I drive a normal minicab, but I’m one of the only people I know. In fact, total truck sales were down 3% (1% in Canada). Meanwhile, full cabs accounted for 85% of sales. So what killed the regular taxi? The truth is, it may have been a combination of factors—including government emissions regulations—that made the crew cab the default pick for the truck.
The slow death of an ordinary taxi cab
The name Regular Cab (also called Standard Cab) refers to how a two-door, single-seat truck was once the default pickup configuration – according to. For decades, a four-door van with a full second row of seats was a rare choice of choice for owners who needed to haul a full crew (hence the “crew cab”). But times have definitely changed.
. Ford and GM still make standard half-ton trucks and heavy-duty trucks for fleet operators. But when Ford designed its new compact Maverick and Jeep designed its midsize Gladiator, neither automaker bothered to develop configurations smaller than the crew cab.
So what killed the regular taxi?
Regular cab trucks are less practical
First of all, the more efficient engines closed the MPG gap between the regular cab and the crew cab. My colleague Alison Barfield revealed that with its shorter wheelbase, it must meet stricter emissions requirements and therefore cost the consumer more.
Secondly, longer wheelbase trucks were once very handy to drive. But for now, powerful engines and good transmissions mean that even the largest pickup trucks can keep up with highway traffic. Better steering and features like backup cameras make driving and parking these trucks easier.
Finally, modern drivers transport passengers in minivans more often. When trucks had top speeds of 50 mph and poor ride quality, they didn’t make for great family cars. But modern trucks are fast and comfortable. I also suspect that it was again common to carry passengers in the bed of regular cabs. But despite this, it has become rare.
Regular cab trucks are less comfortable
As a regular pickup truck driver, I can be honest: Pickup cabs can be annoying. A regular cab pickup truck doesn’t even have room for a large toolbox. Sure, you can install a tool box in the bed. But that eats up the cargo room.
In a passenger compartment pickup truck, you can put cargo such as groceries in the back seat. But in a regular cab, if it’s snowy or rainy, you need a hood or top cover to keep your luggage dry.
Then there are passengers. Technically, my regular taxi has three seatbelts. And you can even carry four people in trouble. But since it’s a bit of a makeover, fitting two people and a dog into the cab starts to feel crowded. And I know drivers who never carry passengers, but insist on an extended cab just so they can recline their seats a little. Regular cab trucks are surprisingly uncomfortable.
Who still drives regular taxis?
Many people, especially classic truck drivers, insist on regular cab trucks. But their causes are as diverse as it gets.
Some people prefer regular cab trucks because they weigh less. Often these are muscle truck fans looking for a V8-engined hand truck to build straight-line speed.
Other drivers love the tight turning radius of regular cab and short-bed pickups. These guys are off-road enthusiasts who know that a regular cab short-bed pickup truck can often handle the same trails as an SUV as a Jeep.
Finally, some people prefer the proportions of a regular pickup truck. For example, nothing looks more elegant than a regular, low cab with a long bed.
Then, find out or watch one of the last regular cab trucks reviewed in the video below:
