Question, with that many awards, were there any losers?

Seriously!

Fullsize SUV - Tahoe

Sorta luxury fullsize SUV - Yukon

Mostly luxury fullsize SUV - Escalade

...

I do agree that Ford has the best truck, because the Transit won, which was the only commercial vehicle category.

So, pickups aren't a commercial vehicle?

The Transit wins?

So what is a pickup?

A SUV? CUV?

Who the heck is TAWA, and what credentials do they have?

@Toycrusher, Losers. Yes.

Chevy/GM full-size trucks were shut-out again.

Flashback from last year:

"Surprisingly, the significantly revised — inside and out, and with a completely new line of engines — 2014 Chevy Silverado did not win a single award."

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/10/ram-1500-wins-2013-texas-truck-rodeos-top-award.html

@Chris T.
Since more people are buying GM trucks than anything else right now, my guess is that most people don't even know TAWA exists. I didn't.

Even as a Texan, any award from TAWA is meaningless in my opinion. They don't even really rest these trucks so which is better is based on opinion.

It appears TAWA should be given some credibility.

http://www.texasautowriters.org/events/texas-truck-rodeo/2014-Truck-Roedo-Categories

It's always nice when a truck, which isn't available to take delivery of, wins a contest...

What a JOKE!!!

Pickup truck owners of Texas don't have steep mountains to climb or snow storms to drive thru.
WHOOOOOSSHH ))))))))))))) That's their creditability flying out the window.

Good to see FORD win. This new F-150 lineup is going to be a huge success. Lots of other winners too so good for them. Alan, didn't the Ram ecodiesel win some kind of award when it was no where near being available to the public??

I am not sure what type of criteria they used -- but judging by that list and all the premium trim options it sounds like leather was #1, followed shortly thereafter by lack of reliability!

Just about all of those vehicles sound like a mechanic's wet dream.

Give me a car/truck that won't give me any fuss for 10years/250k miles and I will show you my $.

Right now Toyota is the only brand that consistently inspires that level of confidence in me.

@Truck Crazy, I still haven't seen one EcoDiesel sitting on the lot at my local dealer. I even went by a week ago. They are way undersupplied. Also Ram should offer a higher payload version of the 1500.

@Alex, I haven't seen one either. I just can't understand the little payload deal myself. One trip to Wal-Mart and you may just overload it.

So much for Toyota moving its HQ to Texas, a lot of good THAT did them!

Looking at the blue 150 pictured ..... Why is the front end in the dirt ??????????? why do the pickups now a days have there front ends tilted ....... looks dumb as hell.........I just put a 2 inch spacer on the front of my 2500 looks outstanding..... why can't the factory sit back and see how bad there trucks look with there nose in the dirt......

@papa jim--At least Toyota is getting the tax subsidies. I don't think Toyota is too upset about not getting a TAWA award, an award that most of us never heard of. At least the 2015 Tundra and Tacoma are available for sale (Toyota should get recognition for that instead of a truck that will be available next year).

This is only the beginning....

@Patrick
Got one for you 2003 SilveradoHD 246000 miles and looks brand new. Only had to replace front wheel bearings at 98000 and rear dif seal. Other than that perfect it is a Duramax by the way.

GM continues to win where it matters.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/2015-heavy-duty-truck-comparison.html
Most will say that the test done in Canada is more real world testing then those done in the US, but either way, they win nearly every HD shootout in the Diesel category.

Every serious truck owner/enthusiast knows that these trucks are just Ford's latest gimmick. At a basic level, trucks are needed because of their utility. Other than that, they serve no purpose.

A truck is not needed to be a flashy weekend driver, nor is it needed to achieve good fuel economy. In the past trucks served homeowners because they were a cheap utility vehicles. The same goes for the workforce that needs pickups.

Pickup prices are becoming exorbitant. Why is a new pickup necessary? What is the point of a turbo V6. All these things are just gimmicks. What is so bad about driving and older truck with a V8 and 8' bed? It doesn't look pretty, but it gets the job done.

I encourage everyone here to buy used. Buy what you need, not what you want. This is the best advise you will ever hear. No, you don't need all the latest creature comforts, and if you feel inferior for driving a WT trim model then you have other issues.

