Pickup trucks are as sentimental to the domestic market as apple pie and baseball. Once you own and use one, you may never want to be without one, unless of course you're a city slicker living in an apartment, or don't really need the hauling capacity. Or maybe you just buy one to be cool. Pickups can haul anything, because that's what they do in spades, and tow a lot of heavy stuff, so you can move things that you didn't think could ever fit in any car. After a while, the truck takes on a personality based on how you use it, becoming more like your favourite pair of jeans that fit like no other can, so you just want to have it forever.
They are popular because of their versatility and usefulness, their comfort, reliability and sturdiness, plus you can use it for work or play. So they're popular for two reasons: utility, and status. When the first factory-built pickup, the Ford 1925 Model T pickup appeared, it revolutionized how the country worked and lived, with trips taking a few minutes, and maximum loads going up to thousands of pounds. Its still a big deal now, as locals replaced the historical working horses with trucks of all sorts almost instantly, and protected them because of their importance to the economy. It was adopted as the standard tool of commerce and play, and today, they're family-friendly, obliterating all advantages the sedan once had over the trucks.
There are some trucks however that come and go, but there are those that even with time, still maintain their value (not necessarily monetary) but in terms of performance, build, and the great service it offers to its owners. Here are 20 domestic pickups of the 2000s that are a really good bargain even today.
20 2009 Hummer H3T Alpha W/Adventure Package
Ever since it first produced a vehicle, Hummer brand has showered the world with some great vehicles in history and one of them is the 2009 Hummer H3T Alpha with Optional Adventure package. The truck’s powertrain is a 5.3L V-8. After improvement done on H3T the 2009 model which came with improved skidplating, 4:1 transfer case, front and rear manually-operated locking differentials and 4.10 gears. Other qualities that make this truck a good bargain today is its 38.7 degree approach angle, 30.6 degrees departure and impressive minimum ground clearance of 10.2-inches.
It is also fitted with model-specific chassis.
H3T is long and feels stable on the highway hence its ride quality benefits from the front and rear wheels which distant from one another.
19 2009 Ram 1500
Ram 1500 is also another truck with great performance both on and off the road. The 2009 model comes with more advancements done on it including both new interior and exterior styling. Some of the new features include a more spacious interior, 5.7 Hemi that produces 10 percent more power, a RamBox cargo management system placed at the Crew Cab, plus the first-in segment coil spring, and a five-link rear suspension paired solid axle. The Ram 1500 is fixed with a suspension system designed to improve its ride and handling abilities. For better off-road ability, it got a new rear suspension mixed with rear limited-slip differential and its traction control but maintains its coil spring suspension in the rear.
18 2005 Nissan Frontier NISMO
Nissan Frontier is definitely the right choice for anyone looking to own a small pickup truck. The 2005 model was redesigned and made larger compared to its predecessors. Other than a restyled body size, the 2005 model features an increased wheelbase by 9.8 inches. With the increase in body size someone would think it is a mid-sized pickup truck but its still smaller than the redesigned mid-sized 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Due to the increase in size, it featured a roomy interior and was still easy to maneuverer and fun to drive.
The truck is powered by a 265hp 4.0 V-6 engine mated to a six speed manual transmission.
The engine was inspired by Nissan’s VQ that was used in 350Z. For better performance on dirt, NISMO comes with off-road packages which include gas shock absorbers, alloy wheels, pushbutton operated electric locking rear differentials and BFG Rugged Trail T/A tires.
17 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab
You've got to love this big truck from the first look. The Mega Cab was developed by Dodge who came up with a more spacious, comfortable and practical pickup truck. The truck, according to Four Wheeler, was made to attract attention of customers looking for a monster tow rig together with luxury SUV put together. It shares a lot of its mechanical and underpinnings with the Ram 2500 pickup. It comes with 160-inch wheelbase on steel ladder frame, links up front and leaf springs at the rear and solid AAM-sourced axles with coil springs. Its powertrain is either the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or Cummins 5.9- litre turbocharged I-6 engine. Transmissions within the truck can be either a 48E four-speed or5-4RE, a five-speed automatic or G56 six-speed manual with 6.29:1.
16 2005 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra With Quadrasteer
Both 2005 models of Chevy Silverado and GMC have been revolutionized to create something magical. The Quadrasteer on these trucks uses an electric system on the rear Dana 60 axle. When moving at low speed, Four Wheeler says the truck's rear tires lift to 12 degrees towards the opposite direction of the front tires while at high speed, rear angles a bit towards the same direction as the front tires.
This unique movement of tires with regards with the truck speed came as a result of improved tracking and decreased turning diameter.
The Quadrasteer system allows for easy maneuverability and also enhance overall performance of Sierra both on- and off-road. The sad news for those who want to buy GMC vehicles fixed with Quadrasteer is that their prices are high.
