2006 Trucks, Vans, and SUVs

Pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs have become necessities for many American households. Even with the rising cost of fuel, we can’t seem to do without them. Where else are you going to put three kids, a dog and all the luggage? Until automakers come up with a new way of packaging the American family, it seems that these vehicles will be around for a while. Whether the appeal is off-roading in a Hummer H3, hauling the boat with a Dodge Ram Mega Cab or running errands in a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the new offerings for 2006 are plentiful. The all-new Hummer H3 is just one of many new SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans arriving on the market for 2006.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS

The 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS gets a big power spike over the standard model, thanks to a Corvette-derived LS2 6.0-liter V8 engine, which GM says will generate 391 horsepower and about 385 lb.-ft. of torque. GM also estimates that the Nürburgring-tuned TrailBlazer SS will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It’s possible to get the Trailblazer SS in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with standard equipment including stability control and a self-leveling suspension. The suspension rides lower than stock, making the TrailBlazer SS look cool and run hot. Also hot are the TrailBlazer SS's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and four-wheel-disc brakes with 12.8-inch rotors at the front.

Chevrolet HHR

Chevy’s new HHR (Heritage High Roof) is based on the Cobalt platform, looking and functioning very much like the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Base HHR LS and uplevel HHR LT are powered by a 2.2-liter motor, good for 140 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. The HHR LT with the upgrade package includes a larger 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of which model is chosen, a standard five-speed manual transmission delivers power to the front wheels; a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. A handy remote start system is included only with the automatic transmission. The interior seats five, and with folding seats (including the front passenger’s seat), the handy HHR can swallow a kayak with the tailgate closed.

Dodge Ram Mega Cab

Offered throughout the 2006 Dodge Ram lineup, the new Mega Cab is available in 1500-, 2500-, and 3500-series trim. Measuring 15 inches longer than the average full-sized crew cab pickup, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab features split-folding rear seats that open up 145.2 cubic feet of space for added hauling capacity. The standard engine on Mega Cab 1500 and 2500 is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft of torque. Optional on the 2500 and standard on the 3500 is a 325-horse, 5.9-liter high-output Cummins turbodiesel whipping up an amazing 610 lb.-ft of stump-pulling torque.

Ford Explorer

Horsepower has never been an Explorer strong point, but with 292 ponies galloping out of the 2006 model’s optional 4.6-liter V8 engine, it finally delivers the kind of that a truck weighing well over two tons requires. Featuring variable cam timing and 24-valve cylinder heads, this is the same V8 found under the hood of the Mustang GT. In the 2006 Explorer, the V8 makes 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm, and drives either the rear or all four wheels through a new six-speed automatic transmission. Ford says that fuel economy is improved by 10 percent despite the 53-horsepower gain, but we averaged a middling 13.2 mpg during our drive on mountainous two-lane highways, small-town streets, and forest trails. If fuel economy is a concern, stick with the standard 4.0-liter V6, carried over from last year but modified for smoother operation and lower emissions. Ford says the V6 emits 74-percent fewer smog-forming pollutants than last year, allowing the engine to meet stringent Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) standards, making it more environmentally responsible than the Honda Accord Hybrid. The V6 can’t tow and haul as much as the V8 though, with just 210 horsepower generated at 5,100 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 3,700 rpm. Ford mates a five-speed automatic to the Explorer’s V6.

F-150 Harley-Davidson

Painted monotone black with huge 22-inch wheels, the 2006 F-150 Harley-Davidson is based upon the SuperCab model and is offered with two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Decked out in extra chrome trim and a red-and-blue stripe running down the side, the F-150 H-D is easy to identify. The chrome billet grille and smoked headlamps immediately set this sport truck apart from the crowd, while a low front air dam and side tubes visually lower the truck for a custom appearance. At the rear, darkened tail lamp lenses, a slash-cut chrome exhaust outlet, and a black bumper continue the theme. Power is supplied by a Triton 5.4-liter V8 engine generating 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm, spinning the wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. A special exhaust system produces a throatier rumble for extra attitude, while the Torque on Demand AWD system monitors wheel speed and throttle position, transferring power from the rear wheels to the front wheels as necessary. Able to tow and haul like a normal truck, the 2006 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,570 pounds combined with a maximum tow rating of 8,800 pounds.

Hummer H1 Alpha

Highlighted improvements for the 2006 Hummer H1 to create the Alpha designation include more power from a new engine and improved fuel economy. A 6.6-liter, turbodiesel V8 producing 300 horsepower and 520 lb.-ft. of torque, and that also improves gas mileage, powers the H1 Alpha. The 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha is offered in both Open Top and Wagon versions.

Hummer H3

The 2006 Hummer H3 is the little guy of the brand but with a curb weight over two tons, it’s no small truck. Powered by a 220-horsepower, 3.5-liter, five-cylinder engine, the Hummer H3 is by no means fast. Fuel economy was a priority with the H3 so it will appeal to those that want the ruggedness of a Hummer but don’t want to pay the high price of feeding the bigger, high-powered H1 Alpha or H2. Assisting with the Hummer H3’s off-road ability are standard 32-inch all-terrain tires with the option of mounting 33-inch rubber all around.

Isuzu i-Series

Isuzu is offering two models of its new i-Series truck. The i-280 comes as a 2WD extended cab and is powered by an inline four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The i-350 is a 4WD crew cab offering a 3.5-liter, 220-horsepower inline five-cylinder motor mated to an automatic transmission. The 2006 Isuzu i-Series is essentially a clone of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Yukon.

Jeep Commander

The newest offering from Jeep is the only trail-rated, seven-passenger vehicle in the lineup. Whether on or off road, the versatility of a 2006 Jeep Commander shines through. Three engine options are available. First is the 3.7-liter V6 with 210 horsepower followed by a 4.7-liter V8 boasting 235 horsepower. For those that desire more power, Jeep offers a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces 330 horsepower. All three powerplants are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Grand Cherokee SRT-8

Billed as the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever, the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is more capable on the road than it is off road. With a 6.1-liter V8 producing 415 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, this is one Jeep that should be taken seriously. The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 rolls on twenty-inch rims and Goodyear performance tires, running an estimated 0-60 acceleration time of under five seconds.