One thing is for certain: sooner or later you will need a pickup truck. There is no need to shell out big money or struggle through years of payments on a “Cowboy Cadillac” when all you are going to do is ruin the carpet with muddy boots and scratch up the bed with cargo. You can “have your cake and eat it, too” by getting a great deal on a late-model used pickup. Used car websites like BestRide.com are loaded with millions of listings from motivated sellers and all you have to do is point and click. Check out my list of the 10 BEST USED PICKUPS for under $10k.
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS
Expect classic handling from this popular pickup, with a live solid rear axle and independent front suspension. It also features a 4.8-liter V8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. Reliability and style are trademarks of Chevy trucks.
Honestly, the GMC Sierra is the same identical truck as the Chevrolet Silverado. It is manufactured in the same plant, by the same workers. They also share in the rich tradition of work trucks that serve Americans and make loyal customers that span the generations.
If these rankings were determined by total vehicle sales, then the Ford would win hands down. After all it is the best selling vehicle in North America over the last four decades. However, this is my list and I happen to like Chevys best so deal with it. Seriously, this is a great truck, offered in four-wheel drive, with a V8 engine and automatic transmission.
Ram trucks are quickly gaining ground on Ford and Chevrolet. With possibly the roomiest and most comfortable cab on the market, the Ram also offers a wide variety of engine, transmission, cab, and bed choices. “Four-paw crawl” makes it even better.
Toyota trucks are known for reliability and longevity of service. The Tundra is a full-size (half-ton) truck with a powerful V8 engine, various cab configurations, and multiple bed choices. If your tastes run towards import vehicles, then the Tundra may feel right for you. The SR5 offers four-wheel drive and a sport tuned suspension.
It doesn’t require a scholar to point out that full-size trucks are ranked higher on this list than mid-size and compact trucks. The fact is that some people’s needs can be better met with a smaller truck. Fuel economy is better and they are often easier to maneuver. The Canyon (and its sister truck, the Chevrolet Colorado) is a mid-size truck available in two or four-wheel drive with either a four or six-cylinder engine.
Despite the fact that the S10 is a compact truck that has gone out of production, it once had a loyal following. It is also offered with either a four or six-cylinder engine in two and four-wheel drive configurations. Regular cab, extended cab, and even four-door are also available.
The Dodge Dakota SLT is another mid-size pickup. What I like about this truck is that it can be found with either a V6 or V8 engine in two or four-wheel drive. Regular cab, Club cab, and Quad cab models are out there; with a variety of bed lengths.
Honestly, this is a tiny truck — especially on the inside. If you are of small stature (or don’t mind being squished into a truck cab), then the Tacoma could be for you. It is not short in off-road prowess, where its compact design and ease of steering control allow you to attack the dirt like it said something bad about your Mama.
The Frontier is in virtually the same boat as the Toyota. It lacks “elbow room” especially if you could stand to lose a few pounds (like myself). It is more than capable off-road (in four-wheel drive) but is also offered in thrifty two-wheel drive (with a four-cylinder engine).
HONORABLE MENTION:
This is the full-size version of the Frontier with an impressive 5.6-liter V8 engine. It is also equipped with four-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, and four doors.
