26 Of The Worst Pickup Trucks Ever Made
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The pickup truck market is an arena of fierce competition, innovation, and passionate fanbases. While many models become icons of power, durability, and performance, others… not so much. These are the trucks that, despite their manufacturers’ best intentions, ended up becoming cautionary tales in automotive history.
Chevrolet SSR (2003-2006)
Launched in 2003, the SSR was a retro-styled truck that attempted to blend the aesthetics of a 1940s pickup with modern design. Despite its sporty appearance, the initial models were underpowered, equipped with a 5.3L V8 engine producing a measly 300 horsepower.
This did not match expectations for a vehicle with a sports car moniker. Its design prioritized form over function, resulting in limited cargo space and a lack of towing capability. While innovative, the SSR’s unique retractable hardtop led to further compromises in cargo space and added to the vehicle’s weight, negatively impacting its performance.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2010)
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, designed to blend the functionality of a pickup with the comfort of an SUV, unfortunately ended up mastering neither. Introduced in 2001, it sought to capitalize on the growing demand for versatile vehicles. However, it was less nimble than an SUV and not as robust as a truck, leading to an identity crisis.
Its cargo bed was notably short, measuring just over 4 feet long for most models. Truck purists also criticized its towing capacity, which, although adequate for light jobs, couldn’t easily handle the heavier loads that full-sized trucks could manage. Its V6 engine, standard for early models, lacked the power expected of a truck.
Hummer H2 SUT (2005-2009)
Its massive size contributed to an abysmal fuel economy, making it one of the least eco-friendly vehicles on the road when consumers were beginning to prioritize efficiency. Additionally, despite its imposing presence, the H2 SUT offered limited cargo space and towing capacity.
The truck’s design compromised both, aiming for a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Furthermore, its high sticker price did not correlate with quality, as customers reported various reliability issues, from mechanical failures to interior components wearing down prematurely.
Cadillac Escalade EXT (2002-2013)
The Cadillac Escalade EXT, launched in 2002 and discontinued in 2013, attempted to blend the luxury of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. Truck enthusiasts often seek vehicles with robust towing capacities, generous payload capabilities, and durable bed construction. Unfortunately, the EXT’s design prioritized style and luxury over these practical aspects.
Its hefty body and powerful engine led to poor gas mileage, making it an expensive truck to operate, especially for those using it for work-related purposes or frequent hauling. While luxurious, the EXT’s plush interior and high-tech amenities seemed out of place in a segment where ruggedness and simplicity often take precedence.
Lincoln Blackwood (2002)
Pitched as a luxury pickup, it was built to combine the utility of a truck with the luxury of a high-end sedan. Unlike the versatile and durable beds found in most pickups, the Blackwood’s was not only carpeted but also came with a built-in power tonneau cover that reduced its utility and accessibility.
This design choice severely limited the truck’s functionality for hauling anything unsuitable for a carpeted environment. Additionally, the Blackwood was only available in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, limiting its practicality, especially in work scenarios or environments demanding robust performance.
GMC Canyon (First Generation)
The first-generation GMC Canyon, introduced in 2004, was General Motors’ attempt to make a mark in the compact pickup truck market. The base model came equipped with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine that was criticized for its meager output and sluggish performance, particularly when the truck was loaded or towing.
During a time when competitors were beginning to offer more upscale and comfortable interiors, the Canyon’s cabin was considered bare and filled with hard plastics that detracted from the overall driving experience. Owners reported various problems ranging from electrical systems malfunctions to premature wear and tear of interior components.
Subaru Baja (2003-2006)
The Baja was built on the same platform as the Subaru Legacy and Outback, which limited its size and utility compared to other trucks. Its bed was notably smaller, making it impractical for those needing a pickup for traditional hauling and towing purposes.
With a modest engine setup, the Baja struggled to perform the heavy-duty tasks expected of a pickup truck, rendering it unsuitable for more rigorous demands. Its unique styling, featuring a hybrid of sedan and pickup truck elements, failed to resonate with traditional truck buyers, who often prefer more rugged and utilitarian designs.
Dodge Dakota (Third Generation)
This version of the Dakota was criticized for its poor fuel efficiency, which was notably subpar even among its contemporaries known for consuming a lot of fuel. The 3.7-liter V6 engine, in particular, was underpowered for the truck’s size and weight, offering lackluster acceleration and towing capacity that disappointed truck enthusiasts.
Critics and consumers alike lambasted the cabin for its extensive use of cheap plastics and lack of refinement. The ride quality also left much to be desired, with many owners and reviewers noting it as stiff and uncomfortable, particularly on longer journeys.
