American trucks are rugged, durable workhorses that have really held the attention of the United States. Whether it's hauling, towing, or off-road capability, there are many uses for body-on-frame construction and a tough bed. Some of these legendary American trucks are even made into performance vehicles. There are many options, but the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado dominate the market with hundreds of thousands of sales.

RELATED: 10 Greatest American Trucks That Aren't An F-150

However, the most popular trucks with standard options or packaging may not appeal to everyone. As a result, there are tons of underrated American options for a wide variety of uses. It usually leads to a great deal in terms of pricing, and something unique to see on the road.

10 Ford Ranger

Via CarGurus

The Ford Ranger, especially older models like the third generation, are basic, reliable work trucks that offer exactly what it says on the can. The Ford Ranger fits the bill well for light loads. The suspension is known for being a bit harsh for daily driving, but it's still doable.

Via MotorTrend

Later models are better, as early models with the 3.0-liter V6 engine has issues with cracked heads. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and 4.0-liter V6 are both good engines, and if it can be found with a manual transmission, that's a solid combination. While it's small and doesn't offer good seating for four, it may be just what some are looking for.

9 Chevrolet Avalanche

Chevrolet Avalanche
Via: ConsumerGuide

Sure, the Avalanche isn't pretty to most, but to those who are okay with the looks, they will be pretty happy with it. Unlike smaller pickup trucks and single cabs, it practically has the interior space of a Tahoe with a small bed attached.

Chevrolet Avalanche
Via: outstanding cars

The first-generation Avalanche has the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 that is tough as nails, easy to work on, cheap to fix, and has loads of power. The second generation is decent as well, but has some oil consumption issues and cracking dashes in the redesign. Despite its controversial appearance, owners are fairly happy with them.

8 Dodge Dakota

Dodge

The Dodge Dakota is one of the coolest trucks out there, and it's often forgotten. It's one of the best-discontinued vehicles that should be brought back. It has sharp, aggressive looks, powerful engine options, and decent reliability. However, there are specific configurations to look out for on the Dakota.

While the third-generation Dakota is an okay truck, it's not as stylish or iconic as the second-generation. There is a common issue with the brakes locking up that is quite dangerous, especially in the 2002 model year. Automatic transmissions are less than ideal, as this era from Chrysler isn't known for longevity. The best way to get the Dakota is with a manual transmission.

7 Chevrolet Colorado

Via TruckTrend

The Chevrolet Colorado is a completely forgotten truck by many, particularly the first-generation. The second-generation has picked up a bit of traction with the famous ZR2 model and a Duramax four-cylinder, but the first-generation is a great value used.

RELATED: Which Truck Is Right For You: Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Vs. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Via TruckTrend

It is an affordable vehicle for a reason. Unfortunately, at the end of its model run, it was getting outdated in terms of technology. But this serves as a benefit for buyers looking for strictly an affordable utility vehicle. The 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine at the end of its cycle had most of its bugs worked out and is a decent buy. The four-cylinder is underpowered and best avoided. The 5.3-liter Vortec V8 was also offered at the time but is difficult to come by.

6 Ford SVT Lightning

Via F150Online

The SVT Lightning is wildly underrated. Most Ford enthusiasts know exactly what it is, and it's a beast. There are models for both the ninth and tenth generation F-150. While the ninth generation is rare and understated in styling, the second-generation is a bit wilder. They are both great collector cars that are quite affordable at under $30,000.

Via Ford Truck Enthusiasts

The first-generation is an interesting piece in Ford's history, as only around 11,000 units were made. It comes with the 5.8-liter V8, modified with a high flow intake, new heads, pistons, and headers. For handling, new shocks, anti-roll-bars,  thicker frame rails, and gussets were added. The second-generation came with the famous supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that makes 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Many upgrades were installed, like a different stabilizer, lowered leaf springs, an improved cooling system, and different shocks. Both of these trucks are phenomenal and merit consideration as a secondary performance vehicle.

5 Chevrolet SSR

Via Hearst

It's a truck with weird styling, no doubt about it. It's also a convertible, which is strange but oddly interesting. Underneath this strange shell of retro-modern styling is a truck with surprising bones. It has a lot of grunt that seems right in place for a vehicle that resembles a hot-rod.

Via Hagerty

The powertrain alone is a spectacle. There are two options, which are the 5.3-liter and 6.0-liter Vortec V8. Both engines are tried and true, but the 6.0-liter is in the newer models, which is more desirable. It's also because it's mated to a 6-speed Tremec manual, so it's essentially the same powertrain as the C6 Corvette. Whether you like the SSR or not, people are willing to pay a lot of money for them. 

4 GMC Syclone

Via MotorTrend

Sleeper cars and trucks attract a lot of attention, especially when made in small numbers by the manufacturer. One of the earliest trucks to start this is the GMC Typhoon and Syclone. The Typhoon is the performance version of the GMC Jimmy, while the Syclone is the performance version of the GMC Sonoma.

Via TFLTruck

The Syclone is extraordinarily rare, with only about 3,000 units produced. There are only two model years from 1991 to 1992, but with only 3 models from 1992, it's almost impossible to come across the 1992 model. It features a 4.3-liter turbocharged V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Several modifications are present like different pistons, head gaskets, intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, and throttle bodies. The suspension has also been modified for improved handling. They are an absolute bargain at around $30,000.

3 Dodge RAM SRT-10

Via Autoblog

Chrysler is known for a lot, not the least of which is the performance-tuned trims of their common vehicles. One of the best options is the SRT-10, a third-generation Dodge RAM with a Viper powertrain. Some may say that the RAM SRT-10 is not underrated, but the values say otherwise. They can be found for under $30,000 with very low mileage, which is insanely low for performance.

Via Kendall Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

Many may not want a Dodge Viper because of its difficult operation and extreme compromises. While the SRT-10 snubs the performance with its large size and heavy construction, it adds to it with a practical interior space. The 500 horsepower V10 and six-speed manual transmission means it can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just under 5 seconds, very impressive for a truck. While the gas mileage is atrocious, the truck remains an incredible value.

2 Chevrolet S-10

Via FavCars

The Chevrolet S-10 is solid and pretty underrated. Styling is pretty decent, and for a small truck, it's pretty understated. Although it's getting a bit old, there are still plenty out there for a good price. The ZR2 trim is fascinating with its off-road capability, despite being hard to find. It also takes most of the character of the S-10 and puts it into a rugged package.

2001 Chevrolet S10 ZR2 (2)
Via Wikimedia Commons

Engines offered for the S-10 are the 2.2-liter four-cylinder and the 4.3-liter V6. Both engines are pretty good, but the 2.2-liter gives you more space to work and is cheaper to own overall. However, for more exciting trims like the aforementioned ZR2 off-road trim, extra torque is necessary. Both of these engines are best paired with a manual transmission.

1 Jeep Gladiator

Via FCA Media

It might not be as underrated as other options, but the Gladiator's hype has dropped since its release. It's not quite as popular in the midsize truck category. It's easy to overlook the positive attributes. It's a solid blend between a pickup truck and a Wrangler, and that means a lot of fascinating benefits.

RELATED: 5 Reasons You NEED A Jeep Gladiator (& 5 Reasons To Avoid It)

Via FCA Media

The Gladiator has incredible off-road capability. It's quite long, which does hinder it compared to a Wrangler, but that's still its strength over other pickup trucks. It's also a hardtop convertible, but it makes a lot more sense compared to something like the Chevrolet SSR. As a modern option, it makes a unique case.

NEXT: 10 Badass SUVs You Didn't Know Came With A V8