I have a family of four and I am looking to get a pickup truck. Primary use case would be to use it as a family hauler and use for home improvement projects here and there. Towing capability is not too much of a factor for me. I've narrowed my search down between a Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Honda Ridgeline. I don't know too much about cars, so I'd like something that has a high reliability and won't need repairs with routine maintenance. Any thoughts?
Tacoma is your best bet by far. If buying used be sure to have a good mechanic check it out before purchase.
Tacoma and Frontier are “real” trucks, ie they are built body on frame. The body sits on top of the frame. This is more truck like.
The Ridgeline is more of a car like truck, built on a unibody frame. The body is the actually frame. This is more car like.
Tacoma would be my first choice.
Then a toss up between Ridgeline and Frontier. More hauling, probably Frontier. More family stuff, probably Ridgeline.
What projects are you planning to do?
Using any one of these as a family hauler will limit the carrying capacity in the bed. I think they normally have about a 5ft bed with a double cab.
If you just need something that can carry pretty big stuff now and then, but would be a much better family vehicle, consider something like a 4Runner or Sequoia. Those would allow your family more room, and room for luggage if you wanted to go on a trip. A truck can hold luggage, but bad weather can make for more difficulties.
Even my old 98 4Runner had the same space in the back as a tacoma, when the seats were not in it. I regularly take out my seats, or push them up in my Lexus GX470 and can hold quite a bit in it.
Some like a 4Runner can also tow a cargo trailer whenever you need more room. I also rent a lot of Uhaul trailers for like $20 a day, that can hold more than a truck.
Just some things to consider.
