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In the American car landscape, pickups are the dominant category, meaning enthusiasts know a lot about popular models. Over the last century, many more trucks have been produced and sold in the USA, and they have never achieved mainstream success, but they are still worth looking at. There are 10 forgotten pickups that few people know about and are impossible to find. 

1. Datsun 120/220

The first Japanese compact truck was the Datsun 120, introduced in 1955. Datsun was a famous Japanese manufacturer of economy models that later became Nissan. Immediately after the war, Japan needed light delivery vehicles. So, most car companies started producing three-wheeled Kei cars and vehicles based on motorcycle technology. Those small, light, and nimble pickups weren’t real trucks. So, in 1955, Datsun produced the 120, which was the first real compact truck.

They based it on their 120 Sedan model by transforming the rear end into a truck bed. Under the hood was a diminutive 860-cc engine delivering just 25 HP. The payload and towing capacity were not great, but by Japanese standards in the 1950s, the Datsun 120 Pickup did the job.

2. Chevrolet Cameo

Before the 1955 to 1958 Chevrolet Cameo, pickups had a step-side design in the truck bed. This means that beds were made with sculpted rear fenders and often with wooden sides. This production method dates back to the first trucks from the early 1920s. However, as one of the most prominent pickup manufacturers in the U.S.A., Chevrolet introduced the fleetside truck bed in its new 1955 model.

The fleetside construction was revolutionary in many ways. First, the truck bed looked more elegant because it was flush with the cabin’s lines and the truck’s whole design. Second, the fleetside design allowed for the use of the maximum width of the truck bed, making the truck more capable of carrying a wider load. Third, the innovative construction was more durable and stronger than ever before.

3. Chevrolet 490 Series Half-Ton Pickup

Chevrolet introduced the Half-Ton Pickup in 1918, based on the new 490 Sedan. The Half-Ton was the first specially designed pickup in the world. This means that Chevrolet intended to present this model as a light-duty delivery vehicle rather than just as a chopped-off sedan.

Also, the power came from a four-cylinder engine, which was standard in the range. Interestingly, this pioneering truck came from the factory without the body. Customers were supposed to buy their own cabin and truck bed according to their needs. Chevrolet sold a running chassis with the engine, transmission, wheels, hood, and fenders, and then buyers looked for the rest.

4. Dodge D-Series Dude

The Dude was a regular D Series truck with a few essential features. It had bucket seats, a tachometer, an improved interior, and lively colors. But the best thing was the powerful 383 V8 engine that came standard with over 300 HP, providing significant performance. However, the feature the Dude is most famous for is the big black “C” stripe on the sides.

It was reminiscent of Dodge’s muscle cars of the period. The Dude is also interesting for being the first special edition truck that older guys welcomed and the younger people who were into muscle cars and performance. Also, this model proved to be influential as one of the first special versions that later evolved into separate models.

5. Chevrolet El Camino SS 454

The Chevrolet El Camino was conceived as a half-car/half-truck vehicle for carrying light loads, delivery duty, and useful tools for small business owners. Most of them lived their lives exactly like that. But in 1970, Chevrolet introduced the wildest El Camino of all, the El Camino SS 454.

The mighty 454 V8 LS6 was a 7.4-liter Chevrolet big-block engine with an official rating of 450 hp. In reality, the engine delivered around 500 hp and was a fire-breathing beast—one of the best engines of the muscle car era. In the El Camino SS, this engine provided significant performance figures that were close to those of the best regular muscle cars of the day.

6. Kaiser Jeep M715

This interesting vehicle is primarily a military truck, but a few were sold to civilian customers. Based on the Jeep Gladiator pickup, the Jeep M715 was introduced in the late ’60s and produced for the US Army.

The engine was a dependable and strong six-cylinder with just 130 HP, but much torque was needed to move this 3-ton truck. The M715 was built to be easy to service and highly durable, which it proved in the Vietnam War and several other conflicts. Kaiser Jeep produced over 30,000 of them until 1969.

7. Mercury M-Series

While most remember Ford pickups from the post-war years, few recall that Mercury also had its own line of trucks sold in Canada—the Mercury M-Series. Built from 1946 to 1968, these were essentially rebadged Ford F-Series models aimed at dealers who didn’t sell Ford but still wanted to offer pickups.

