Completely Custom ’76 Ford Bronco Resto-Mod Is Eye “Kandy”

  • Jason Unrau

Maybe this 1976 Ford Bronco can tide you over until the new Bronco comes out.

Ford let it slip that a 2020 Ford Bronco is in the cards. Its return will have throwback styling cues paying homage to the early Ford Bronco model. But why would you wait for 2020 when you could have an absolutely stunning 1976 Ford Bronco today?

Completely restored from top to bottom, this is the 1976 Ford Bronco "Kandy." It’s a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, combining the best of the Bronco’s former glory with a few finer modern technologies.

Velocity Restorations out of Pensacola, Florida, specializes in early-model Ford Bronco restorations. That’s where Kandy comes from, having spent months being stripped down, repaired, reinforced, re-assembled and dressed up. The restoration professionals left no aspect of this beauty go neglected.

Most of all it's important to note that Velocity Restorations performed all the work absolutely in-house. Fabrication, upholstery, welding, bodywork, electrical, paint, wheels, suspension, powertrain – it didn’t leave the shop for anything.

What’s So Special About Kandy?

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At its heart, this 1976 Ford Bronco holds a brand new Coyote 5.0-liter crate engine, spinning up 345 horsepower. A 4R70W transmission and 2-speed Atlas transfer case are mated to it, rounding out a bullet-proof powertrain.

Seems like this is more than a slight improvement from the stock 302 V8 engine putting out a “whopping” 190 horsepower.

If you’ve got a thing for off-roading, Kandy can hang. Lifted 5.5 inches, supported by Fox coilovers, and resting on a redone steering and suspension system with extended radius arms, Kandy isn’t just eye-candy – she's extremely capable.

Then there’s the wheels. Toyo Open Country M/T 35-inch tires on gorgeous black wheels. In the front, the red manual locking hubs have been painted red. These little extra details are what Velocity Restorations is known for.

The Devil in the Details

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1976FordBronco2-min.jpg" id="8410" class="right"]

This Kandy Red paint job is the visible completion of the project, but what's underneath is important too. The 1976 Ford Bronco was a complete frame-off restoration, and everything received the same attention to detail.

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A matte-black grille, hardtop, and blacked-out side mirrors and marker lights add to the attitude. An LED light bar is inset into the front bumper, as are LED fog lights. The round headlights aren't your typical sealed-beam assembly, they're also LED for both high- and low-beam operation.

Notice those fender flare rivets? Each one is meticulously spaced because, well, why would you skimp on accuracy once you're in this deep?

But because it’s a resto-mod, some things won’t change. Those exposed door hinges, the classic "Bronco" badging on the sides, and the push-button mechanical door handles had to stay.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 5
Wrenchers: 3
Restoration: 10
Bronco: 6
1976: 2

Points: 11.6667 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%The 5 Best, and Cheap, First Try Project Cars
Wrenchers
name: Ford type: Make
name: Restoration type: Work

Points: 10.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%The Pros and Cons of a Restomod
Wrenchers
name: Restoration type: Work

Points: 10.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%These Classic Car Restoration Tips Will Save You Time, Money and Your Sanity
Wrenchers
name: Restoration type: Work

Points: 10.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Getting Your Spouse To OK Your Crazy Car Project
Wrenchers
name: Restoration type: Work

Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-5 vs Kia Sorento: Which Is the Better Buy?

  • Jason Unrau

Let's take a look at the Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-5 vs Kia Sorento showdown. They aren't the bestselling SUVs out there, but these small to mid-size crossover SUVs are popular.

We're only going to look at the standout features, the things that might woo a shopper from one carmaker to the next. Which is the better buy: the 2017 Ford Edge, the 2017 Mazda CX-5, or the 2017 Kia Sorento?

Price Check in Lane Three

Budget is nearly always a primary motivator. Without factoring in the options, check out the entry-level MSRP for our three competitors, then the price point of the fully loaded models.