@Real men drive old trucks, obviously these trucks sell and Ford has acknolodged that they have not scene a price ceiling on pickups yet. some of thier most expensive models of F-150 are the best selling and also the most profitable. In America people like trucks weather they really need one or not and they want all the creature comforts. so to you a I say to each his own keep driving your old beater, I have respect for that but for me I want all the bells and whistles.

I just can't understand the little payload deal myself. One trip to Wal-Mart and you may just overload it.

Posted by: Truck Crazy | Oct 13, 2014 5:17:13 PM

-----------------------------------------------------------

Do you understand how stupid you sound when you post such drivel?

What does that Blue F150 have a four foot bed?

@Big Horn

"What does that Blue F150 have a four foot bed?"

That is a 5.5 foot bed.

@Jeff S: but the thing is, the 2015 Tundra/Tacoma are the same as the 2014, which are also quite a bit like 2007 models.

Not a lot of progression.

Maybe come 2017 or as early as 2016, they might change something.

Toyota folks like to think the resale is great, but then, when they figure a 2014 isn't that much changed from a 2008, might as well buy the used one some think.

I wouldn't buy the Tundra in 2010, cause of the bouncy ride of the rear end, still won't buy it unless they fix it.

Yep I was referencing both this award and the Motor Trend Truck of the year... Seems simple to me that only vehicles available to the consumer at the time of the event should be eligible for the award. Much easier to defend the stance, and makes sense... Although it might not make some marketing people too happy.
I do believe the improvements to the F150 are substantial, however still curious what the EPA ratings and what real world mileage will be. Saw a Ford testing video where the 2.7L, 3.5L and Chevy 6.2L had about the same acceleration numbers… Don’t know the gearing in each, but still speaks highly of the 2.7L. The only question that truly can’t be answered until some real world mileage is racked up will be the longevity and dependability.

I've been a little disappointed with the first drive reviews of the f-150. They seem to like it, but they don't really act like it is all that much improved over the 2014 f-150. I just want to know how, specifically, it is better. I'm sick of hearing about all the "new technology" since most of it is only available on the upper trims.

@All1

There's going to come a time when the things you buy will affect others in direct ways if it hasn't become that way already.

As for the government assistance, I know a few people who are/were on it and they are/were on it legally. So, this notion that government assistance is somehow illegal and the people who are/were using it should all be sent to the gas chambers is rather ludicrous. That's why we as humans have created societies. It's a way to care for those less fortunate until they can get back on their feet. If for whatever reason they're not able to get back on their feet due to injury/disability, to provide reasonable care to give them a humane life.

I don't mind my tax dollars going to support people who are having a bit of a rough time. However, I do mind my tax dollars supporting "too big to fail" corporations and senior executives who are paid millions to run their respective companies into the ground while lavishly gifted with huge golden parachutes to retire in Bermuda. That, I do have a huge problem with.

Yes, you should be able to buy whatever you want because it's your money. However, there comes a time for personal responsibility too. Conspicuous consumption was never my thing so perhaps I don't that component of it. After all, when I buy something, I buy it for my personal needs/wants, not to impress someone else or a certain subset of society.

Some people like to trade in their vehicles every few years to get something fresh and new. I, on the other hand, like to get full use of the vehicle and will drive it until repairs become cost prohibitive or the wheels fall off, whichever comes first.

@Real men drive old trucks

Wow, then why do you wear a jacket. I can say real men don't wear jackets, but does it make a fact. When I was serving, I could say real men sleep in tents, not cozy houses sipping hot cocoa, but does it makes it a fact? No, it is only your opinion.

You want to drive basic trucks or old trucks then that is your business, but don't try to down someone because they want some bells and whistles. Definitely don't tell people what you think they need. I am Texan, and we don't like that which is why Big Al and I don't get along.

If I want to sit inside my cozy truck with butt warmers after spending two hours out in the mud helping a heifer in her first calving in 30F weather, then I wil.

If I my arse being cooled on the way home from a long day of fixing fences because it gives me that "oh so fresh feeling", then I will.

If I want a back up camera because it makes it easier for me me those times when I have to hook up one of my trailers by myself, then I will.

