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Ridgeline SUV/Pickup (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Marketed as a midsize SUV/pickup, the Ridgeline features a 4-foot-by-5-foot pickup bed, an 1,100-pound payload capacity, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 247 hp and 252 pound-feet of torque. Features includes an on-demand four-wheel-drive system that automatically kicks in when needed, a tailgate that swings out or drops down, and a lockable, waterproof, 81/2-cubic-foot storage compartment below the bed floor. 800-999-1009.

Truckin' Around With Mike Morris (TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine)

International Truck and Engine Corp., best known as a "big rig" manufacturer, rocked the pickup world in 2004 by splicing an open box onto one of its smaller utility truck cabs to create a humongous "hybrid" called the CXT, then the world's largest production pickup. It looked like a Tonka on steroids, but truckers liked it (hey, it's big and it can haul just about anything), so the company has now rolled out two new pickup models, the MXT (in 4x4 or upscale Limited trim) and RXT (in "sport" and fifth-wheel versions aimed at the horse and boat trailer–towing crowd).

Fuel Forward (REMODELING Magazine)

After researching alternative fuels, Craig Kersemeier, president of K-tech Kleening, in Schofield, Wis., chose to switch from diesel to soy-based diesel. He chose this fuel because it does not require any engine conversions.

Tools & Equipment Review: Work Trucks (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Once upon a time, a truck was a truck. It looked like hell and smelled like sweat. You threw your tools in back, muddy boots in front, and headed off to the job. A work vehicle was just that–no frills, no fooling, maybe even no radio. But this is the 21st century. The hot pickup upgrade for 2006 is satellite radio and leather is standard on some models. Now, crew comfort is important, with rear-seat legroom growing and drop-down DVD movie players optional.

Deals on Wheels (TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine)

Buying a new truck through an auto dealership is a contest, played on the other team's home turf. Because actual vehicle cost can be hidden in so many fees, finance charges, financing options, an all but meaningless sticker price, and nearly subversive sales tactics, many buyers just grit their teeth, haggle when they think it's a suitable amount, write a check, and hope they're getting a good deal.