Mechanically identical to Ford trucks of the era, the M-Series featured slightly different grilles, trim pieces, and badging. Although they never officially sold in the U.S., Mercury trucks hold a special place in Canadian automotive history. They are prized among collectors today for their rarity and unique styling cues.

8. Plymouth PT105

The PT105 was Plymouth’s attempt to break into the truck market in the late 1930s. Introduced in 1937, the PT105 was essentially a Dodge truck under the skin but wore Plymouth branding. It featured sleek Art Deco styling and a reliable flathead six-cylinder engine.

Although it was never a major commercial success—mainly due to the strength of Dodge’s truck lineup—the PT105 showed that Plymouth could build a handsome, dependable truck. Today, surviving models are rare and sought after by collectors who appreciate pre-war design and originality.

9. Hudson Super Six Pickup

Most people know the Hudson brand for its sleek coupes and race-winning sedans, but in the late 1940s, Hudson also built pickups—specifically the Super Six-based truck. These trucks combined Hudson’s car-like handling and styling with practical utility.

The most distinctive feature was the “step-down” design—an innovation that gave Hudson cars a lower center of gravity. That same engineering made its way into the pickup, which gave it a smooth, comfortable ride. Production numbers were low, and the Hudson pickups were among the rarest American trucks of their era.

10. Powell Truck

The Powell Sport Wagon is one of the strangest and most fascinating trucks to emerge from post-WWII America. Built between 1954 and 1957 in California by Powell Manufacturing, the Powell Truck was based on a 1941 Plymouth sedan chassis and used recycled parts to create a unique utility vehicle.

One of its quirkiest features was the tubular carrier that slid into the rear fender—a sort of early take on built-in storage. Powered by Plymouth’s inline-six engine, the Powell wasn’t fast or refined but sturdy, affordable, and innovative. With fewer than 1,200 produced, surviving examples are highly collectible oddities today.

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We all know that collecting cars is also a sound investment plan. Just look at the prices of classic muscle cars, and you will see that somebody is laughing all the way to the bank. But the question on everybody’s mind is, what is the next big thing in the muscle car world? The next sought-after cars will be the early 2000s muscle models. So here are the ten best cars from that period to invest in. 

1. Ford Mustang Cobra R

The coolest-looking fourth-generation Mustang is undoubtedly the 2000 SVT Cobra R. Again, this limited-edition model with an “R” designation produced only 300 copies for racing drivers and teams. The Cobra R featured many improvements and enhancements compared to other regular Mustangs. 

First and foremost was the 5.4-liter V8 with 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Second, the body kit with front and rear spoilers and side skirts. Third, stiff suspension and a few chassis modifications. The Cobra was born for performance, and the buyers got precisely that when they pressed the gas pedal. The 0 to 60 mph sprint was achievable in just 4.4 seconds, and its top speed was around 150 mph, which was pretty impressive for the day. It is too bad that Ford built only 300 of those thoroughbreds, which are impossible to find today.

2. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

The engine was named “Terminator,” and rumors circulated that it delivered more than the advertised 390 HP. Ford equipped the SVT Cobra with an independent rear suspension setup similar to the first Ford GT to handle all that power and torque. This helped stability at high speeds and hard launches and made this Mustang handle like a dream. 

The 0 to 60 mph time took only 4.7 seconds, making the SVT Cobra a drag-strip terror. Ford offered this model in 2003 and 2004, producing around 20,000 in coupe and convertible form. Despite being almost 15 years old, those cars still hold high prices on the used car market.

3. Cadillac CTS-V

For years, Cadillac lacked a proper performance series needed to compete with BMW or Mercedes, and finally, the V-Series was born. It was all that Cadillac lovers dreamed of: powerful engines, world-class handling and suspension setups, and exclusive production. The second-generation CTS-V model produced between 2008 and 2014 was the most successful. Under the hood, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 556 HP made the CTS-V the most potent performance sedan on the market. 

The suspension and the rest of the drivetrain were advanced and up to the task, so CTS-V was considered a complete package and one of the best driver’s cars available. Cadillac produced three body styles, and the CTS-V could be a sedan, a coupe, and, interestingly, a wagon. With a 556 HP LS9 V8 engine and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the second-generation CTS-V was one of the fastest four-door vehicles on the planet and a true muscle car sedan. 