15 2005 Dodge Power Wagon
If the 2004 Dodge never impressed you then check out for its successor - the 2005 Dodge Power Wagon that comes with incredible features. Those who like go off-road are well covered with Dodge's raised bar. Other features that Four Wheeler says will enable you go through rough terrain with this truck include softened spring rates to improve axle articulation, Bilstein shock absorber, 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, and special forged wheels designed to maintain press tire bead in when tire pressures are low. Truck Trend says key pillar behind Wagon’s strong all-wheel drive capability is the Smart Bar that has a flip of a switch that detaches the front swaybar to allow the front axle to droop and compress 20% further than stock 2500 4WD Ram.
14 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10
This 2004 pickup truck built domestically is powered by an all-aluminum 8.3-liter V10 engine that produces 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.
The power pushes the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
The engine received some modifications which the Car Connection says includes new intake system, oil pan, mounts and cooling instruments, with only one transmission - the Tremec T56 six-speed. Away from the engine, the Ram features a modified steering rack that have light touch with crisp response, brakes with 15-inch rotors in front and 14-inchers in the rear under the calipers. The anti-clocks with the truck come as a standard, and its new front and rear sway bar handles increase cornering loads to eliminate body roll.
13 2000 Toyota Tundra
The 2000 Toyota Tundra boasts of being the first Japanese branded full-size pickup which makes it a pioneer in the industry. Tundra has done well on road and has a record of being a reliable truck and its resale values are high too, according to Consumer Reports. What makes this truck excellent is how comfortable, and quiet it is with relatively well handling. The truck’s powertrain is super smooth and does well with both towing and hauling. Tundra is powered by a standard 3.4-liter 24-valve V6 engine that makes 190-hp with 220lb ft of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. Another engine that was made for the local market is the V8 engine which is a modern design fitted with 4.7-liter, 32 valves and produces 245hp and 315 lb ft of torque.
12 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew
Ford has produced a lot of trucks with various qualities, designs and function. The trucks come with a range of bed lengths, two different body styles, and three different cab configurations. The overall length of the trucks and wheelbase varies from 120-inches to 157.4-inches. The four-door Supercrew truck, Autoblog says, comes with luxurious rear seats and it has become the big fad in compact and mid-size trucks but not the tried-and-true super-long heavy-duty truck models. CrewCab’s bed is equipped with luxury sport-utility coming with power-adjustable pedals and optional moonroof, rear-seat entertainment system and a beautifully styled leather interior.
Other features include Standard Antilock Brakes and standard keyless entry that is available on XLT models.
Under its hood is a 202-hp 4.2-liter V-6 engines and other optional include 220-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 and 260-hp, 5.4-liter V8 engines, mated to either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
11 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
According to Motor Trend, the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is more than just a truck, and it has features similar to those of the Range SuperCab but with different body panels. Some of the features that the Explorer share with the Ranger include the wheelbase, drivertrain and basic structures. The four-door pickup boasts lighter weight than steel and has no corrosion at all since it is made of super tough plastic. The interior has leather seats, easy to clean rubber on the floor, a CD stereo system, adequate legroom for the rear seat and its back seat come with a second set of audio controls and climate vents at the rear of the center console. Its 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine cracks out 205 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Its engine was first fitted to a five-speed automatic transmission but five-speed manual was later introduced.
10 2006 Honda Ridgeline
2006 Honda Ridgeline boasts of being Honda’s first H-badged vehicles that represents new generation of trucks with a uni body chassis, a four-wheel independent suspension and its trunk. This truck targeted the domestic small-pickup truck market coming with two wheel drive, manual transmission and low-range transfer case. All the Ridgeline models, Car and Driver notes, come with spacious four-full-doors cabin and are powered with 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated with five-speed and four-wheel drive. Some priorities that come with the truck include its high driving dynamic, stiff unibody chassis and four-wheel independent suspension. The drawback of this unique design is the truck’s towing capacity leading to only 5000-pound tow rating. High standard features within the truck include 17-inch wheels, cruise control, power windows, anti-lock brakes, stability control and heated windshield.
9 2004 Nissan Titan
As its name suggests, the Titan is a full-size pickup truck that was styled to take on domestic truck makers on their own turf. In fact it is a blend of various trucks as Car and Driver says, featuring throttle response and engine power like that of the Silverado and the objective of Nissan to do this was to come up with separate and more sedate throttle production for low range all-wheel-drive use.
Titan is powered by a 5.6L Endurance V-8 engine that makes 300-plus horsepower.
When nicely fitted, the Titan can tow up to 9400 pounds and its V-8 engine delivers an exceptional performance. Titan can offer accommodation to five big people since it has enough front and rear legroom dimensions. The rear seats can equally be folded when not in use to provide interior cargo area.
8 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
It is easy to judge the Chevrolet Avalanche as a full-size Silverado but when you remove some of its skin, you will find a Suburban sleeping cool within it, the Car Connection notes. For easy use of the truck's bed, it has been made light, plus it has a fifth door called mid-gate found between the bed and cab, and the flop-forward rear seat allows it to fold. The truck is powered by a standard 5.3-liter 285-hp V-8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic like that found in Suburban 1500 series. Avalanche’s rear and four-wheel drive models are increased by a convenience package that carry OnStar and Homelink devices together with auto-dimming rear view mirror. The truck also comes with locking rear differential, large wheels and tires, traction control on rear-drive and skid plated fixed on the all-drive.
