These models were good when they were new and have stood the test of time
2022 Honda Ridgeline
By Jon Linkov
Despite high sales numbers and decades of popularity, the trio of full-sized pickup trucks from Detroit—the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and Ram—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 used 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.
We’ve created this guide to help you find the pickup trucks most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and saddling you with repair bills.
The vehicles listed below, in alphabetical order, performed well in CR’s road tests when they were new and, according to our surveys of CR members, have above-average reliability. One caveat with used vehicles is that there can be examples that haven’t held up well because of the odd bad apple or a neglectful owner who didn’t keep up with the required maintenance. Make sure to have the one you’re considering thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic before you sign on the dotted line.
The list of the most reliable used pickup trucks is available to CR members. If you haven’t yet joined, you can access the list by clicking below and becoming a member. You’ll also gain access to all of our exclusive ratings and reviews for cars, electronics, home appliances, and other products our experts evaluate.
Ford Maverick
2023-2024
The Maverick small pickup has an optional 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic. It is available in front- and all-wheel drive, and has a 4,000-pound tow capacity. In our tests of an AWD model, we got 23 mpg overall. Maneuverability, access, and visibility are commendable, and the controls are super-easy. The interior ambience is utilitarian. The bed measures just 4.5 feet long, but it’s deep enough to be practical, and the Maverick’s small size makes it very easy to access. AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway come standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional.
Honda Ridgeline
2013-2014, 2020-2021, 2024
Honda’s pickup is based on the Honda Pilot and drives like a good sedan or SUV. The ride is supple and steady, and handling is quite agile. Innovations included a tailgate that can open either vertically or horizontally and a weatherproof, lockable trunk beneath the bed. The quiet cabin is well designed, with comfortable seats, but its rear-seat room is modest and the back doors don’t open very far. The first-generation truck used a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic that returned 15 mpg overall in our tests, which wasn’t particularly impressive. Towing capacity was modest at 5,000 pounds, and front- and all-wheel-drive versions were offered. The second-generation truck is a better vehicle. Its slick 3.5-liter V6 made 280 hp and was mated to a six-speed automatic. It returned an impressive 20 mpg overall in our tests; starting in 2021 the truck got a nine-speed automatic that should improve fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg. While the bed is longer in this generation, it’s more shallow. AWD became standard in 2021, and FCW and AEB became standard in 2022.
Toyota Tacoma
2010-2015, 2017-2023
Toyota Tacoma 2014-2017, 2020-2022
Toyota’s small Tacoma pickup has established a reputation for reliability and off-road ability. Highlights for the 2010 to 2015 models include strong towing and acceleration performance, along with decent fuel economy. But those strengths wrangle with a stiff, noisy ride; clumsy handling; a cramped, difficult-to-access interior; and marginal seat comfort. Conditions didn’t improve much with the third generation, which wasn’t a clean-sheet redesign. CR members also reported that they had only middling owner satisfaction with their Tacomas. But any Tacoma that has been taken care of should provide years of relatively trouble-free service.
Toyota Tundra
2012, 2014-2021
Toyota Tundra 2014, 2016-2021
The recommended Tundra has remained almost unchanged since its second, bulkier generation was revealed for the 2007 model year. CR’s testers liked its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine and high towing capacity but also felt that the Tundra’s lack of refinement and ride comfort made searching elsewhere a good option. Fuel economy numbers aren’t good, even for a big truck. But CR members told us in our Annual Auto Surveys that they’re highly satisfied with their Tundras, despite the fact that the trucks are a bit outdated compared with full-sized models from other manufacturers. The Tundra has been the most reliable full-sized pickup on the used-truck market for years now.
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