Chevrolet's compact pickup plays by the rules -- it actually is compact. And if you want a Regular Cab, it's one of the few left. Other cab variations are Extended and Crew. For 2007, we could mention minor dcor tweaks, improved tranny shift quality and uprated alternator, but the news that matters is MORE POWER! The 4-cylinder engine grows from 2.8 to 2.9 litres and from 175 to 185 hp; the 5-banger grows from 3.5 to 3.7 litres and from 220 to 242 hp. These trucks are well executed, and feel solid and secure on the road. With so many engines in the GM family, though, we'd love to see a V8, at least in the sport-truck Extreme model.

Specification variety, rugged engineering

Relatively tight interiors