Buying a classic pickup truck comes with its own risks. Some classic pickup trucks are a pain to work on. Others cost more to maintain than they are worth. For example, some pickups of the ’90s are plagued with problems that drivers cannot ignore....CONTINUE READING
On the other hand, some great classic trucks are worth their weight in gold. For example, the fourth-generation Toyota pickups are a solid option.
Like the classic car market, you can find some great deals when it comes to classic trucks. These trucks house some awesome engines. They are reliable and durable. Their designs are strong. For example, the Toyota T100 is one of the coolest pickups you could buy in the 90s.
However, some trucks must be avoided like the plague. Let’s check out some of the most reliable classic trucks and ones we would rather forget.
10 Reliable – 1998 Toyota T100
The Toyota T100 is part of the real story behind Toyota’s pickup truck. These pickups were produced from 1992 until 1998. The 1998 Toyota T100 was powered by a 190-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 engine. The Standard Cab features the 150-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder. This truck was offered in a variety of trims, including Standard, DX, and SR5.
The 1998 Toyota T100 is a reliable and versatile vehicle. Only one recall was made for this model year. The issue related to steering. Owners often praise the virtues of the Toyota T100. In fact, 84% of respondents on Edmunds.com gave a five-star rating for the 1998 Toyota T100.
9 Unreliable – Chevrolet Corvair 95 Loadside
The ramp and the long bed differentiated the Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside. The Rampside was named for the ramp that could be folded down for loading.
The number 95 represented the wheelbase of the truck. An 80-horsepower 145 cu in flat-six engine powered this truck. There was lots of space for cargo. The other version is the rarer ‘Loadside’.
The Loadside included the rear tailgate with the double-walled box. However, the rear part of the floor was raised to accommodate the engine. The problem with the Loadside was the unevenness of its bed floor.
It was also difficult to load cargo. On the other hand, the Loadside, in particular, is a rare find. Bring a Trailer notes two auction sales of Loadside pickups since 2016. One sold for $29,500 in 2022, while the other sold for $9,550.
8 Reliable – 1994 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
The 1994 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was loaded with a 5.8-liter V8 engine. It delivers 240 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine. This pickup was offered in three colors. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Following in the footsteps of the F-series trucks, the SVT Lightning is robust, reliable, and a real performer. Before you a 1994 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, you should know that its performance matches its reputation. It can race from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Hagerty values a good-condition 1994 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning at $24,400.
7 Unreliable – Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU)
This pickup truck powered by a Wankel engine is not only highly collectible, but they are also one-of-a-kind. This truck was built from 1974 to 1977. A 110-horsepower 13B twin-rotor engine made it move. It featured round taillights and flared fenders. Only 15,000 were ever produced.
The Mazda Rotary Truck was not necessarily the most reliable pickup. They suffered from poor gas mileage. Low sales soon ended their run. On the other hand, the REPU garnered a racing pedigree, even notching up a victory at the 1975 SCCA Mojave 24 Hour Rally.
6 Reliable – Ford F-Series (7th Gen)
The 7th generation Ford F-series pickups were produced in the eighties (1980-1986). A variety of trims were available, such as the Ranger, the Ranger XLT, and the Ranger Lariat. The distinctive oval blue grille emblem was a new feature. They were powered by a range of engine options, including the 5.8-liter and the 6.9-liter V8.
These pickups are rugged and reliable. For a classic ride, they are known as dependable. For example, only one recall was made for the 1986 Ford F150.
Let’s not forget that no recalls were made for the 1982 model year. With such a record, it is no wonder that the Ford F-Series has remained the best-selling truck for 46 years. Their strong design and their larger body distinguish them. The average price for a 1986 Ford F-Series is about $18,097.
5 Unreliable – 1993 GMC Sonoma Pickup
When customized, the 1993 GMC Sonoma looks good. The 1993 GMC Sonoma offers a 6-ft bed with different trim options. A 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine powered this pickup. The other option was the 2.8-liter V6 engine. However, this model year is one of the most unreliable 4x4s of the ’90s.
The unreliability of the 1993 GMC Sonoma relates to the many problems with this pickup. For starters, four recalls were made. Issues related to transmission and fuel leak problems.
Owner complaints include problems with the engine and the electrical system. The NHTSA gave the following crash test safety rating: 3/5 for the front driver side and 2/5 for the passenger side. At the end of the day, the 1993 GMC Sonoma is one of the most disappointing pickup trucks on sale every year since 1990.
4 Reliable – Toyota Pickup (4th Gen)
The fourth generation Toyota pickup (1984-88) was a watershed time in the history of the Hilux. The Xtracab option became available. This cab option offered more storage space, with an extra six inches behind the front seat.
Our engine choices increase, which included the turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four and the 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engines. The Hilux Surf now came to our attention. The 4×4 model was upgraded with an independent front torsion-bar suspension setup.
The 4th generation Toyota pickup models are known as reliable trucks. They are durable and last the distance. The 1986 Toyota Pickup may be just the best truck ever made. The average price of a 1986 Toyota pickup is $18,233, according to classic.com.
3 Unreliable – 1970 Dodge Dude
When you see the word DUDE with the image of a cowboy hat on the side of a pickup, you want to know more. The Dodge Dude first appeared in 1969. Dodge offered the ‘Dude Sport Trim Package’. It was basically a D100 with a 128-inch wheelbase. This pickup truck was powered by a 225 cu in slant six, the 318 cu in V8, or the 383 V8 engine.
Dodge has produced lots of great vehicles. However, “The Dude” was one of the bad pickups that Dodge built. This truck is often cited as unreliable. For example, it is one of those vintage trucks that’ll bankrupt you through repairs and maintenance. However, they are super-rare trucks that will cost you a fortune to buy.
2 Reliable – Chevrolet C/K Series (4th Gen)
The fourth-generation Chevrolet C/K series came to our attention in 1988. Several versions were offered. A range of engine options was available. These pickups came with three different trim levels, including the Cheyenne, Scottsdale, and the Silverado. The 454SS was offered in 1990 as a high-performance option.
Many of these model years are reliable. For example, only three recalls were made for the 1990 Chevrolet K1500. These recalls were due to a fuel leak and seat belts. Based on an Edmunds.com poll, 38% of respondents gave a 5/5 for the 1990 Chevrolet C/K 1500 series. In the same review, 57% gave a score of 4/5.
1 Unreliable – 1972 Ford Courier
The 1972 Ford Courier was powered by a 74-horsepower 1.8-liter overhead cam engine, mated with a four-speed manual transmission. However, electrical issues were a hassle. It was unreliable. It was a poor build.
However, there are certainly other pickup trucks of the ’70s that’ll last a lifetime. The 1972 Ford Courier is one of those classic pickups you’ll regret buying.
Classic pickup trucks come in a range of options. Some are driven for performance like the 1994 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, yet still have the reliability to match. Others are built tough like the fourth-generation Toyota Pickups. On the other hand, some classic trucks are not worth the effort, such as the 1972 Ford Courier…CONTINUE READING>>