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A weekend driving this mid-size pickup reminded me how much I miss owning such a handy workhorse. In stark contrast to the F-150, Sierra, and Ram monster trucks, the Dakota is significantly more manageable, fuel efficient, and socially acceptable. After taking a 350-mile round trip on Saturday, my Sunday assignment was pulling a trailer weighing at least twice the rated tow rating. A lack of grades, high temperatures, and traffic helped accomplish that ambitious chore without difficulty, although I don't recommend it for towing novices. With ample room for five, four doors for convenient access, and a 64-inch-long bed, this Dakota is the ideal suburban-lifestyle support vehicle. A longer bed, 4x4 driveline, and V-8 are not on my list of essentials. So before you follow the herd with a too-big truck, take a serious look at this highly practical alternative.

Any concerns over a late release for the refreshed Dodge Charger have been laid to rest. The full-size sedan is indeed coming as a 2011 model and boasts a handful of key alterations short of its planned full redesign.

It's obvious that the Tundra is well-built, both from outward appearances (precise exterior panel fits and finishes) and from the way it feels once you're inside (the rigid body structure is transmitted through the steering wheel). And the mechanical specs are impressive. That said, taken as a whole, it's not as satisfying as the Dodge Ram. It doesn't ride nearly as well as the Ram, it has more body roll, and the 4.6-liter engine revs too much in everyday driving. Plenty of power here for a 2000-pound loaded trailer, though.