By this I mean a pickup truck with four full-size doors.
In fact, yes. General Motors’ small pickups — the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon — have base Crew Cab models that are powered by a 2.9-liter four-cylinder that makes 185 hp and 190 pounds-feet of torque. The four-cylinder is only available with rear-wheel drive in Crew Cab configuration, though. If you want four-wheel drive, you’ll have to step up to the 3.7-liter five-cylinder.
The four-cylinder that powers the Colorado and Canyon is rated at 18/24 mpg city/highway for both automatic- and manual-transmission Crew Cab trucks.
Other small trucks with four full-size doors are the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, but once you opt for the four-door cab on those models, a V-6 is the only engine available.
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Dirtbikemods,
The purpose of a four-cyl truck of any type is as a commuter. Basically, a truck like the Chevy with a four could conceivably haul four people, a small load in the bed, maybe a trailer, and yet still get respectable fuel economy (18/24 in this case) for times when that extra power isn't necessary. For a lot of people, a car could do that job, but some people (campers, fishermen, etc.) like a five foot bed for their fishing rods/excess equipment, maybe a guitar, a cooler, etc. Or, as in my case, maybe they just happen to want a truck because cars aren't their thing. It seems a little weird (and I do admit, four cylinders isn't much for a truck), but trucks are just bigger and have a working-type image. Plus they tend to be a bit more reliable, etc.
I too am looking for a truck, 4 doors preferably a 4 cyl, as it would be my main commuter to the city, but i do live in the country. But i wouldn't turn down a 5 or 6 cyl if it had everything else i wanted for the right price. What makes my search VERY hard is i want a 4 door (great on gas) pickup with a standard transmission. This is proving to be a challenge...especially if i want a 4x4. I did find one though, 4 cyl, stick shift 4 door 2005 chey colorado, 2WD very nice truck, had a lot of miles on it and the guy wouldn't budge on the price. So i didn't get it, but i later found out that GM is the only manufacturer out there that makes different front brake rotors for Canyon's and Colorado's. A typical disc brake has rotor that you change if need be. GM decided to build the wheel bearing WITH the rotor as one unit. Why they did this, god only knows (more $$ in my opinion), because any outside retailer do not stock this item, leading me to believe it's a dealer part only, and VERY VERY costly. So you have to do your research - nice truck, but be careful out there. I believe from 1997-2002 dodge dakota's made a 4 banger, but not sure if you could get that in a 4 door model. The ironic thing is, sometimes 4 cyl are harder on gas than bigger engines. Mainly because they are working harder carrying larger loads or being a larger cab.
I just had an accident and rent a Chevy Colorado P/U, which I really like until I gas up $50. the first day and another $20 the next which I used 152 miles. I don't of that is good. This is way out of my line of expense. I had hope to trade in my sentra nissan, but I think I will keep my Sentra. Espically after reading someone comment on the the brakes and that the dealer is the only who sells this part. I was very happy how it handles, and the comfort; which Chevy are know for.
A 4x4 regular cab truck would be great with a 4 cylinder engine for those of us who have a long commute to work, but still like to pack up and head to the woods for fishing or camping on the weekends. Especially with the gas prices the way things are now. I had a 96 Nissan hardbody that was 4 cyl 4x4 and it handled all of the above with no problem. For some reason, its just getting harder and harder to find anything like it that is still in good shape, and good luck finding anything new like that.
Dirtbikes,
Umm... The reason people would want a 4 cylinder crew cab truck is if they have a family and hello have you seen the gas prices?? Makes great sense to me! You need to expand your thinking a bit into the year 2008!
Yeah, it was called the Subaru Baja, but they stopped making it in 2006...too bad.
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I don't really see the point of a 4-cylinder truck...