​​The Most Reliable Pickup Trucks According To RealTruck.com​ 

At one time, pickups were mostly seen in agricultural areas and on job sites. But in the last few decades, more and more motorists have come to appreciate the utility of trucks for personal, rather than occupational, reasons. Truck manufacturers have responded by making their vehicles more family-friendly, with 4-door cabs and comfort and convenience features that make them more amenable to home use. But it has all come at a cost, with the average price of a half-ton surpassing $60,000 and even new midsize truck cabs asking over $40,000 in many cases.   

The alternative, of course, is used trucks. When you think used, the mind immediately turns to reliability. Fortunately for our Alderman Automotive readers, RealTruck.com has compiled a list of what they consider the nine most reliable trucks of all time.  

While the Top Gear television series effectively demonstrated the Toyota HiLux as nearly indestructible, that model stopped selling here in 1997 and is thus hard to find.  The following are the trucks you are more likely to find on the market.  

2005 – 2021 Nissan Frontier 

They start their list with the humble 2nd-generation Nissan Frontier, which had a long life, spanning from 2005 to 2021. This is a midsize truck, of course, and is noted for its standard V6 engine, which is usually paired with a 5-speed automatic, though 6-speed manual models were available as well. Relatively simple in execution, these models can withstand the miles, with some even surpassing a quarter million when properly maintained.   

2015 – 2022 Chevrolet Colorado 

As the Frontier’s lifespan nears its end, the directly competing second-generation Chevrolet Colorado is a strong contender. You can find these powered by a variety of engines, from 4-cylinders to V6s to even a diesel option. Like the Frontier, these models may fall short of a full-size half-ton’s towing and payload capacity, but they can still carry quite a bit and do so more efficiently. RealTruck.com has seen these models reach 200-300K miles when treated right. 

1998 – 2011 Ford Ranger 

The third-generation Ranger is a no-nonsense mid-size truck powered by either a 2.3-liter inline-4 or 3.0-liter V6.  RealTruck.com advises checking for timing chain noise and possible transmission issues as mileage approaches six digits.  Otherwise, these models have been known to soar past 300K miles. Newer models can command prices in the high teens, while older models can be found for well under $10K. 

2006 – 2014 Honda Ridgeline 

The Ridgeline stands out as a unibody model with a platform shared with the Pilot and MDX SUVs, as well as the Odyssey minivan.  It may not have the towing capacity of other trucks, at 5,000 pounds. However, most residential truck users will find the Ridgeline capable of handling all their needs, while being a more comfortable daily driver and exhibiting the build quality for which Honda is known.  

The Ridgeline has a few tricks up its sleeve, too, including rear seat cushions that flip up to provide floor-to-ceiling space for tall items you don’t want exposed to the elements, like large paintings or tall potted plants. Rear passengers won’t have to shift their feet around when items like tool kits and jumper cables are permanently stowed, since they can be stored in the lockable storage “trunk” under the back of the bed. That space would be difficult to access without Honda’s trick tailgate, which swings open to the side as well as down. 

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that had some cylinder issues in the earlier models, the Ridgeline can last well past 200,000 miles. 

2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 

When it comes to full-size trucks, RealTruck.com likes this third-generation Silverado series, many of which have been shown to reach a quarter of a million miles. They advise, however, to look for transmission noises and possible electrical issues. Engines range from a relatively large 4.3-liter V6 to 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s, all of which stand ready to carry out whatever one can reasonably expect a pickup truck to do.  

2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 

For older GM full-size models, RealTruck.com points to the Silverado’s cousin, the Sierra 1500. For used models, these two can be considered interchangeable while you focus on condition. The Sierra offers cab, bed, and engine choices for every need, and some owners have put over half a million miles on them. RealTruck.com advises being aware of higher-than-usual oil consumption, particularly in the popular 5.3-liter V8. 

2007 – 2021 Toyota Tundra 

The second-generation Tundra had a long 14-year life and came with all the build quality the brand is known for, as well as durability that can keep trucking past 300,000 miles.  Ball joints and manifold leaks appear to be the weakest points.  

Engines range from the 4.0-liter V6 that also powered many Tacoma trucks, to a 4.6- or 5.7-liter V8, the latter providing 381 horsepower, 401 lb-ft of torque, and a reputation for durability.  Like most other Toyota models, a used Tundra can be premium priced on the used market. 

2009 – 2018 Ram 1500 

The big-rig styling of the Ram trucks of this era still looks good today, and, like the GM models, it offers plenty of cab, bed, and engine options, including a thrifty EcoDiesel. Electronics are a weak point, and fuel system issues can arise as the miles pile up. These models also feature an independent rear suspension with coil springs, which is exclusive to the category and has proven to provide a smoother highway ride, helping the Ram earn many “Truck of the Year”-type awards.  

2008 – 2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty 

When you want to tow that big travel trailer without worrying about how much gear you load in it, or have other major towing needs, the Super Duty offers a towing capacity ranging from 9,500 to 16,000 pounds, depending on configuration. The PowerStroke diesel helps cover the high end of that range, but may be the first among its available engines to develop issues as mileage climbs. Nonetheless, some owners have reported reaching 600,000 miles with their Super Dutys. Because the primary purpose of a Super Duty can be met by a used truck as well as a new one, these models tend to hold their value in the used market. 

The last line about why Super-Duty trucks hold their value applies to some degree to all pickup trucks. Sure, we all like the latest features and technologies, but when it comes to the primary purpose of a truck, which is hauling, older models do it just as well.  

Before you go truck shopping, take a good inventory of your needs. To keep costs at bay, consider reasonable future contingencies but avoid buying more truck than you need. Many full-size truck buyers are surprised to find that mid-size trucks will cover all their needs.  

Alderman Automotive keeps a good number of pickup trucks in stock. So, whatever your needs may be, they are likely to be covered by more than one option in our inventory. You can easily browse all our trucks by clicking “Inventory” and selecting “Shop Trucks” from the drop-down, then narrowing the search to your preferences in the left column.