When looking for a pickup truck, it's always good to look for a machine that perfectly combines durability and reliability. A truck that can handle adventures and tough jobs of the modern world. With these considered, picking a pickup that will not leave the bank account dry is also advisable. The vehicle has to be fueled and serviced regularly. If all the money goes to the purchase, there will be a problem.
Updated July 2022: sometimes, buying a used vehicle is the best decision anyone can make. While they were pretty expensive when new, most of the 2000s trucks are excellent bargains in 2022. So, we've updated this article with some of the best pickups from the era that make amazing bargains today.
So, what are the best pickup trucks to buy? New or used. And if used, which decade offers the best selection of used pickup trucks? The 2000s has some of the best pickup trucks to buy used. Trucks from this decade have aged like fine wine. During this time, automakers shifted from building pickups that focused on power and ruggedness only. They started focusing on advanced technology, bringing to the truck world some excellent safety and tech features that changed the segment for good. When new, most of these vehicles were expensive but are now good bargains. Check out some of the best.
15 2004 GMC Canyon – $7,595
This durable truck was built for endurance and resilience. And its tough body is proof of that. It can maneuver any condition and conquer any challenge before it. When new, the 2004 Canyon had a starting price between $15,895 for the SL Regular Cab and $23,090 for the SLE 4WD Crew Cab.
While this sounds cheap in 2022, the truck was way out of reach for many buyers in 2004. Today, the 2004 GMC Canyon is among the cheapest pickup trucks money can buy. A well-kept model costs as little as $7,500. The truck served its buyers well even in harsh conditions, whether in the desert or muddy terrains. The Canyon didn't disappoint.
14 2003 Ford Super Duty F-250 King Ranch – $14,500
The Super Duty F-250 King Ranch is a massive machine with many features, such as a V8 turbocharged engine. This massive powerhouse allows the King Ranch to carry heavy loads and can even tow a moveable camping house easily. It's one of the best pickup trucks of the 2000s to buy used.
In 2003, the King Ranch cost at least $29,740 and could go as high as $38,295. In 2022, this2003 Ford Super Duty F-250 King Ranch is among the best, most reliable, and most affordable used pickup trucks to buy. Its price ranges between $11,000 and $15,500.
13 2007 Ram 1500 Quad Cab – $11,900
The 2007 Ram 1500 was offered both in the light-duty and the heavy-duty categories. The Ram was sold in three body styles; a regular, quad, and mega cab. In 2007, this truck cost between $22,135 for the regular cab and $41,595 for the Mega Cab Laramie trim. At this price level, buyers got a machine that made them proud and confident irrespective of the terrain or task.
The Quad Cab was equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 with a decent output of 235 horsepower, which made it capable and ready to go at all times. For those who want the ruggedness and practicality of this 2000s truck, the 2007 Ram 1500 Quad Cab costs between $9,800 and $12,700.
12 2004 Toyota Tundra – $10,850
The Toyota Tundra is one of the few Toyota pickup trucks that has enjoyed massive success in the United States. The Tundra is built to withstand any terrain, not forgetting its excellent stability even at high speeds.
It is not easy for a Toyota model to compete with the likes of Ford in the same market. Still, the Tundra has been rated exceptionally well for its performance in the U.S. Not surprising that, in 2004, this Tundra cost between $16,000 for the regular cab and $32,600 for the top trim, the Limited 4WD Double Cab. Today, a 2004 Tundra costs around $11,000.
11 2001 Chevrolet Silverado – $8,000
The Chevrolet Silverado comes with single and double cab body styles. The latter is more suitable for a family man. It's a muscular 4x4 work machine that doubles as a family hauler, making it a favorite among many truck buyers. It's like a moving toolbox; the kind of work it can do is incredible. The Retail price for the Silverado when new was about $16,000, which could go up to $32,000 depending on the cabin configuration.
Making a price comparison between the 2001 model and now, the truck wins as one of the market's most reliable and affordable used pickups. The vehicle costs between $5,900 and $8,500. A budget of only $8,000 brings home an excellently maintained 2001 Silverado. Higher mileage examples can go as low as $3,000.
10 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab – $5,594
The 2000 Nissan Frontier is one of the cheapest pickup trucks. When new in 2000, the truck cost only around $17,290. Today, a budget of between $4,000 and $5,700 is perfect for a well-maintained that'll probably last another decade.
The five-seat carrying capacity makes this vehicle excellent for family and work. It is an alternative to the more expensive Chevys and GMCs on this list. It is a well-rated vehicle in terms of fuel economy, and it could easily go up to 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.
9 2009 Honda Ridgeline – $10,300
For a car ranked 2nd by the U.S. News & World Report in the compact pickup category, the Honda Ridgeline Pickup is a solid pickup. The concept by the Honda Company to make lifestyle pickup trucks was unexpected in the Western market. In other words, this pickup can fit almost every occasion and not just carry the heavy load on the ranch.
