Mini Truck makes the list: http://www.usatoday.com/money/gallery/autos/cars-news/flash.htm?gid=501&aid=3158
the rod in the box is for holding a load in place. they adjust to the width of the bed to keep things from sliding around... it's not jerry rigged. i have one in my dodge full size truck.
Interesting articles, but it seems to lack the fuel economy proof behind most of the models listed. We kinda have to go off of the word of the owners of those specific vehicles shown, and as we know, most owners kinda stretch the truth when it comes to their own fuel economy. (and as a side note, I usually don't trust the new cars that tell you on the screen what the average mileage is because it seems that most of them show a good 35mpg while on the highway, yet when you do the math yourself at the gas station you find out that your average is closer to 20mpg) But yes, I enjoyed seeing the mini truck make the headlines and most of the cars shown do get decent fuel economy. (which a few questionables in there)
That bar works great for me... I can put 4-5 gallon gas cans in the back, and they don't slide all over the bed.
Did it come that colour, or did you paint it? Looks like a nice job, with the bumper and (from what I can see) the visible metal in the interior done, too. Nice!!
Gofaster, I bought it painted blue. Pretty good paint job, but undercarriage was taking a beating and getting chipped up. I used the roll in bed line there and in the bed. The dealer I bought it from was getting them painted in Japan, but has since started getting them painted here. All and All, a good solid truck... only 45000 k. on the clock.
I would beg to differ on this. I say you're exaggerating just a bit. I've now owned three vehicles with onboard mileage computers. My '03 Prius was typically within 2 - 3 mpg of the calculator. My Escape was similar. The Impala that I now own, has had the most accurate computer, typcially posting within .7 to 1 mpg of the calculator. I can also knock on the door to 30 mpg in it, but I drive in a manner to earn that number.