7 2004 GMC Canyon
According to CarGurus, the 2004 GMC Canyon truck is the larger successor to the Sonoma, and debuted in 2004 as GMC's new midsize pickulp truck. The truck has good fuel economy, ample space at the front passenger seat, automatic transmission operation and manageable dimensions among its notable features. Under the hood is a 175- or 220 horsepower engine with two suspension choices, and is replete with 24 trims and a choice between the 2.8 liter 175 horsepower l4 engine, or its 3.5 liter 220 horsepower l5 model engine. It does its job well in terms of basic tasks and safety features, so you'll get general features at the lowest price possible.
6 2000 Nissan Frontier SE Crew Cab
According to Motor Trend, this truck is "a bobtailed cross between pickup and SUV" and may just be the answer for those looking for both in one vehicle. It can then either be an SUV with a grafted on pickup bed, or a pickup with an SUV rear seat sectioned in, the car magazine notes. Nissan introduced this truck, which they say is the first compact pickup with 4 front-hinged doors, with a 4.5-foot bed that is 18 inches shorter than a standard Nissan Frontier, so not everything may fit into the truck. It is more comfortable, however, than most extended-cab rear seats, but has no storage behind the rear seat, and comes in two or four-wheel drive configurations, both built on the 4WD heavy-duty frontier chassis.
Under its hood is a 3.3 liter, 170 horsepower SOHC V-6 engine that packs 180 pound torque, and accelerates from 0-60 in just 9.6 seconds.
Other features include standard ABS, limited-slip differential on 4WD models, and 4-speed automatic transmission.
5 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor boasts of being Ford’s first ever high-speed off-road performance truck. This truck was made with an aim of producing an incredibly tough and outstanding performance vehicle. Raptor features a bulging bodywork that compensates for its seven-inch wide body truck. Other features the Raptor comes with include a Baja-inspired long-travel suspension with Fox internal triple-bypass shocks, larger brakes, an electric rear differential locker and 35-inch diameter tires. It's drawbacks come from lack of front traction aid and low power from its 310hp, 5.4l V-8 engine. There were more improvements in Raptors that in the subsequent years, like the 2012 model come with Torsen front differentials while 2011 model came with a newer 6.2L V-8 engine that produces 100 hp.
4 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet came into the market with lots of goodies making it the 2015 Truck of the year. US News also gave it a score of 8.4 out of 10 based on the twenty two pieces of research done on it. It comes with a powerful engine, stylish and comfortable interior and can work both as compact truck for work or play. Its power is based on a standard 200-hp four-cylinder engine and when its V6 is properly equipped it can tow a whopping 7000 pounds. The four-cylinder models are mated with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic while the V-6 versions come only with the automatic transmission, which has harsh downshifts. Colorado has all it takes to be used as a daily driver, what with its attractive cabin made with high-quality, soft-touch materials, the Vinyl upholstery and power-adjustable driver seats which are standard, and its front seats that provide enough legroom and headroom for tall occupants.
3 2014 Ram 1500 W/EcoDiesel
2014 Ram 1500 came into the market to provide an option for those who love trucks with diesel engines. Its powerplant is a 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel engine that was made by Chrysler Group engine supplier, VM Motori. This engine comes with 24 valves, 16.5:1 compression ratio, Multijet 11 common rail fuel injection, and a variable geometry, water-cooled turbocharger.
The engine has been paired to a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The turbo diesel engine is ample with the truck and provides enough power to tow a trailer. Another advantage Four Wheeler says that comes with the engine is the fact that it is mindful with its fuel economy returning 30 mpg on highway.
2 2011 Ford F-150 W/EcoBoost
This is an iconic Ford pickup fitted with a twin-turbo six-cylinder that whips up 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded fuel. The engine is all-aluminum that features a direct-inject, a pair of fixed-geometry, water and air-cooled BorgWarner turbocharges. The engine, according to Four Wheeler, is mated Ford’s updated 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting and it can be put on either rear- or four-wheel drive. The F-150 boasts of being the first midsize truck to come with an electrically assisted power steering that is more efficient and makes easy low-speed maneuvering. Inside the truck is a 4.2-inch information screen detailing the fuel economy trailer-towing details.
1 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500
When you take a look at this truck, one thing that is likely to amaze you is the three engines specifically designed for it: a 285hp 4.3L V-6, 355hp 5.3L V-8 and 420hp 6.2L V-8 engine, known as EcoTec3. This signifies the three state-of-the-art technologies put in each of the three engines, which have direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing that comes together to make good use of the power, torque and efficiency in different conditions. The technologies allow the engines to be quiet, powerful and take in descent fuel. Four Wheeler says the engines are new and shouldn’t be confused with the older ones as much as they have small part of the previous ones.
Sources: caranddriver.com, motortrend.com, cars.usnews.com, cargurus.com