Probably the best thing about the Honda Ridgeline Pickup is the fuel economy which makes it an easy truck to live with. In 2009, the Ridgeline Pickup cost at least $29,000. In 2022, the price ranges between $8,000 and $11,000.
8 2008 Ford Super Duty F-350 – $16,000
There ought to be a valid reason for these guys to put some effort into achieving their ultimate goal; building a luxurious truck that ranks among the top best in the world market. The demand for rugged trucks with luxurious amenities is growing, and the Ford Super Duty F-350 perfectly fills that gap.
The 2008 Super Duty F-350 cost up to $32,810. Nearly 15 years later, the truck hasn't depreciated as fast as many pickups in its segment. A well-kept model costs half the original price in 2022.
7 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche – $7,900
The 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche is one of the best models in the series. The engineers behind this pickup did a fabulous job, achieving a near-perfect truck that Kelley Blue Book rated at 9.1/10. Most drivers who have driven it confess that this pickup can still move like it is new even in 2022. Its production was halted in 2013.
However, the Avalanche is still available in the used car market for between $5,700 and $8,600. That's quite a bargain considering its original starting price of $36,185.
6 2008 Nissan Titan – $13,037
The 2008 Titan is a well-suited pickup truck for buyers looking for a powerful work and family vehicle, spacious interior, and a wide range of standard equipment. The truck features a stout V8 engine, making it a fan favorite among many enthusiasts. Although it did not pull a lot of buyers when new, the vehicle has aged like fine wine and is a darling among truck drivers.
The low sales can be attributed to its name since locals favor domestic companies compared to foreign car companies such as Nissan. But for those who want nothing else but a well-capable pickup truck, the 2008 Nissan is an excellent vehicle that sells for around $10,000. Examples with high mileage readings cost as low as $2,000, while low-mileage examples are available for around $13,000. In 2008, the truck came with prices between $24,000 and $46,000 for the range-topping trim, the fully loaded PRO-4X Crew Cab.
5 2007 Dodge Dakota – $7,768
One would be curious to know what inspired the Dodge team to take a serious venture in the market and start manufacturing the pickup models. As a good strategy to join the competition, these guys designed a truck with enough space for five passengers.
Many Dodge trucks have the reliability and driving comfort of modern SUVs. The Dakota, for instance, is a vehicle that perfectly fits any lifestyle; it could be a family car or a duty car. Powered by a stout V8 engine, this truck has an exceedingly good lifespan and can survive for decades. When new, a 2007 Dodge Dakota would cost between $19,000 and $25,000. Today, the most expensive 2007 Dakota costs around $7,700.
4 2009 Ford Ranger – $12,000
The Ford Ranger left most locals on a cliffhanger when the company discontinued its production in 2011. Thanks to public demand, Ford reintroduced the Ranger in 2019. Only true gearheads can tell whether the modern Ranger is as good as the one from the 2000s. In most cases, the sequel is never better than the original version.
For those who want to go back in time, a 2009 model is an excellent option with an average price of $12,000. The price ranges between $7,900 and $19,990, depending on the vehicle's condition and the odometer reading. When new, this Ford pickup truck cost between $17,000 for the XL Regular Cab and $19,500 for the XLT trim with the seven-foot bed.
3 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 – $10,225
What comes to your mind when you think of a Dodge Power Wagon? Most would say a pickup that can survive almost every environment without a scratch. No wonder it is called 'Power Wagon. Additionally, this wagon draws its power from another automotive legend, the HEMI V8, a 5.7-liter pushrod engine with 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque.
In 2005, this Power Wagon was sold for an estimated cost of $35,000. Today, the truck ranks well among the most affordable and reliable used pickup trucks on the market. A well-equipped, clean model costs at most $10,225. The prices go as low as $5,325.
2 2008 Chevrolet Colorado – $7,900
The Chevrolet Colorado was one of the best mid-sized trucks in the 2000 era. Even today, the Colorado, in its modern iterations, still deserves that title. The vehicle has been greatly upgraded over the years - nobody would dare call a Chevrolet Colorado an ugly pickup. It is known for its great power, luxurious interior, and towing capacity.
The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado is a beautiful consideration for affordable mid-sized pickup trucks. On average, the truck sells for around $7,900. Depending on condition and odometer reading, this price can drop to as low as$3,650 and jump to around $17,495. Considering its original starting price of $22,910, $8,000 is a good bargain for such a reliable vehicle.
1 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – $6,800
Who remembers the grand entrance of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac into the pickup scene back in 2000? It was the first mid-size pickup made by Ford, hence all the fuss and hype surrounding it. Like wine, it only got better. Today, the Sport Trac is a masterpiece.
Powering this beautiful work is a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 210 horsepower. To take this machine home, buyers had to pay around $25,550 for the XLT 2WD trim. In 2022, the Sport Trac XLT Sport Utility Pickup 4D will sell for between $5,100 and $7,700.