4. Pontiac GTO

The first year for the modern GTO was 2004, and the car met universal praise from buyers and the press. The design wasn’t new or aggressive, but the GTO had the muscle car form and street presence. Under the hood was an LS1 5.7-liter V8 with 350 HP and enough performance to be one of the hottest American cars for the 2004 model year. 

The target sales figure was 18,000, and Pontiac sold almost 14,000, which could be considered a success. Even though this model was withdrawn from the market in 2006, it is the last GTO so that the prices will go up soon. 

5. Ford F-150 Lightning (1999)

In 1999, the new Lightning came with the latest and redesigned generation of F-150 trucks. This time, it was much meaner-looking, aggressive, and packed with much more firepower. Ford equipped its 5.4-liter V8 with a supercharger, which was good for 360 hp at first and 380 hp later. This was much more than the previous model and much more than any truck on the market at that moment.

Performance numbers were sublime. The Lightning could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and top 140 mph. Those figures were more suited to the Porsche 911 of the period than a regular pickup truck that could tow or carry stuff like other F-150s. The second-generation Lightning proved immensely popular and stayed in production for 5 years until 2004. During that period, Ford’s SVT department produced over 30,000 Lightning trucks, a fantastic number.

6. Dodge Ram SRT-10

Produced from 2004 to 2006, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is among the craziest, most powerful, and fastest pickups ever produced. That is hard to say since Dodge always had pretty wild special versions of their trucks. But just look at the specs: the 8.2-liter V10 engine with over 500 hp, a 0 to 60 time of fewer than 5 seconds, and fuel economy in single digits. 

You couldn’t miss it if you saw it on the street. Of course, with the price tag of over $45,000, the SRT-10 wasn’t exactly a sales hit, but they did produce a decent number of them in the three-year production run. In 2005, Dodge introduced the Quad Cab option, which gave the SRT-10 another pair of doors and more practicality, if you could call this truck practical. The four-speed automatic was standard, but you could get a six-speed manual straight from the Viper to go with the engine. 

7. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The third-generation F-Body was GM’s favorite muscle car offering from the early ’90s to 2003, when the Camaro and its twin brother, the Pontiac Firebird, were discontinued. The Z28 Camaro was introduced in 1996, and it featured a powerful 5.7-liter V8 with 325 horsepower, which was enough to launch it from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and propel it to a top speed of 160 mph. 

The fourth-generation Camaro was a relatively simple car, easy to maintain and work on, and it featured a live rear axle, a strong gearbox, and a rugged chassis. This was the perfect modern muscle car. Tough, durable, and reasonably fast, with an extensive aftermarket offering of spare parts and go-fast components. In contrast to other, more sophisticated vehicles on this list, this Z28 is a red-blooded American performance machine that you can get for around $10,000. Of course, always look for stock examples that haven’t been modified.

8. Chevrolet Corvette C5

The fifth generation of Chevrolet’s sports car, the Corvette, was introduced in 1996 and stayed on the market until 2005. It sold in big numbers and became a popular choice among sports car fans worldwide. This car’s layout is very competent. It has a 350 hp 5.7-liter V8 in the front, gearbox, and rear suspension together (transaxle system), which gives the C5 perfect weight distribution for sharp handling. All of that is topped with a lightweight and aerodynamically efficient body. 

The C5 could get to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds and reach 175 mph. Also, it is good to know that the maintenance costs are lower than those of similar imported sports cars, so if you are looking for a fast and cheap-to-run vehicle, this is the perfect choice. The prices for decent examples start at around $10,000, but they can go higher depending on condition and version. In any case, for ten grand, you should be able to find a decent Corvette C5 in coupe or convertible form. 

9. Chrysler 300C SRT-8

A competitor to the BMW M5 or Mercedes E-Class AMG, the SRT-8 was the performance version of the 300C sedan. Equipped with a 6.1-liter V8 Hemi engine pumping out 425 hp and a glorious soundtrack through twin tailpipes, the SRT-8 was a fast and capable sedan. The 0 to 60 mph sprint took around 4.9 seconds, and the top speed was over 170 mph. 

Unfortunately for Chrysler, the recession that shocked the car industry in 2010 killed the SRT-8 and many other performance models. Still, fortunately for car enthusiasts looking for good deals, the SRT-8 can be had for around $10,000 today, which is a steal. You will get a classic American muscle sedan with all modern luxury features and timeless styling, a legendary Hemi V8, and 425 galloping horses. 