Mazda CX-5

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The bottom Mazda CX-5 trim is the Mazda CX-5 Sport. Its MSRP begins at $24,045 plus destination and PDI. At the upper end of its scale, the CX-5 Grand Touring is still under $30,000 with an MSRP of $29,395. Looking at the other models, you have to wonder if there can truly be that wide of a price disparity among vehicles in the same segment?

Ford Edge

For 2017, the Ford Edge SE, the bottom trim level, starts out at $28,950. It’s under $30,000 until you factor in the new vehicle prep and destination charges. At the top end, you’ll find the 2017 Ford Edge Sport with a starting price tag of $40,400. That’s toeing the line for premium and luxury SUV pricing.

Kia Sorento

The 2017 Sorento L kicks off its lineup with an MSRP of $25,600, hanging in quite close to the Mazda crossover. If you ramp your choice up to the Sorento SXL V6, you’ll be spending $44,100 plus dealer fees to get in the driver’s seat.

The pricing differences are alarming, but then the Kia Sorento is an affordable SUV with third row seating. The Mazda CX-5 clearly is the best-priced model, taking the win here. But what is it you’re getting for $10,000 more in the other models, and will it be a deal-breaker?

I Love Technology

Ford Edge

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FordEdge.jpg" id="8371" class="right"]

All right, so Ford has a handle on the technology aspect. A foot-activated tailgate option is well-known, and Ford is constantly doing well with the SYNC 3 system. Tack on heated and cooled front seats and navigation with pinch-to-zoom capability and it’s looking good already.

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But not so fast. There's Adaptive Cruise Control available, which is awesome. The 2017 Ford Edge also has Enhanced Active Park Assist with perpendicular and parallel parking features available, but that’s a bone of contention. The systems apparently operate too slow to be comfortably used in real-life situations.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s options seem a little more pedestrian than the Ford Edge. That said, they’re extremely functional. The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has an available Active Driving Display – essentially a head-up display – that does precisely as intended to keep your eyes on the road.

That’s in addition to Mazda Radar Cruise Control and another cool option: Traffic Sign Recognition. You could potentially save yourself from speeding tickets thanks to the forward-facing camera that detects traffic signs and alerts you.

Kia Sorento

Heated and ventilated front seats are available, as is Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Surround View Monitor. Most other options you’ll find on any other upper trim level on other brands, except for the Smart Power Liftgate. You don’t need hands (or feet) to activate the liftgate, just the key fob in your pocket while you stand behind your Sorento. Of course, now there's the risk your key fob can get hacked.

Despite its flawed parking systems, the Ford Edge takes the win for technology. Its options are simply more developed than the others, even if you never use the Enhanced Active Park Assist.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 8
Mazda: 8
Kia: 8
Edge: 15
Sorento: 15
Truck/SUV: 9
CX-5: 15

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Ford Edge: It’s Capable, but a Rough Mix of Sport and Utility
Truck/SUV
name: Edge type: Model
name: Ford type: Make

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5: A Benchmark for Other Crossover SUVs
Truck/SUV
name: CX-5 type: Model
name: Mazda type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%New Ford Edge ST Is a 335-HP High-Performance SUV
name: Edge type: Model
name: Ford type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Kia Sorento: Much Better Than You Might Imagine
name: Kia type: Make
name: Sorento type: Model

Truck Throw Down: Colorado vs. Tacoma vs. Frontier

  • Steven Symes

Let's have a look the Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck battle. The segment has been heating up lately. After years of automakers ignoring the potential, they've realized people want a smaller, but still utilitarian pickups. These trucks are easier on the wallet than bigger options, plus they can fit in tighter spots.

The Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are popular options. Each one has its pluses and minuses, but all three are some of the best selling trucks. Let's have a look at each one.

Chevy Colorado Highlights

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As the relatively new midsize pickup, the Chevy Colorado has a fresh feel to it. Sure, the styling is straightforward Chevy, but when you get behind the wheel it drives surprisingly light. But don’t be fooled, because this little tuck can be a real workhorse.

