Here are the pickup truck models and years you should be looking for when it comes to a proven history of reliability.
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Consumer Reports Take on Used Trucks
Finding a used truck to fit your needs and your budget need not be a search for the most popular truck models according to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter:
“Detroit’s trio of full-sized pickup trucks—the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and Ram—have been the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. for a few years. But despite their popularity, the lumbering darlings of American automakers’ bottom line haven’t proved to be the most reliable options among used vehicles.”
“On top of that, new pickup trucks—full-sized trucks in particular—tend to be expensive. Although the newest ones usually have the most safety equipment and luxury trappings, some late-model trucks can offer similar features along with traditional truck capability for much less money. There are also many more examples of good used compact pickups on the market now.” added CR analysts.
Related article: Are You Paying Too Much for Your Truck?
As such, the good folks at Consumer Reports have created a new guide “…to help you find the pickup trucks most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and saddling you with repair bills.”
Related article: 10 Most Reliable 2024 Car Models and What They Will Cost You
Summarized below is the listing in alphabetical order the used pickup truck models CR analysts recommend―provided you have done your part by ensuring a prepurchase inspection is performed by a qualified mechanic.
Related article: Chevy Trucks to Buy and Not Buy Explained by a Chevrolet Mechanic
Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks
Price Range: $23,350 - $33,075
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 73/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Other Year models: Ford Maverick 2022-2023 and Ford Maverick Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $21,750 - $33,475
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 79/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Other Year models: Ford Ranger 2023
3. GMC Sierra 2500HD 2018
Price range: Not listed
Owner Reported MPG: 17 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 67/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5
Other Year models: GMC Sierra 2500HD 2022 and 2019
4. Honda Ridgeline 2021
Price Range: $27,875 - $33,750
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 64/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
Other Year models: Honda Ridgeline 2014 and 2022
5. Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023
Price Range: $23,600 - $35,775
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 75/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
Other Year models: None
6. Nissan Frontier 2019
Price Range: $13,975 - $24,625
Owner Reported MPG: 19 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 83/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 1/5
Other Year models: Nissan Frontier 2014 and 2017
Price Range: $20,450 - $38,400
Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 78/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
Other Year models: Toyota Tacoma 2014-2017, 2020-2022
8. Toyota Tundra 2018
Price Range: $20,975 - $35,800
Owner Reported MPG: 15 mpg
CR Reliability Score: 72/100
CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
Other Year models: Toyota Tundra 2014, 2016-2021
Related article: Mechanic Voices His Disappointments with the New Toyota Tundra
For more information detailing the truck models listed above, consider becoming a Consumer Reports member and discover how being a member can save you a lot of money for a small subscription investment.
For additional truck-related shopping articles, here are a few for your consideration:
- Consumer Reports Best Used SUVs, Sedans, Small Cars, and Trucks Guide for Shoppers
- Consumer Reports Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Trucks
- Best SUV and Truck Tires of 2024 for All Season and Snow Driving Conditions
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
Coming Up Next: Call the Police If You Find This in a Used Car
Image source: Deposit Photos
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I own a 2003 Avalanche. I…
I own a 2003 Avalanche. I have just under 215000 miles on the truck. I was looking for a 07-10 Explorer Sporttrak with a 4.6. But I’m very pleased with the Avalanche. We just made a 7 hour one way trip ( and of course, a 7hr trip back) , and the truck was fantastic. Mostly highway mileage, but some big city and lots of around town miles. We averaged 22 mpg.