With the Model T Runabout, in 1925, Henry Ford invented the pickup truck. And if Chevrolet in particular or American auto brands, in general, form a vital part of our cultural history, perhaps the pickup truck is the backbone of that shared component. Pickups can be luxurious enough to rival any car, and strong enough to pull a mobile home. For those in the market, here are the “best value” make and model trucks:

1. Ford F-150
Ford’s F-150 is a flagship pickup in the Ford line, and any version of this truck, (the base model comes in four variations), will meet the most exacting pickup truck criterion. With potential pulling power going up to 13,200 pounds, it is unlikely that any owner will ever utilize this truck in all of its feasible, (and sensible), applications. Those with an appetite for rough off-roading should check out the F-150 Raptor, capable of mastering any dirt road you can find.

2. RAM 1500 Classic
Available with three different cab sizes and three different bed sizes, one can hardly complain that “the options aren’t there,” with this make and model. Buyer choice continues with the engine, which can come either V-6 or V-8, (horsepower reaching up just short of 400). If the “max-volume” payload is not a priority, this may well be your truck.

3. GMC Canyon
With max conventional trailering at 3,500, this model is strong enough to tow, well, a GMC Canyon. And, with its 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder engine, the 181 to 308 horsepower this truck can deliver will likely be plenty for almost any medium to the heavy-duty job.

4. Toyota Tacoma
As with the F-150, the base model comes in a wide number of variations. Starting at roughly 26K for the SR, any especially ardent or hard-core Tacoma enthusiast can commit to the priciest model, the TRD Pro, which comes in at about 44K. A V-6 engine is available, and with this installed your Tacoma can tow upwards of 6,800 pounds. (As Toyota likes to express it, you will be ready “for any adventure.”) Speaking of “any adventure,” the Tacoma’s optional Multi-Terrain Select feature can tailor your truck’s performance to the demands of the dusty road you are presently on.

5. Chevrolet Colorado
With its, “Best in Class” V-6 engine, this Chevy may be perfect for the types who demand power: Towing capacity “ceilings out” at a quite impressive 7,000 pounds, which is the highest I’ve seen in this class. Price options are competitive with any.

6. Nissan Frontier
The base model Nissan Frontier comes possible in a nearly endless variety of optional configurations. Other options, pertaining to appearance and luxury appointments, may make this the perfect truck for you.