10.Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H

With the retro-looking car came the return of legendary Mustang special versions like the Shelby GT-H. Back in 1966, Shelby offered its GT350 model as a rental car through the Hertz network. The cars were painted black with gold stripes and the GT350-H model designation. Exactly 40 years later, Ford did exactly that with 2006 Mustangs, which were turned to Shelby spec and named GT-H. 

The cars were regular GTs with a 19 hp power increase, a new front end, some details, and black paint with gold stripes. Once again, the Shelby GT-H was offered as a rental car in selected locations, and after use, all examples were sold to the general public as used cars. If you want a cool piece of modern Mustang history, search the ads for a Shelby GT-H in nice condition.

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The 1990s were a bold and sometimes weird time for General Motors. The company was trying to keep up with imports, chase trends, and predict the future—but not every idea hit the mark. Some vehicles looked cool but lacked substance. Others had promising tech that never worked right. And a few just didn’t make sense from the start. In hindsight, these GM experiments were ahead of their time, stuck in the past, or just plain confusing. Here are 10 flops from the ’90s that GM probably wishes you’d forget—but we sure haven’t.

1990 Pontiac 6000 STE AWD

This all-wheel-drive version of the Pontiac 6000 sedan was supposed to be a sporty alternative to imports like Audi and BMW. It had digital gauges, a rally-style suspension, and all the buzzwords of the era. But it was heavy, slow, and expensive.

1990 Pontiac 6000 STE AWD

Reliability wasn’t great either. It was too late in the model’s life cycle to matter, and most buyers ignored it. Today, it’s nearly forgotten—and that says it all. It was GM’s attempt at a Euro-style sport sedan, but it ended up being more hype than performance.

1991 Chevrolet Lumina Z34

On paper, the Lumina Z34 was a cool idea. It had a 210-horsepower V6, sport-tuned suspension, and bold styling to take on the Ford Taurus SHO. But poor build quality and a heavy body made it less exciting than it looked. The high-revving DOHC engine was hard to work on, and parts were expensive.

1991 Chevrolet Lumina Z34

While it looked sporty with its ground effects and flashy wheels, the Z34 lacked refinement and fell short of performance car expectations. Buyers soon realized it wasn’t quite the Taurus killer GM hoped for. The Lumina has gained a cult following in recent years as a collectors item.

1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon

By the mid-90s, big wagons were on life support, and the Caprice wagon was GM’s last gasp. It had a massive footprint, rear-wheel drive, and even offered the Corvette-derived LT1 V8. But sales were terrible. People wanted SUVs, not land yachts with woodgrain stickers.

1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon

Despite surprising power and comfort, it felt outdated the day it launched. The design was awkward, the interior was bland, and it couldn’t compete with rising SUV trends. GM killed it soon after, and full-size wagons were gone—for good.

1990 Geo Storm

The Geo Storm was GM’s attempt at offering a cool, cheap sporty coupe without the cost of building one. So they borrowed from Isuzu, slapped on some styling, and called it a day. It looked unique and handled fairly well, but it lacked power, quality, and long-term appeal.

1990 Geo Storm

The Storm tried to ride the tuner wave but faded quickly as Japanese rivals delivered better real performance. Today, it’s a rare sight—and not because it was a collectible. GM’s badge engineering at its finest… or worst.

1997 Pontiac Trans Sport

Nicknamed the “Dustbuster” van for its long, sloping windshield and futuristic shape, the Trans Sport minivan looked like it drove out of a sci-fi movie. But inside, it was cramped and had poor ergonomics. The styling was polarizing, the plastic body panels didn’t age well, and it just didn’t compete with the Dodge Caravan juggernaut.

1997 Pontiac Trans Sport

GM eventually redesigned it into something more normal, but the first-generation Trans Sport is still a weird relic of a time when GM bet on “bold” and missed hard. These GM Dustbuster Vans have continued to gain popularity in recent years.

1991 Saturn SL1 (Early Years)

Saturn started with a bang—and a big promise to reinvent the way cars were sold and built. But the early SL1 sedans, while affordable, were underpowered and felt cheap. The plastic body panels didn’t dent, but they also didn’t impress buyers used to better fit and finish.

1991 Saturn SL1 (Early Years)

Saturn’s unique dealer network couldn’t hide the fact that the cars just weren’t that good. While the brand had loyal fans, the early models quickly fell behind the competition in refinement and features, leading to a long slow decline.

