Special Reports: 2011 $30,000 Shootout

2011 $30,000 Shootout: Mileage Challenge

Each truck filled up at the same gas station by the same fuel filler — once at the beginning, then at the end of the loop -- in the same way, making sure the tank was full with a "double-click."

Read more»

2011 $30,000 Shootout: Results

We considered the performance data, sifted through the various specs, measured the value they offered to owners, and added our driving impressions.

Read more»

2011 $30,000 Shootout: 0-60 MPH Test

Our first-day track tests were conducted at the Milan Dragway. Temperatures hovered around 72 degrees with a slight breeze throughout the day.

Read more»

2011 $30,000 Shootout: 60-0 MPH Braking Test

We conducted our brake testing on the vast blacktop surface of the Vehicle Dynamic Area at Michigan Proving Ground, where temperatures were just below 80 degrees and the blacktop was clean and warm.

Read more»

$30,000 Pickup Truck Shootout: Introduction

We went to the half-ton manufacturers and forced each one to answer the question: What’s your best truck for $30,000?

Read more»

2011 $30,000 Shootout: Quarter-mile Test

We know these trucks aren’t sports cars. What the quarter-mile gives us is a consistent baseline to compare each truck against the track and against its competitors.

Read more»

2011 $30,000 Shootout: 7-Percent Grade (Loaded) Test

From the very moment each truck left the line at the bottom of the grade, we could feel how capable each truck was able to climb the slope.

Read more»

2011 $30,000 Shootout: Autocross Test

Our autocross runs were done at Romeo, where the weather was warm and the wind was scarce. Each truck made at least three runs with and without payload.

Read more»