Instead of just four-cylinder and six-cylinder gasoline engine options, you can also get the Colorado with a Duramax engine. With that option, you have on tap a monstrous 369 lb.-ft. of torque, which is great for towing and off-roading. It's one of the most powerful diesel trucks.

Comfy Interior

Let’s be honest: some trucks have really utilitarian cabins. Sure, they’re modern, but you wouldn’t want to be stuck in there for hours on a road trip. That’s where the Colorado really shines. The seats strike a great balance between being comfortable and supportive. As the driver, you can find and reach the controls with ease, and you enjoy good visibility all around.

Chevy also serves up plenty of comfort with some slick onboard tech. One you can’t get elsewhere is the optional 4G LTE WiFi, so everyone can be on their device at once, even in the middle of nowhere.

ZR2

For those of us who like to go off-roading, there’s the Chevy Colorado ZR2. It’s not just a trim with “tough” aesthetics. It comes with some real hardware like multimatic shocks, automatic front and rear locking differentials, a 3.42 axle ratio, hill descent control, and special suspension calibrations. An Off-Road Mode changes calibrations for the engine, tranny and traction control.

Toyota Tacoma Highlights

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Pretty much everyone knows the Tacoma, and plenty like it well enough. When other automakers jumped out of the midsize truck segment, Toyota was one of the few to stick with it. As a result, this option feels pretty refined all around.

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The top reason for getting any Toyota is longevity and reliability. Sure, roll your eyes, but there’s a reason why even ISIS fighters prefer Toyotas for waging desert warfare. Getting stranded in the middle of nowhere is absolutely no fun.

You can get a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 159 horsepower or upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6 which produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

This One’s Comfortable, Too

Sweetening the deal as well is the fact the Tacoma’s cabin is comfortable and loaded with features. That wasn’t necessarily the case with the previous generation. The current one is surprisingly quiet and loaded with conveniences.

Despite all these comforts, there are some drawbacks to the cabin. I can say as a Toyota owner that the company needs to learn how to make more comfortable seats. Headroom is also a little tight, which let me tell you is great fun when you’re rock crawling ...

Rugged Capabilities

Conquering the trail is also possible with the Tacoma. Keep in mind Toyota has decades of experience building great off-road machines, and it shows with the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. One of the most useful and unique features is the crawl control. It’s like trail cruise control, maintaining a constant low speed by controlling the throttle and brakes. That frees you up to monitor the trail ahead and plot a safe course.

Another trail innovation is Multi-Terrain Select. It alters how traction control and the engine throttle work, minimizing wheel spin. You just choose the right setting, and the computer does the rest. There are many other trail-oriented features, like  an electronically locking rear differential, hill descent control, Fox internal bypass shocks, Rigid LED fog lights and a beefed-up aluminum front skit plate.

Current Post Tags
Chevrolet: 8
Nissan: 8
Toyota: 8
Colorado: 15
Tacoma: 15
Frontier: 15
Truck/SUV: 9

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Colorado ZH2 FCV Is Hummer Of The Future
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Colorado type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%With Few Changes in 14 Years, the Old School Nissan Frontier Keeps It Simple
Truck/SUV
name: Frontier type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make

Points: 18.5000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Is Here to Conquer Trails
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Colorado type: Model

Points: 14.4999 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The Compact Truck Market is Heating Up
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Colorado type: Model
name: Frontier type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Tacoma type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

Hauling Ass or Hauling Cargo: The Fastest Trucks of 2017

  • Robbie Clark

People love trucks, but it took awhile for fast trucks to be popular. In the past, you wouldn’t buy a truck because it was fast. That wasn’t a quality that was even measured beyond its ability to reach a top speed of 75 or 80 miles per hour.

But Tesla has announced there’s a Tesla truck coming. Thinking about its powertrain and a potential three-second acceleration if it shares the Model S system, it begged a question. What are the other fast trucks capable of?

You can rest your mind, because we’ve taken care of it. These are the fastest production trucks of 2017. You’re welcome.