1994 Cadillac Seville STS Northstar

The Northstar V8 engine was GM’s big tech flex—promising performance, smoothness, and luxury. In the Seville STS, it looked like a home run. But early engines were known for head gasket failures, electrical gremlins, and expensive repairs.

1994 Cadillac Seville STS Northstar

The car itself drove well and had tons of tech, but it turned into a headache for many owners. GM tried to push Cadillac into import-fighter territory, but the complexity of the Northstar system became its downfall. A brilliant idea that just wasn’t ready for the real world.

1992 GMC Typhoon

The GMC Typhoon was ridiculously fast—faster than many sports cars of the day. It had turbocharged V6 power and all-wheel drive, but it was also expensive, cramped, and weird to fix. GM built it in limited numbers, and it was more of a brand statement than a practical SUV.

1992 GMC Typhoon

As cool as it was, most buyers didn’t see the point of a $30k performance Blazer when they could buy a real sports car or a more usable SUV. Today it’s a collector gem, but back then, it was a slow seller and a strange gamble.

1990 Chevrolet Beretta GTZ

The Beretta GTZ was meant to be a small, sporty car that could compete with imports. It had a Quad 4 engine from Oldsmobile, a five-speed manual, and sharp handling. But it also had engine noise, rattly build quality, and interior plastics that felt like they’d crack if you sneezed.

1990 Chevrolet Beretta GTZ

The GTZ was a fun drive when it worked, but it didn’t feel like a car you’d want to keep. GM tried to package performance into a cheap coupe, but it lacked the polish and staying power to matter in the long run.

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

The Intrigue was supposed to save Oldsmobile, bringing sleek styling, a twin-cam V6, and Euro-inspired handling to the dying brand. It had a clean look and wasn’t a bad car, but it came too late. By the time the Intrigue hit showrooms, buyers had moved on.

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

GM gave it a great name and decent road manners, but poor marketing and internal confusion sank it. It was a decent sedan trapped in a doomed lineup. The Intrigue wasn’t awful—it was just ignored. And it didn’t help save Oldsmobile from its slow fade into history.

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They weren’t flashy. They weren’t fast. But under those plain exteriors, some 1980s economy cars were hiding brilliant ideas that wouldn’t catch on for decades. Fuel efficiency, smart packaging, and advanced tech came baked into these little machines—long before they were cool. These cars were cheap to buy and cheaper to run, but they also packed innovation you’d expect from far pricier models. Today, we look back at ten of the most forward-thinking econoboxes from the 1980s that proved you don’t need big bucks or big engines to make a big impact on the road.

1984 Honda CRX

Small, light, and shockingly efficient, the CRX was a pioneer of fun, frugal driving. With versions hitting over 50 mpg, it anticipated today’s obsession with fuel economy. It also handled like a go-kart, proving that eco-cars didn’t have to be boring.

1984 Honda CRX

The CRX’s two-seat layout and aerodynamic shape made it feel futuristic, and it paved the way for modern hybrids and sporty compacts. Honda didn’t just make an economy car—it made a cult classic that’s still loved today. The CRX showed you could be practical, fast, and efficient all in one affordable, plastic-trimmed package.

1981 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

The boxy Jetta Diesel wasn’t glamorous, but it brought European practicality to the U.S. at just the right time. With incredible mileage (often over 40 mpg), it proved diesels could be commuter-friendly. Unlike many American compact cars of the time, it had a solid build and a refined ride.

1981 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

Its trunk was massive for its size, and it set the template for all future Jettas. Though slow, it was efficient, long-lasting, and surprisingly fun to toss around. In the early ’80s, this was the smart pick for students, teachers, and families who wanted more miles for fewer dollars.

1986 Hyundai Excel

While Hyundai wasn’t yet known for quality, the Excel offered something big: extreme affordability and modern style. At under $5,000, it brought power windows, front-wheel drive, and fuel economy to first-time buyers. It wasn’t the best-built car on this list, but it signaled the arrival of South Korean automakers on the global stage.

1986 Hyundai Excel

The Excel’s success helped reshape the budget car market and showed how price could open doors to new tech and comfort features. It gave people a taste of modern driving at a price point that felt like science fiction. The Excel was one of the biggest failures in automotive history, and yet Hyundai managed to rebuild it’s entire image.

