Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota remains one of the best candidates for daily commuter duty among the current crop of compact and midsize pickups. Engine choices include a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a 302-hp 4.7-liter V8. The base V6 will suffice if cost is your main consideration, but it won't impress anyone with its towing capabilities. It's also barely more fuel-efficient than the V8, which offers considerably more power and torque.