Ford F150 Raptor

The Baja race-inspired 2017 Ford F150 Raptor is quite a specimen of fast trucks. Not only is it equipped with rugged offroad-capable FOX Racing Shox suspension and the all-new Torque on Demand transfer case, but it’s the epitome of performance. The 2017 Raptor has a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with twin turbos that has more than 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. On the road and off, the Terrain Management System lets you put the hammer down and take off like a…well, a velociraptor.

The 2017 Ford Raptor is rated at 5.3 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour and 14.1 seconds in the quarter mile. What’s equally impressive is someone ran the stock truck on the quarter mile. See how the Raptor compares to the Ram Power Wagon.

Nissan Titan

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NissanTitan.jpg" id="8151" class="right"]

With a name like Titan, you’re not expecting fast as much as powerful. The 2017 Titan doesn’t exactly conform to your expectations in anything, though. This heavy beast puts its power to the ground through a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 with 32 valves and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Using every bit of its 390 horses and 394 lb-ft. of torque, the Nissan Titan is surprisingly fast.

The 2017 Nissan Titan reaches 60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds. It’s not supercar fast, but it’s enough for me to tip my hat.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 8
Chevrolet: 8
Silverado: 15
F-150: 15
Nissan: 8
Honda: 8
Toyota: 8
Ram: 15
Titan: 15
Ridgeline: 15
1500: 15
Raptor: 15
Truck/SUV: 9
Rebel: 15
Tundra: 15

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2017 Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve: Despite Fancy Name, It’s Still a Good Truck
Truck/SUV
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Titan type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The Titan XD: Not Your Hunting Truck, but It Could Be
Truck/SUV
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Titan type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Diesel Driver: 2018 Ford F-150 Powerstroke Review
Truck/SUV
name: F-150 type: Model
name: Ford type: Make

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2019 Chevrolet Silverado Winter Review: High Country in Cold Country
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Silverado type: Model

A Car Doesn’t Cut It? Here Are the Best SUVs for City Life

  • Jason Unrau

If you're looking for the best city SUV, we've got you covered. Like everybody else, city dwellers are turning to SUVs more and more.

Virtually every car maker has an SUV that fits an urban setting. Here are 10 that could be considered the best city SUV.

Range Rover Evoque

It might be a little bit biased because I love it, but the Range Rover Evoque gets my top honors for best city SUV. It’s just the right size for city life – the iconic cute ute crossover shape. You’ll find the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has enough jam to really be a lot of fun with 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

What sets the Evoque apart even more is the configurations available. We’re not talking just trim levels. The Evoque can be the standard 5-door, a coupe or even a convertible. There’s nothing quite like a drop-top SUV…except for the old-school Bronco.

Ford Escape

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FordEscape.jpg" id="8123" class="right"]

It’s been around for what seems like forever. And what originally started out as a miniature Explorer with no emphasis on enjoyment or adventure culminates in the Ford Escape we see today. This thing is a blast. Really. There are three engine options, all fuel efficient, that range from the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 168 horsepower to the 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine with 245 horsepower.

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It’s no Range Rover, but the Escape is nicely appointed at even the base trim level. And for thousands less, you can have the same stoplight-to-stoplight fun. You can’t complain about 21 mpg in the city either.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 8
Jeep: 8
Nissan: 8
Mazda: 8
Honda: 8
Kia: 8
Cherokee: 15
CR-V: 15
Audi: 8
Mini: 8
Range Rover: 15
Truck/SUV: 9
Juke: 15
Sportage: 15
Q3: 15
CX-5: 15

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5: A Benchmark for Other Crossover SUVs
Truck/SUV
name: CX-5 type: Model
name: Mazda type: Make

Points: 18.5000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Jeep Compass vs Mazda CX-5: Compact SUV Comparison
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name: CX-5 type: Model
name: Jeep type: Make
name: Mazda type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%New Honda CR-V: More Space And More Power
name: CR-V type: Model
name: Honda type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Juke Nismo RS: Fun to Drive, But Is It Practical?
name: Juke type: Model
name: Nissan type: Make

Diesel Cars: Slim Pickings for New Models, But Here Are the Best Bets

  • Jason Unrau

Just two years ago, you’d see more than a dozen cars from Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche dominating the diesel cars list. And then "Dieselgate" happened, and the floor dropped out of the diesel car market.