Honda Ridgeline (First Generation)
Key among the criticisms was the Ridgeline’s unibody construction, a stark contrast to the traditional body-on-frame design preferred for its ruggedness and durability in demanding tasks.
Additionally, the Ridgeline’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, though reliable, was deemed underpowered for serious truck work, failing to deliver the torque needed for hefty towing jobs. The Ridgeline’s appearance was often criticized for deviating too far from the muscular, aggressive look typical of American trucks.
Suzuki Equator (2009-2012)
Marketed as a rebadged version of the Nissan Frontier, the Equator was Suzuki’s attempt to gain a foothold in the competitive North American pickup truck market. Being nearly identical to the Frontier but with higher pricing and less brand recognition in the segment made it an unattractive option for many.
Truck aficionados also lamented the meager customization and trim options, making it difficult to tailor the truck to individual preferences or needs. Additionally, the Equator suffered from a perception of inferior quality and support, partly due to Suzuki’s smaller dealership network and uncertainties regarding warranty and service support, especially after Suzuki departed from the American market in 2012.
Chevrolet Avalanche (2002-2013)
One of the most controversial features of the Avalanche was its unique “midgate,” a fold-down panel that allowed the truck’s bed to extend into the cabin for additional cargo space. While innovative, this feature compromised the vehicle’s structural integrity and raised concerns about safety and durability.
Furthermore, the midgate design compromised weatherproofing, causing leakage problems that frustrated many owners. Additionally, the Avalanche was criticized for its bulky size and poor fuel efficiency, making it impractical for everyday use, especially in urban settings. Its sheer size contributed to difficult maneuverability and parking challenges.
Nissan Titan XD (2016-present)
Marketed as a more capable alternative to traditional half-ton pickups, the Titan XD aimed to offer the best of both worlds but ended up not fully satisfying either segment. The suspension setup led to a stiff and often uncomfortable ride during everyday driving, a significant drawback for those using the truck as their daily driver.
Inside, the Titan XD’s interior, albeit spacious, was criticized for its lack of refinement and outdated technology features. Despite its Cummins diesel engine option, which promised superior torque and hauling power, the truck’s fuel economy disappointed.
Mitsubishi Raider (2006-2009)
Born from a partnership with Dodge, using the same platform as the more successful Dodge Dakota, the Raider was Mitsubishi’s attempt to carve out a niche in the competitive pickup market.
Many owners reported significant mechanical problems, from transmission failures to electrical gremlins. The lack of power, especially in the V6 variant, left much to be desired for a vehicle that hinted at off-road capabilities and robustness. The Raider’s design did little to distinguish itself in a market that values individuality.
Chevrolet Colorado (First Generation)
The base models came equipped with a 2.8L inline-4 engine, which was criticized for its lackluster performance, especially regarding towing and payload capacities. This was a significant drawback for those who sought a reliable work truck.
Furthermore, Owners reported numerous issues ranging from electrical problems to transmission failure, leading to a reputation for poor overall dependability. In addition, the ride quality and handling were noted to be less refined than competitors, with the truck feeling rough and uncomfortable over uneven surfaces.
Jeep Comanche (1986-1992)
Its performance was hindered by an underpowered engine range, especially in the base models, which struggled with payloads and towing—the very tasks a pickup is supposed to excel at. The Comanche’s 4-cylinder engines were particularly criticized for lacking power and reliability.
Rust was a significant problem, with many units beginning to show severe corrosion after just a few years of use, compromising the truck’s aesthetics and structural integrity. The interior was also a point of contention. It was not only cramped but outfitted with materials that felt cheap and were prone to wear and tear, detracting from the overall driving experience.
Ford Ranger (Third Generation, North America)
One of the main gripes was the lack of engine options. Unlike its competitors, which offered a range of engines to suit different needs and preferences, the third-generation Ranger stuck to a limited selection, alienating potential buyers looking for more power or better fuel economy.
Its outdated interior design, featuring a lackluster infotainment system and subpar materials, made the cabin feel cheap and unwelcoming. Owners reported frequent visits to mechanics for repairs that ranged from minor annoyances to severe malfunctions, further cementing its reputation as a problematic vehicle.
Ram Dakota (2011)
Truck enthusiasts and critics alike were disappointed with the Dakota’s V8 engine option, which offered mediocre towing capacity and fuel economy that failed to compete with more modern and refined competitors. The Dakota’s interior was criticized for its outdated design and the extensive use of cheap plastics, which detracted significantly from the overall driving experience.
Additionally, the Ram Dakota’s suspension was often described as stiff, leading to a rough and uncomfortable ride, particularly noticeable on long journeys or when navigating uneven terrain. Its last year was marked by a lack of significant updates or improvements, leading to its discontinuation.
