The reliability and toughness of trucks do not only vary from brand-to-brand but also in model years. So, the same truck that you’ve always wanted or pined for can be both good for you or bad for you, depending on the model year you land on. For many of us, buying a second-hand pickup makes more economical sense, especially if we can get one with fewer miles on it.
Most pickup trucks are built to last, considering their very purpose is to be a steadfast workhorse for years to come. However, sometimes even the best automakers err and introduce the worst model years of an otherwise good and trustworthy truck marque.
You should only spend your hard-earned money on a truck that will give you many problem-free miles. So, if you are in the market for a second-hand pickup, here are 10 pickups that were built tough and 5 that definitely may short-change you.
15 Built Tough: 2009 Ford F-150
Not every model year of America’s favorite and best-selling pickup was necessarily a good one. The ballsy 2015 move to an all-aluminum body continued the F-150's success in sales. However, if you'd like to get one before the aluminum body, the 2009 Ford F-150 has a respectable 4/5 reliability score by J.D. Power.
14 Built Tough: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Recent Chevrolet Silverado models have been scoring low on both reliability and sales, but the 2014 model has an outstanding 5/5 J.D. Power rating. If you're opting for the Silverado, this is the truck you should buy second-hand. Even the 2009-2017 reliability ratings remained a 3/5 or more, which is still a decent score.
13 Sucks: 2001-2003, 2011, and 2013-2014 RAM 1500
Since 2019, RAM has surpassed Chevy Silverado and taken the number two position on the truck market with its 1500 line. However, the initial 2001-2003 models were plagued with transmission and engine failures, as well as impossible-to-remove sludge. 2011 models had the Chrysler TIPM issue, while 2013-2014 models also came with engine problems and electrical issues. You'd best steer clear of those.
12 Built Tough: 2013 Toyota Tacoma
With an average reliability rating of 3.4 out 5, the Tacoma is one good compact truck. The newer models are doing pretty well for themselves, but the 2013 model also makes for a great second-hand vehicle. Along with a savvy fuel sense and a comfortable ride, the 2013 Tacomas boast an impressive 4.5 over five reliability rating as well.
11 Built Tough: 2010 Dodge Dakota
Since the Dakota was discontinued in 2011, this is one vehicle you can only buy second-hand. But, instead of the 2011 model, try looking for the 2010 Dakota. Along with a plus-7,000-lb towing capacity and an optional V8 that makes for an exceptionally jumpy ride, the 2010 model also got a 5/5 J.D. Power reliability rating.
10 Sucks: 2001-2005 and 2007-2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
With a pickup, average reliability scores such as 2.5/5 don’t instill much confidence in the model. Thankfully, 2010 was the Explorer Sport Trac's last year of production and co-incidentally also received the highest reliability ratings of its lifetime, that of a 3/5. That said, plagued by reliability problems and many transmission issues, this wasn’t what you’d call a reliable workhorse.
9 Built Tough: 2009 and 2013 Toyota Tundra
With average sales of above 100,000 units a year, the Toyota Tundra’s unchanged run from 2007 has been serving it well. If you're in the market for a second-hand Tundra, go for the 2009 or 2013 models since these have the highest possible reliability scores from J.D. Power (a full 5/5). But keep in mind the vehicles' reported lag in ride comfort as well as unimpressive fuel economy.
8 Built Tough: 2009 and 2015 Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier’s third generation debuted in 2014, after ten years of the second generation. Needless to say, the model usually boasts an above-average reliability rating, that is except an occasional off-year such as 2012. The 2009 and 2015 model years boast a 5/5 J.D. Power scores and would prove to be great second-hand buys for you.
7 Sucks: 2012 Suzuki Equator
The Suzuki Equator was the last of the Suzukis in the US as it lost market after the Suzuki Samurai debacle, most of which it wasn’t responsible for. The Equator was a rebadged Nissan Frontier and 2012 was its worst rating – that of a two-over-five. Cramped and mediocre interiors belied the decent V6 in it.
6 Built Tough: 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
The Avalanche stopped production in 2013, so if you want this, you have to buy a pre-loved version only. As a compact pickup truck, this one worked as a family car with some hauling capabilities, unlike the Suburban. It’s the 2011 model you should look for, as it came with a 5/5 J.D. Power Score.
5 Built Tough: 2010 and 2012-13 GMC Sierra 1500
The underselling mechanical-twin of the Chevy Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 has a cool range of V8s and average reliability of 4.1/5, especially in the 2009 to 2016 model years. However, the most reliable of these have to be 2010, 2012, and 2013 model years, boasting a full 5/5 score.
4 Sucks: 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
Struck with recalls over faulty brake lights and child seats, Colorado has been plagued with problems since its inception in 2004. Frankly, this is not a truck many would recommend you buy second-hand, but if you still have your heart set on it – avoid the model years of 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2015 for sure.
3 Built Tough: 2009-2011 Ford Ranger
The new Ford Ranger is cool, but the earlier ones retain their cool factor as well. The 2009 model year of the Ford Ranger received a 5/5 reliability rating from J.D. Power, though 2010 and 2011 also stayed strong with a 4/5 score. The perfect basic truck buys, these will last you years.
2 Built Tough: 2010-12 and 2014 Honda Ridgeline
With an average reliability score of 4.7/5, the Ridgeline is among the best second-hand trucks you can get. It also boasts better ride and handling than most, and the hidden storage space more than makes up for the slightly smaller cargo box. The two-way tailgate is additional bliss. 2010-12 and 2014 models retain a full 5/5 reliability rating.
1 Sucks: 2004-2006 Model Years Nissan Titans
Before the 2016's second generation, the Titan was the most mammoth outdated truck in the US and had reliability issues from the start. If you are in the market for a second-hand Titan, avoid 2004-2006 model years like the plague. Though they had no recalls, the 2004 -2006 models had differential oil issues, which is why the 2016-onward Titans are a far better buy.