If you’re one of the many people interested in diesel cars, your choices were extremely limited and you’d need to have deep pockets.

For 2017, you finally have a couple more options again, and even more if you're interested in diesel trucks. No, they aren’t VWs. Yes, these ones all currently comply to emissions regulations. And these top diesel cars of 2017 are all cars you’d want to drive, not just because they’re your only diesel options.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

If you’re thinking Chevy diesel, the name that comes to mind is Duramax. That might be a bit of overkill for the Chevy Cruze, though. Instead, the 2017 Cruze comes with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.

The reason the Chevy Cruze has a diesel option? It’s about fuel efficiency. The Cruze has a best-in-class rating, offering 52 miles per gallon. On a full tank, you can take a 700-mile trip without running out of fuel.

2017 Jaguar XE

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/JaguarXE.jpg" id="8079" class="right"]

You probably didn’t consider Jaguar to provide diesel options in its lineup. And even more so, you likely didn’t consider it was as affordable as it is. The 207 Jaguar XE has an available diesel engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder, pushing out 180 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque. It still manages to pull a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds, impressive for the low horsepower rating. It’s all without compromising on the Jaguar luxury you’ve come to expect.

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If you’re looking for big-time performance from Jag, look at the XE S. Its 380-horsepower supercharged V6 gets to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, but it’s not a diesel.

Current Post Tags
Chevrolet: 10
Cruze: 10
Commuter: 5

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Review: Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Hatchback
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Cruze type: Model

Points: 12.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Mazda3 vs Chevy Cruze: How Do They Stack Up?
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Cruze type: Model

Points: 12.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Chevrolet Malibu Review: Say Bye to Rental Car Days
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make

Points: 10.3333 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Battle of the Hatchbacks: Chevy Cruze vs Honda Civic vs Mazda3
Commuter
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Cruze type: Model

8 Showstoppers From the 2017 New York Auto Show

  • Jason Unrau

The New York International Auto Show is one of the biggest automotive events every year. Car manufacturers break out their big guns, unveiling the models they believe are the best and brightest vehicles yet to be released.

This year at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, you absolutely will not be disappointed. Here are a few vehicles that are really stealing all the attention.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Yes, it's here. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has returned and it is way more badass than you ever imagined. The numbers are staggering: 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Demon V8 engine. Its 2.3 seconds 0-to-60 time blows the doors off any other production car. Even more, it has a 9.65 seconds quarter-mile time.  So it's banned from the drag strip by NRHA for going too fast without a roll cage.

The Dodge Demon has swamped your social media feed, and for good reason. It’s a first in many things including the first production car to lift the front wheels (nearly 3 feet). It comes with a complimentary day at Bob Bondurant driving school, so you can learn how to control it. It’s one mean muscle car.

Lincoln Navigator

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The Lincoln Navigator is all-new for 2018. Just to mention how well-received this luxury SUV is: it received a best-in-show award. According to those with the privilege to sit inside, it makes the Cadillac Escalade look like a plasticky play toy.

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The interior of the Navigator on display is a silvery-blue color, which is a fresh update from all the cream and black leathers you see in most cars. Power comes from a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, likely the same one from the Ford F150. That means around 450 horsepower and a silky-smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.

Current Post Tags
News: 2
Jeep: 10
Grand Cherokee: 15
Genesis: 15
Subaru: 10
Dodge: 10
Toyota: 10
Autoshow: 16
Challenger: 15
Lincoln: 10
Jaguar: 10
Demon: 15
Navigator: 15

Points: 20.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%Toyota Looking to Ignite Sales with Camry Redesign
News
name: Autoshow type: Event
name: Toyota type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%Should You Take the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Off Road?
name: Grand Cherokee type: Model
name: Jeep type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Buying Guide
name: Grand Cherokee type: Model
name: Jeep type: Make

Points: 17.0000 Recency: -8.0 -1.0%The All-New 2018 Lincoln Navigator Is the Big-Buck SUV You Want
name: Lincoln type: Make
name: Navigator type: Model

Heavy Haulers: The Most Powerful Diesel Trucks for 2017

  • Jason Unrau

If you're looking for the best diesel truck, 2017 has a wide selection to choose from.

