Series. Nissan completely redesigned the Quest for the 2004 model year. The Quest received a facelift in 2007 that redesigned the front fascia and the dashboard. In 2008, Nissan has added more standard features to several of the models, and added a new exterior color. The 2008 Nissan Quest is offered in four different models: Quest 3.5, Quest 3.5 S, Quest 3.5 SL and Quest 3.5 SE. All models share the same powertrain—a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The model differences are found in the equipment levels, cosmetics and passenger seating configurations.

Ranked No. 3: 2008 Chevrolet Express Achieving the No. 3 ranking in the van segment in the 2008 IQS is the Chevrolet Express. The full-size Express is little changed from 2007. All-wheel drive is available in 1500 Passenger and Work models only, while rear-wheel drive is standard. Passenger models offer 8-, 12- and 15-passenger seating configurations and come in LS and LT trim levels. LS, popular for fleet service, includes intermittent wipers, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, enhanced driver information center, and a theft-deterrent system. The more family-oriented LT trim includes rear air conditioning, power windows and door locks, rear window defogger, full-floor carpeting, remote keyless entry, custom cloth upholstery, and front bucket seats.

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