Would you buy an aluminum F-150?

[Dhoey07]

If it's good enough to use in aircraft, I don't see any reason not to use it in cars/trucks. 

I think it can be used in places where it is not exposed to corrosion.  I recently sols a 1995 Miata that had an aluminum hood, mainly to keep the weight/balance of the car as close to 50%x50% front to rear axle as possible.  This was so critical to the handling characteristics of the car that owners were warned that if the hood needed to be replaced, not to accept the cost-saving steel replacement hood, as it would make the car drive like a truck.  OK for a truck, but not a sports car. 

Are you implying that the Miata is a sports car?     

Yup, 4 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive, and with the right tires it cornered like it had Velcro on the wheels.  Put a tubocharger and suspension kit on it and you had the performance of a Honda S, and still had $1,000 in your pocket.  Not much of an off-road vehicle, though.    Sold it to the wife of a friend who had an MG years ago.  She loves it. 

Sounds cool.......Except it's a miata 

[NRA4LIFE]

I wouldn't buy one made out of steel, so no.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Isn't the Miata the official pace vehicle for the gay pride parade?   

[bearpaw]

I would like to see a 4x4 pickup that gets 30+ mpg, I don't care what it's made of as long as it is reliable and cheap to operate. It really upsets me when I go to NZ/AU and everyone is driving new diesel toyota and nissan pickups that get 30+ and they can't sell them in the USA. 

[whacker1]

I would like to see a 4x4 pickup that gets 30+ mpg, I don't care what it's made of as long as it is reliable and cheap to operate. It really upsets me when I go to NZ/AU and everyone is driving new diesel toyota and nissan pickups that get 30+ and they can't sell them in the USA. 

 

[farmin4u_98948]

They have been using all aluminum in semi trucks for years. Even my old  1976 kenworth k 100  had aluminum frame and cab.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Isn't the Miata the official pace vehicle for the gay pride parade?   

No, Subaru takes all honors as the vehicle of choice for the gays and lesbians!     

[wraithen]

My only concern is metal fatigue with aluminum. it seems to like to break before it bends when you get it 1\4 inch or so thick. I think trucks won't last more than about 10 years with occasional trail abuse. As for being tough for holding up to normal driving conditions i hthink they will be just fine as long as the shape is engineered to take up the abuse of towing and still compliment enough for off road use.

[washelkhunter]

I would like to see a 4x4 pickup that gets 30+ mpg, I don't care what it's made of as long as it is reliable and cheap to operate. It really upsets me when I go to NZ/AU and everyone is driving new diesel toyota and nissan pickups that get 30+ and they can't sell them in the USA. 

 

Im jonesen for a diesel tacoma or wrangler!   

[Dhoey07]

Isn't the Miata the official pace vehicle for the gay pride parade?   

No, Subaru takes all honors as the vehicle of choice for the gays and lesbians!     

Because a miata is wayyyyyyyy less gay than a STI

[Heredoggydoggy]

I think aluminum could be used in a lot of the more cosmetic parts to save weight, like hoods, doors, etc.  Not so much in structural use.  Heck, the Ranger pickups came with fiberglass hoods and fenders, and were virtually indistinguishable from steel parts.  by the way, I think Ford is making a big mistake in cancelling the Ranger line of trucks.  I, for one, have no use for a full size truck, but the Ranger was the ideal size for my use. 

[wraithen]

The ranger may die but I doubt the b2000 mazda will. If it does someone will come along with a similar design.

[Heredoggydoggy]

The ranger may die but I doubt the b2000 mazda will. If it does someone will come along with a similar design.

The Ranger and Mazda pickups come off the same assembly line.  They are exactly the same truck except for some sheet metal and interior parts.  They must have something to replace the Rangers because they have been one of the best selling models ever.  I figure they just couldn't put all the computerized crap in the old Ranger design, so they have to redesign and rename it.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

There are these trucks out there called tacomas, way better than a ranger, give em a shot!

Actually Toyota messed up when they made em
Bigger, why get a mile or two better per gallon than a full size for a smaller truck at almost the same price?!! The old Tacomas rocked!!!!

[Heredoggydoggy]

I know a lot of people that have Toyota pickups and love them.  I, however, have had and liked my Rangers so much, that after my '91 Ranger was totalled in an accident, and I got an '07 GMC Canyon pickup to replace it, (BIG mistake!) I got a chance to buy a '90 Bronco II that a neighbor's brother inherited when his dad passed away, and I love driving it.  I did look for a Tacoma to replace the wrecked Ranger, but there wasn't much to choose from in January.  So I ended up with the POS Canyon pickup.