A couple midsize trucks have made waves with efficient diesel engines, and the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel continues to sell like hotcakes. What is it about diesel trucks that makes them so desirable? Is it the brash torque and brutish looks? Is it the constant reliability diesel engines are known for?

In terms of power, you'll find the best diesel truck for whatever your needs may be below.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

Not long ago, the Colorado and Canyon were the bane of the midsize truck segment. The one thing you could count on before the body rotted away was the interior plastic cracking to bits. It was noisy and bland and desperately needed a refresh. When the new body style arrived with its modern interior and sharp looks, it was just icing on the cake when they slapped a small diesel under the hood.

The 2017 Colorado and Canyon siblings are a great option for someone who occasionally tows, hauls a dirtbike on the weekend, or hits the dirt roads once in a while. The 2.8-liter Duramax engine has 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it mildly capable. The best part of the Canyon/Colorado duo is the fuel mileage – up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway. They are both two of the most fuel-efficient trucks.

2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017Ram1500EcoDiesel.jpg" id="7926" class="right"]

Touted as the industry’s only half-ton pickup with an available diesel engine, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is already setting itself apart. Aside from being a great diesel truck, it's one of the all around best pickup trucks out there. It's a great performer. Add to that the classic Ram looks, tons of chrome accents and one of the most comfortable suspensions out there and the EcoDiesel is a real winner.

You May Also Enjoy:

The 2017 Ford Super Duty

A 2017 Ford Super Duty

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The 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a 3.0-liter V6 under the hood that puts out 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are pretty good on their own for a 3.0-liter engine, but that torque is more than just a number. The EcoDiesel can tow up to 9,200 lbs. It’s also rated to achieve 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, beating even the midsize Canyon in fuel economy numbers. Is it the best diesel truck? No, but people love this pickup. And rightly so.

Current Post Tags
Ford: 8
GMC: 8
Sierra: 15
Nissan: 8
Ram: 15
Canyon: 15
Titan: 15
2500: 15
Super Duty: 15
1500: 15
Diesel: 5
Truck/SUV: 9
HD: 5
Duramax: 5

Points: 31.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The 2017 Ford Super Duty
Truck/SUV
name: Ford type: Make
name: HD type: Type
name: Super Duty type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Top Truck: 2020 Ford Super Duty Gets Highest Towing, Payload
Truck/SUV
name: Ford type: Make
name: Super Duty type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The Nissan Titan Project Basecamp Is the Ultimate Overlanding Machine
Truck/SUV
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Titan type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The Titan XD: Not Your Hunting Truck, but It Could Be
Truck/SUV
name: Nissan type: Make
name: Titan type: Model

5 Affordable Muscle Cars of the 21st Century

  • Chris Smith

If you're looking for affordable muscle cars, your options are limited if you're looking at this century.

The early '60s through the early '70s is a time frame generally considered the "Golden Age" of muscle cars. Americans clamored for hopped up engines, and they could actually afford them.

Some of the more notable chariots included the '64 Pontiac GTO, 1968 Dodge Charger R/T and 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi. Not to mention the 1969 Chevy Camaro ZL1 and of course the 410-horsepower 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet.

They were all hot, we can all agree on that. But there is one thing about the muscle cars of that time that is overlooked. They were mostly all affordable. If you could afford a car you could afford a muscle car.

Today we have cars with more than 1,000 horsepower and crazy torque, but they all cost a fortune. If you want performance, it's going to cost the equivalent of an entry-level luxury car and up.

But that's a fairly new phenomenon. However, there are affordable muscle cars from this century. If you have a need for speed and a beer budget, you'll want to check out these five affordable muscle cars.

