Since the beginning of 2021, pickup trucks accounted for over 20% of sales in the automotive market, going by the data from Motor Intelligence. With iconic carmakers like Ford, Nissan, and Toyota dominating the pickup truck market for some time now, the competition is fiercer than ever.
However, since buyers have to consider a truckload of features including but not limited to practicality, pricing, style, comfort, and fuel efficiency, before getting a pickup truck, the chances of making a poor buying decision are quite high. And while some pickup trucks are worth their weight in gold, others will be the bane of your existence. This is why we have deemed it fit to shed some light on 5 pickup trucks owners can't wait to get rid of (5 they would keep forever).
10 Get Rid Of: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
When you get a pickup truck that received over 219 complaints over its production life, you know you are in for a tough time. Going by the data gathered from ChevroletProblems.com, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 comes with a plethora of concerns across its model years, with the 2015 model year being the most problematic.
The complaints from Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners include brake problems, electrical problems, drivetrain issues, transmission concerns, and fuel system problems. The 2015 model year alone had over 17 recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
9 Keep Forever: 2021 Ford F-150
When you combine next-generation design with premium-grade muscle, you get the 2021 Ford F-150. Awarded as the North American Truck of the Year in 2021, alongside the Hyundai Elantra, the stress-tested steel frame of the F-150 is built with all-weather functionality and longevity in mind.
When it comes to power, the Ford F-150 doesn't disappoint, as it boasts 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. As if that's not impressive enough, owners get to also enjoy over the 10,000-towing capacity of the Ford F-150. What else could you possibly ask for in a pickup truck that Ford’s beast with brains doesn't have?
8 Get Rid Of: 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline
If you are thinking of buying the Honda Ridgeline, don't! If you do, chances are high that you will only add to the already existing 266 complaints about the 13 model years of the Honda Ridgeline.
While the entire model years come with their fair share of issues, the 2006-2008 variants are the most problematic, with over 31 total recalls, going by the data on Consumer Reports. Some complaints Honda Ridgeline owners have expressed include fuel efficiency issues, limited towing capacity, steering wheel problems, and inadequate rear-seat legroom.
7 Keep Forever: 2021 Nissan Titan
When it comes to power considerations, you can count on the 2021 Nissan Titan. Built with 400 hp and torque of 413 lb-ft, the Titan will make towing a load of 9660 pounds appear to be fun.
With a four-star crash-test rating by the NHTSA, the 2021 Titan will offer your maximum protection for frontal crashes and side crashes. With its array of safety technologies such as automated emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control, you can rest assured that the Nissan Titan will protect you as you drive through the toughest terrains.
6 Get Rid Of: 2013 Toyota Tacoma
The truth is, there's no vehicle without a problem. But when the problem starts costing you thousands of hard-earned dollars almost every month, that's your cue to drop off such a vehicle in the nearest junkyard. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is one such vehicle. Amongst the numerous complaints registered by owners of this vehicle on Consumer Reports, the most common are automatic transmission issues and damaged front parking light lens.
The issue with the automatic transmission of Toyota Tacoma is that it shifts incorrectly, which is caused by the throttle sensor positioning. On the other hand, the cracked front parking light lens may not be something to break a sweat over, but when you spend over $1,000 for that "minor" issue, you'd be anxious to get rid of the vehicle as soon as possible.
5 Keep Forever: Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra has been in existence since 1999 in the United States, and with its sales margin, it’s very unlikely that Toyota will phase it out of the market any time soon. In 2000 and 2008, the Tundra bagged the award for the Truck of the Year, a prestigious honor Motor Trend Magazine gives to the best pickup trucks annually.
Besides being a highly sought-after pickup truck, the Toyota Tundra is also a very durable and reliable vehicle. This is why it ranks in the #1 position on the American Customer Satisfaction Index. When you also consider the roadside assistance and 24-month maintenance plan offered by Toyota for the Tundra, you will not let go of it easily.
4 Get Rid Of: 2002 Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja is one of those vehicles that you can only get a used version presently because it was discontinued due to its dismal sales numbers. The 2002 model year sold just 2,500 units while its final model year was even worse, with an all-time low of 1,127 units sold in 2007. To fully grasp how disappointing these sales figures are, bear in mind that the 2007 Ford F-150 alone sold over 691,589 units.
The Subaru Baja was recalled because it came with harmful airbag inflators. The airbags were inflated with ammonium nitrate, which is known to be unstable under exposure to high humidity. Basically, the airbag of the Subaru Baja was a death threat to drivers.
3 Keep Forever: GMC Sierra at4x
If you need a pickup truck that doesn't sacrifice style for ruggedness, the GMC Sierra at4x is your go-to option. Despite its sleek design, its Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires are well-equipped to take on sand, snow, and mud. The GMC Sierra at4x looks as aggressive as the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, so you know it provides impressive rock-climbing capabilities.
One of the reasons you would probably keep your GMC Sierra at4x forever is because of its 6.2-liter V8 engine. This engine provides 420 hp, which is pretty sufficient for the Sierra at4x's off-road adventures.
2 Get Rid Of: Dodge Ram Daytona
When you think of an aggressively styled pickup truck that's totally useless, the Dodge Ram Daytona is one of the vehicles that come to mind. While the truck was pretty fine as a performance pickup, Dodge made a terrible decision to add a rear spoiler.
Thanks to the rear spoiler, hauling anything became a big challenge. Getting your timber in and out of the truck might even damage the spoiler if you are not careful. And what's a pickup truck without its hauling capability?
1 Keep Forever: 2019 Ram 1500
The 2019 Ram 1500 won the award for Pickup Truck of the Year, an honor bestowed by cars.com on a pickup truck based on its power, payload capacity, and value. Whether you are in search of a luxurious family truck or a rugged workhorse, the 2019 Ram 1500 would never disappoint.
While many pickup trucks barely cross the 10,000 pounds threshold, the 2019 Ram 1500 confidently surpasses it with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. This brilliant feat wouldn't have been possible without the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine that comes with the Ram 1500.