Quite a few pickups can be considered automotive icons. In this list, however, we take a look at some of the less successful models.
What happens when a car is too pretty or too awkward for the job? Let's take a look.
Sometimes, we just want to move things, right? The idea of a pickup is as old as four wheels go. They are signaling independence and self-sufficiency. Pickups are symbols of suburbia, immortalized even by Tony Soprano in the cult show. Some of the most iconic cars are pickups, but let’s face it - that’s not the reason you’re here.
Successful pickup is durable, reliable, strong, spacious. They are designed with work in mind – moving bulky cargo around or just storing tons of groceries before heading home. Best of all? Pickups can look amazing, and quite a few of them can be considered automotive icons. In this list, however, we take a look at some of the less successful models.
9
2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class
What went wrong? Despite the company’s reputation which guaranteed good sales, it was rated poorly by many owners. It was over-priced and the whole idea of producing a luxurious pickup for everyday work just didn’t work out.
Mercedes-Benz X-Klasse
Performances were lackluster as its hauling power just wasn’t good enough. Also, it looks somewhat… strange. Fortunately, you can always appreciate the elegant interior.
Would you be embarrassed if you took this one out on the road? Well, not really. It looks good, it has a great name, right? The early ‘00s were the time when many luxury car companies entertained the idea of producing pickups.
It didn’t end well. Not only was Lincoln synonymous with luxury cars, but this pretty boy’s carpeting was just too posh for a working man’s taste. It just doesn’t fit the role.
7
2006 Nissan Frontier
Maintenance costs sunk this otherwise solid car. From the visual standpoint, it fails to impress. It doesn’t have the necessary muscle and it doesn’t play on the strong points of being a pickup car. Yes, they can look good. Definitely better than this one.
via cardomain.com
Nissan’s reputation of reliability worked out against them. Expectations were high but quickly plummeted in the face of high maintenance costs. Despite its V6 engine and spacious interior, radiator problems caused overheating and other pesky incidents.
6
2005 Toyota Tundra
2005 was a bad year for Toyota Tundra. Some of the earlier models weren’t that bad, but 2005 was a disaster. Its appearance didn’t exactly give away the impression of reliability and self-sufficiency, but even the engine failed to impress.
via car-updates.com
It was just too small. No fast driving, no hauling heavy loads. Thankfully, future models weren’t as bad as this one.
5
Chevrolet K2500
Walking the fine line between the car and the truck, Chevy K2500 had it all. It looked good, it performed well, and it was continuing the proud American tradition.
via Autobytel
Unfortunately, problems started to appear. In this case, it was – rust. Yes, plain, old, boring rust. This model proved to be surprisingly susceptible to rust. Not only did you have to spend a lot of time cleaning it, but the rust proved to be a bit too much. Shame. Problems were quickly resolved but remain cautious if you come across K2500.
4
Hummer H2 SUT
Every list has one. You know this. Yes, here we go… It's Hummer Time! The ‘00s were a strange, strange time… The 2009 Hummer was too expensive, consumed far too much, and caused quite a shock just by appearing on the streets.
Via Seriouswheels.com
Thankfully, Hummers got better. No longer do you have to suffer the stigma of driving one. We’ve adapted - just as Hummer did. The transition from a military vehicle to a civilian one proved too costly for guys who hurried to acquire it back in 2009.
3
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Jack of all trades, master of none. This awkward hybrid failed to impress. From a visual standpoint, it looked like a Transformer waiting to unleash havoc. You can almost visualize it standing on two feet.
Via YouTube
Functionally, its bed was too small. It couldn’t perform the job expected of a pickup, it didn’t look the part, and it failed in all the roles it claimed to fulfill. Worst of all, its components seem to be just glued together.
2
1957 Ford Ranchero
In case that you don’t feel old, here’s one to speed up the process. Do you remember this pretty boy? Neither do I. However, it was quite big when it came out. Recently, one model was sold for 100.000$.
Would you be embarrassed showing up to a date driving Ford Ranchero? Probably not. However, in case that you used to be a mobster during the ‘60s, we have a feeling that you would have avoided this car.
Hideous. Ghastly. Horrendous. Convertible pickup? A typical example of trying too hard. Whenever a pickup tries to avoid its primary role, the results are shockingly disturbing. It is a fast pickup, no debate about it. Unfortunately, its storage space and awkward design were disastrous.
Via: Wikipedia
The overall impression is that SSR doesn't only fall flat as a pickup, but it disappoints on so many levels... The more you look at it, the worse it gets. The pretentious design tried to present the pickup as a modern and elegant option but the only thing it did was to remind us that pickups look the best when they don't shy away from their true nature. Just avoid it.