2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

This pony car is outrageous when equipped with the 5.7L 346 CID V8. A stock Trans AM completed the quarter mile in 13.16 seconds at 106.05 mph on Eagle F1 street tires.

The interior is a bit chintzy with an excessive use of plastic trim, but you're not making a fashion statement. What's more important to the car's performance is the Hurst six-speed transmission, aluminum drive shaft and an aerodynamic body that won't quit.

You can grab one of these for about $23,000. Be prepared however, for some painful news from your insurance carrier when you try to add the V8 version to your policy.

2006 Pontiac GTO

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2006PontiacGTO.jpg" id="7886" class="right"]

The '64 Goat was one of the first American muscle cars. It quickly established a reputation for performance and sexy good looks. When the GTO brand was re-launched in 2004, they got the hot engine part right but missed the mark on overall design.

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The GTO was actually a rebadged Australian Holden Manaro. In 2006 the nondescript Aussie look was dumped and the GTO got a new flared hood, spoiler, bigger brakes and the same 400-horsepower, 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine that powered the Corvette.

With that kind of power, it is no surprise this "Goat" can go 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds. These sold for about $30,000 when they were new. Today the market value of an '06 GTO is about $17,000.

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Jeep Rolls Out Seven Concepts for 2017 Easter Safari

  • Steven Symes

Seven new Jeep concept vehicles will make their debut at the 2017 Easter Safari. Each year the local Jeep club in Moab, Utah, host the popular off-roading extravaganza.

Jeep and Mopar participate in the event by giving everyone a special treat. It rolls out several new Jeep concept vehicles. These aren't just pretty things that sit on pedestals and that's it. No, employees take them out on the trails, showing they're fully functional off-road beasts.

It's always a surprise to see how many and what kinds of concepts Jeep and Mopar trot out. They often preview future models, or optional equipment. Alas, they didn't trot out the new Jeep pickup truck. But this year we get seven glorious concepts, one of which is more of a resto-mod than a true concept vehicle.

Grand One

About that resto-mod, it's a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ. Jeep did this to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this wildly popular SUV. It mixes the classic ruggedness of the original, plus some modern enhancements.

On the outside, you get a nice blue paint job. If you look closely, there's a faint wood grain treatment hiding in there. It's kind of a cool effect.

The Grand One rides on some pretty stylish 18-inch lace-style wheels. You can't get these anywhere, because they're a custom build. Wrapped around those are 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires. To accommodate all that, the rig uses a 2-inch suspension lift and high-clearance fender flares.

Both axles come with selectable locking differentials, so this Jeep can take on Moab trails with grace. Trimmed front and rear fascias make for better approach and departure angles. Jeep extended the wheelbase, too, for reasons I'm not too clear on at this point.

Most of the interior is a restored version of the original. You do get a bed liner on the floor, instead of carpeting, which is completely appropriate. Jeep also added a retro car phone, because why not?

If you like this one, you'll definitely like the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

Safari

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Safari.jpg" id="7844" class="right"]

One of the new Jeep concept vehicles is the Safari. As the name suggests, it would be ideal for taking on safaris like ones people do in Africa. It's already generating buzz because the doors and roof are see-through, and people think that's neat.

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The roof is a hard, translucent material, with an aluminum rack. A drone is housed in the rack, so if you want to check out dangerous animals without venturing closer, you can.

As for the "windoors" or see-through doors, they're a combination of aluminum and a clear vinyl. If you can't tell from the picture, they're a clamshell design, like what Honda did for the Element. To keep everyone from sweating to death, zipper openings let fresh air flow into the cabin.

Instead of a rear bench, Jeep installed two bucket seats in the back. They're both turned outward, so people back there can easily gawk at any animals outside.

This Safari packs front and rear Dana 44 axles with selectable differential lockers, plus a 2-inch lift. It rides on 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain MK2 tires, wrapped around 18-inch custom wheels. The wheelbase is shortened for better trail capabilities than regular Unlimited models. Full-length skid plates, steel bumpers, a custom cold air intake, onboard air system and upgraded brakes are all packed in, too.

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