If you don't like it then don't spend the money on it. However, don't try and make fun of others for wanting it just because you may have some kind of inferiority complex to those that work hard for their money and want nicer things.

@REALMENDRIVEOLDTRUCKS
Almost every farmer I know has a new truck. Most of them buy a new truck every 2-5 years. And most of them have one of the more expensive models. Are they not real men? Most trucks are extremely reliable for the first 100,000 miles and a real man NEEDS a very reliable and very comfortable truck. I can tell you as somebody that works 12-14 hard hours a day much of the year often without so much as a 30 minute break I can tell you it sure is nice to have a reliable and comfortable truck. Sounds to me like you're just jealous.To say somebody isn't a real man because he has a seat warmer or because he drives a new truck is ridiculous and childish. So much for being a real man.

@ the other Mike

"So, this notion that government assistance is somehow illegal and the people who are/were using it should all be sent to the gas chambers is rather ludicrous."

Where did I say this? Here, read what I said again....

"It is my money. The way I see it is if I earned legally, without government assistance, or without purposely harming anyone then I can do what I want with it as long as it is legal and I am not infringing on others rights."

What I was saying that it is my money that I earned legally, without government assistance, or without PURPOSELY harming someone so he does not have a say in how I spend it as long as I am spending it legally without infringing on others rights.

You are opening up a can of worms that I never even insinuated on going to and reading too deep into things. Yes, I think people should spend their money responsibly, but that is NOT the point I was getting across. Please, reread what I stated. I am basically saying he has no right to make fun of or tell others how to spend their money or what type of truck people should be buying.

That truck is very ugly for 21 century IMO. No design what so ever.

@ALL1
Hi, my name is John Smith, my friends call me "Cold Arse" because my arse is always cold. I bought myself a F150 because it warms my arse for me. It makes me feel all tingly and happy.

The Truck Rodeo is one of the biggest automotive events of the year and The Texas Auto Writer's Association is a pretty big and reputable group also.

I heard Toyota was unhappy with their lack of a trophy win and is very angry at Chevy and GM. Last year Toyota was pleased to win the mid-size truck category in the Texas Truck Rodeo with the Toyota Tacoma. At that time the Tacoma was by far the category leader in sales as well as performance in mid-size trucks. But things are changing. I heard Toyota did not appreciate the lack of recognition from the Texas Auto Writers this year and is furious at GM for bringing over the Colorado. How will Toyota respond? Will Toyota respond?

Danny,
Was this for all vehicles or only newly release vehicle's

buddy, It's for all vehicles, not just new.

The Texas Truck Rodeo here in the fall is for trucks and SUVs, and The Automotive Roundup in the spring is for cars and CUVs.

Manufacturers covet TAWA trophies.

real men drive old trucks
In some way I agree with you but for me I need to own a truck that also makes me look good.
I am a handsome, good looking man with a perfect body, I got ahead in life based on my good looks and charm, I stand out cause I don't look and act like a hillbilly like most men in my area. I dress up in designer clothes, I admit I even use makeup sometimes.
It would ruin my image being seen driving around in an old pickup.

@Ramlittlehorn. No but I sure see how stupid you are with each comment you write. You are just plain stupid.

Ok, so you get a bunch of "journalist" (yeah right), put them on your payroll (primarily Ford and GM), get them drunk, let them play with new toys, and declare the winner. This is funny and the truck buying public is starting to wise up to this BS.

I just finished up an exhausted test of players in the 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks and have declared Ram trucks reign supreme.

For Ram being the only manufacture bold enough to SAE J2807 certify all three lines of their trucks they simply have no competition.

Way to go Ram on your dominating win from the only real party that matters, the consumer!!!

@AJ
Good for you! If I needed a 3/4 or 1 ton truck I would likely go with the Duramax myself. However, I doubt I will ever need anything more than a midsize or 1/2 ton so I will likely stick to Tacoma/Tundra for now.

Odd how the Clan from Ramistan were TAWA cheerleaders last year when the fiat/GM diesel powered 1500 won.

For those readers of this web site who are unfamiliar with the Texas Automotive Writers Assn. (TAWA), I'd like to take a few minutes and provide a brief overview about TAWA and its current membership. I am one of the group's founders and its first president

TAWA's first organizational meeting was held in November 1987. The following year was spent drafting a constitution and recruiting new members. When formally launched in 1989 it had 22 journalist members working for various newspapers, magazines, radio and TV station across the state. At that time we were one of only 5 or 6 autowriter groups in the country. Today there are twice that many. As of last month TAWA had grown to include 90 active journalists, plus another 50 manufacturer and associate members.

Although there are many new web journalists and bloggers in the ranks, the core members are professional auto journalists who have been reviewing and writing about trucks for 10, 15, 20, and 25 years. In my case, I've been reviewing trucks for 30 years. As mentioned in the article, the Truck Rodeo has been conducted for 23 years now -- since 1991 -- and the awards given out by the group are not only prized, but highly regarded within the industry.

Also, what I don't think most readers understand is that many of the 50 or so TAWA members who attend the event each October and voted for the winners ... have been riding in, and evaluating these products all year long, and are simply getting a back-to-back "reminders" at the Rodeo as to what the vehicles are like, and what each one has to offer. The Rodeo allows us to do objective side-by-side comparisons.

While we don't expect everyone to agree with our selections, we ask that you respect the fact that Texans know trucks, because Texas IS "truck country." Just pay a visit down here, and you'll quickly discover that's true.

Finally, we DO have both snow AND mountains in Texas. If anyone doubts that, I invite them to visit Amarillo or anywhere in the Texas Panhandle during January ... and the Davis Mountains down by Big Bend National Park aren't the Rockies, but they do qualify as mountains.

@Peter Hubbard

I am Texan that uses his truck probably more than most here, and I am an F150 owner. Even with that said, I still think the TAWA truck of the holds no real value because it is based on the opinions of whom none of us know. Just being a Texan does not mean you know trucks especially if you are from the Austin area if you know what I mean.

The manufacturers might covet those titles, but most consumers could care less unless it was some real data to back it up. We want objective, not subjective. PUTC is one of the very few review sites that actually test these trucks giving us real data that we can't find out on a test drive. Hell, you guys don't even have to pick winners and I would prefer that you wouldn't.

Just run the trucks through a bunch of the same scenarios, give use the data from those scenarios, and we can decide for ourselves what data is most important to us. Some might want more fuel economy over power. Others might want more power. Some are more concerned about owners satisfaction while others care more about reliability. Most out there probably might not even care if their truck can tow 8,000 lbs while others might want to know it can if needed. Some might care more about getting from 0-60 quicker, while others are more concerned about how well the truck holds speed going up hill when towing their boat. Like I said, we can decide for ourselves what data is most important to us and not what is important to TAWA.

Also, as most already pointed out, nobody knows who TAWA even is. I don't know any TAWA members personally, and for all I know they can be like those guys at Consumer Reports that admittedly pick the best "car like" truck. They could be a bunch of wine drinking BMW owners from Austin. Maybe if you guys actually let people know who your members are and their credentials then maybe we consumers might hold the TAWA award with more weight. I am not saying you don't have credentials, I am just saying we don't know them, and just saying you're Texan just doesn't cut it. No disrespect.

Ram and Jeep actually won the most categories. 9 I believe. Including best power train, SUV of Texas and best Heavy-duty pickup.

"as most already pointed out, nobody knows who TAWA even is. I don't know any TAWA members personally"

@All1, Mark Williams is a TAWA member and voter. Why do you think he and PUTC was there for 2 days testing and driving trucks and SUVs?

Enough with the TAWA bashing. It is unwarranted. This is actually one of the better awards next to the PUTC shootout.

"Looking for what our members are saying about the Texas Truck Rodeo? Check some of these out....

Mark Williams at PickupTrucks.com"

https://www.facebook.com/TXAutoWriters?fref=nf

Texas Auto Writers Association
June 17, 2013 ·

PickupTrucks.com, led by editor and TAWA member Mark Williams, has just posted the results of its latest light-duty shootout, which features the 2014 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado along with 2013 Nissan Titan, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra and Ra....

https://www.facebook.com/TXAutoWriters/posts/620734121279306