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Bill Strickland said, "The bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles per gallon." Perhaps vehicle manufacturers will one day come up with a truck that is as fuel efficient as a bicycle, but until then, consumers have to rely on the new EPA rating standards to decide what truck will get them the most bang for their buck.

Below is a list of the top 5 most fuel efficient small pickup trucks, and the top 5 most fuel efficient standard pickup trucks. The trucks are ranked according to the new EPA fuel economy standards, which utilizes city and highway mpg ratios. The estimated yearly fuel costs are based on 45% highway driving and 55% city driving.

TOP 5 MOST FUEL EFFICIENT SMALL PICKUP TRUCKS

#1. 2008 FORD RANGER PICKUP 2WD, 4cyl, 2.3L, Manual
City: 21, Highway: 26
MSRP: $14,330
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,212
The 2008 Ford Ranger Pickup truck along with it's relative, the Mazda B2300, is the most overall fuel efficient truck (according to EPA ratings).

#2. 2008 MAZDA B2300 2WD, 4cyl, 2.3L, Manual
City: 21, Highway: 26
MSRP: $15,535
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,212
The Mazda is similar to the Ford, but is not available in as many configurations. The price is also more expensive.

#3. 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD, 4cyl, 2.7L, Automatic
City: 19, Highway: 25
MSRP: $15,150
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,420

#4. 2008 CHEVROLET COLORADO 2WD, 2.9L, Manual
City: 18, Highway: 24
MSRP: $15,085
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,543

#5. 2008 GMC CANYON 2WD, 4cyl, 2.9L, Manual
City: 18, Highway: 24
MSRP: $15,085
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,543
The GMC is similar to the Chevrolet, but with a different look. Both models have a wide variety of engines and two or four wheel drive systems.

TOP 5 MOST FUEL EFFICIENT STANDARD SIZE PICKUP TRUCKS

#1. DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP 2WD, 6cyl, 3.7L, Manual
City: 16, Highway: 20
MSRP: $19,805
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,887

#2. MITSUBISHI RAIDER PICKUP 2WD, 6cyl, 3.7L, Manual
City: 16, Highway: 20
MSRP: $19,990
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,887

#3. CHEVROLET SILVERADO C15 2WD, 8cyl, 5.3L, Automatic
City: 15, Highway: 20
MSRP: $17,500
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,990

#4. GMC SIERRA C15 2WD, 6cyl, 4.3L, Automatic
City: 15, Highway: 20
MSRP: $17,500
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,990

#5. HONDA RIDGELINE 4WD, 6cyl, 3.5L, Automatic
City: 15, Highway: 20
MSRP: $25,361
Estimated Yearly Fuel Cost: $2,990
An interesting new entry in the pickup class is the Honda Ridgeline. It is designed more for personal use than for work, and is the first pickup with a car-like body.

Choosing to purchase a more fuel efficient truck can save hundreds of dollars. With so many options to consider, consumers need to know what their needs are and what truck will best fit their budget. Consumers should consider the cost of purchasing their truck as will as the maintenance and long term fuel costs. "Know before you buy" is always the safest route when it comes to buying any vehicle, especially when fuel prices are so high.

Sources: about.com, cars.com, fueleconomy.gov

Learn more about this author, Zoe Trudeaux.
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