GMC Syclone (1991)
Launched in 1991, the Syclone was built with a performance-first mindset, arguably leading to its downfall in the pickup truck segment. Equipped with a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, it boasted impressive acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds—a feat unheard of for trucks at the time.
With a payload capacity of around 500 pounds and a towing limit of 2,000 pounds, it fell drastically short of expectations. Another point of contention was its all-wheel-drive system, which, while innovative, contributed to its high production costs and, ultimately, its retail price.
Toyota T100 (1993-1998)
Initially, the T100 was launched without a V8 engine, a critical misstep in a market where power and towing capacity are paramount. This left it struggling to compete with domestic models that offered more robust and powerful engine choices.
Furthermore, the T100 suffered from an identity crisis; it was larger than a compact truck yet smaller than the full-size trucks offered by American manufacturers. Truck enthusiasts also criticized the T100 for its bland styling and lack of innovative features, which made it even less competitive against the more established and iconic American trucks with solid brand loyalty.
Isuzu i-Series (2006-2008)
Born out of a partnership with General Motors, the i-Series was essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon. This model was criticized for lacking originality and failing to bring significant improvements or distinguishing features to the competitive pickup truck market.
The engines offered, including a 2.8L four-cylinder and a 3.5L five-cylinder, were criticized for their lackluster power output and poor fuel efficiency. Additionally, the ride quality was seen as inferior, with suspension components that did little to smooth out road imperfections, leading to a rough and uncomfortable driving experience.
Dodge Ram 50 (1987-1993)
This model was essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max, which did not align with what most American truck enthusiasts expected from the Dodge brand. The base model came equipped with a modest 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that struggled with payload and towing tasks, rendering it ineffective for those looking for a workhorse vehicle.
The Dodge Ram 50 was notorious for its susceptibility to rust and mechanical failures, which became particularly evident in harsh weather conditions or when subjected to heavy use. Despite having a four-wheel-drive option, it lacked the power and durability to conquer challenging terrains.
Ford Courier (1972-1982)
Equipped with a modest 4-cylinder engine, the Courier struggled with power output, making it unsuitable for those seeking a workhorse capable of heavy lifting and towing. With a very basic, no-frills design, the cabin space was cramped and uncomfortable, especially on longer journeys.
Many owners reported rust issues not long after purchase, a problem exacerbated by poor quality steel and inadequate rustproofing techniques of the era. The truck’s suspension and overall construction were also criticized for not being robust enough to handle more demanding tasks, which are critical for a vehicle marketed for its utility. It was eventually overpowered by the Ranger.
Chevrolet LUV (1972-1982)
Key complaints centered around its underpowered engine, which struggled with payload and uphill tasks, failing to meet the expectations for a vehicle labeled as a utility truck.
Furthermore, its durability was another major point of contention—rust issues plagued the LUV, particularly in areas with harsh winters or coastal climates, leading to a short lifespan for many of these trucks. Its interior was spartan and offered little comfort or convenience, starkly contrasting competitors beginning to introduce more refined cabins.
Mazda Rotary Pickup (1974-1977)
The Mazda Rotary Pickup, available from 1974 to 1977, stands out as a unique experiment in the pickup truck market due to its use of a Wankel rotary engine. It was the only pickup truck of its time to be powered by such an engine that provided a high power-to-weight ratio, leading to impressive acceleration and performance for a truck of its size and era.
The poor fuel economy was a significant flaw and a critical factor during the mid-1970s oil crisis. Additionally, the engine’s reliability was a constant concern, with reports of frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. These issues were compounded by a lack of power for heavy-duty tasks.
Dodge Rampage (1982-1984)
Attempting to merge the utility of a pickup with the economy and handling of a compact car, the Rampage unfortunately fell short on delivering the performance and utility expected of a true pickup. It was built on the same platform as the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon, which did not endear it to truck enthusiasts looking for ruggedness and power.
The 2.2-liter inline-four engine was criticized for lacking power, particularly under load or when attempting to tow. Its front-wheel-drive layout was also seen as a detractor from its performance and utility, making it less capable in off-road or heavy-duty working conditions than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts.
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup (1980-1983)
Its small, 1.7-litre engine struggled under any significant load, making it inadequately powered for typical pickup truck duties. The vehicle was also criticized for its limited towing capacity and minimal payload, which significantly hindered its utility as a pickup truck.
Additionally, the Rabbit Pickup’s attempt to serve dual purposes as a compact car and a utility vehicle led to compromises that completely satisfied neither need. It lacked the spaciousness and comfort expected in passenger vehicles while falling short of a work truck’s durability and performance standards.
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