1985 Toyota MR2

Mid-engine layouts were for Ferraris, right? Not anymore. The MR2 brought exotic handling to the masses in a tiny, efficient package. It looked like a toy, handled like a dream, and got solid gas mileage. With a five-speed manual and a rev-happy engine, the MR2 gave buyers a taste of precision driving without breaking the bank.

1985 Toyota MR2

This wasn’t just a cheap car—it was a statement. Toyota proved you could make an economy-sized car that drove like a sports car. It was the perfect blend of ‘80s optimism and Japanese engineering excellence. The MR2 was an over engineered fun to drive car.

1983 Dodge Rampage

What if your econobox had a truck bed? That was the question Dodge answered with the Rampage. Based on the compact Omni platform, this small car-truck hybrid gave drivers the utility of a pickup with the handling of a front-wheel-drive hatchback. It wasn’t fast, and it wasn’t strong, but it was unique and useful for city dwellers who needed versatility.

1983 Dodge Rampage

The Rampage’s oddball charm and practicality predated today’s crossover culture. It’s a vehicle that didn’t fit in—and that was exactly the point. Way ahead of its time, it walked so the Subaru Baja and Ford Maverick could run.

1982 Ford Escort

The American compact market was changing, and the Ford Escort was proof. It ditched rear-wheel drive for a modern front-wheel setup, improved fuel economy, and offered hatchback practicality. With European roots and American branding, it gave buyers better handling and more space than they expected.

1982 Ford Escort

Ford’s first real attempt at a global car, the Escort introduced a new way of thinking about small vehicles in the U.S. economy car market. It helped reshape Ford’s lineup and proved American cars could evolve, even if they had to borrow a little Euro flair to do it.

1983 Honda Civic Wagon 4WD

Before crossovers ruled the world, Honda gave us a quirky little wagon with four-wheel drive and surprising space. The Civic Wagon 4WD wasn’t fast, but it was reliable and versatile. It had a raised ride height, tons of room inside, and a drivetrain that gave it unexpected grip on slick roads.

1983 Honda Civic Wagon 4WD

In many ways, it was the spiritual ancestor of today’s compact crossovers. It mixed the bones of a fuel-efficient economy car with the usefulness of an SUV. If you look at modern subcompact SUVs, you’ll see a little of this Civic in every one of them.

1987 Subaru Justy ECVT

The Justy was the first production car to use an electronically controlled CVT in the U.S.—something that’s now common in many economy cars. While the ECVT was jerky and slow back then, it was still groundbreaking. Subaru packed it into a lightweight, simple three-cylinder hatchback that got great gas mileage.

1987 Subaru Justy ECVT

The Justy also offered four-wheel drive, giving buyers a winter-ready runabout with futuristic tech under the hood. It wasn’t perfect, but it introduced tech that would later become the norm. The Justy was a tiny car with big ideas—one that time has finally caught up to.

1982 Plymouth Horizon Miser

The name says it all: “Miser.” This trim of the Plymouth Horizon was made for fuel savings. At a time when gas prices still stung, the Horizon Miser gave American drivers excellent MPG in a simple, easy-to-own package. It wasn’t flashy, but it was cheap, durable, and easy to repair.

1982 Plymouth Horizon Miser

Based on European designs, it helped bring front-wheel drive to the mainstream. It also proved you didn’t need size or power to make a car that served everyday needs. The Miser was the ultimate “no-frills” car—but in its simplicity, it introduced ideas that would drive future economy car trends.

1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel

The Rabbit Diesel was slow—painfully slow—but it was way ahead of its time. This boxy little hatchback could get over 50 mpg and had a roomy interior with a flat floor, making it super practical. It came with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission, two things now common in small fuel-savers.

1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel

The Rabbit Diesel also proved that economy cars could be built well. Its solid German construction gave it a sense of quality many competitors lacked. It laid the groundwork for future VW Golfs and helped America start to think differently about what a small car could be.

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Pickup trucks in 2025 come in all shapes and sizes—from small workhorses to high-end haulers. But not all of them are created equal. Some trucks look good on paper but fall short on reliability or features. Others offer great value and stand up to tough jobs without issues. This list ranks the top 10 pickup trucks for 2025 from worst to best, based on owner feedback, expert reviews, and real-world use. Whether you’re towing, commuting, or just want a reliable truck, this list breaks it all down to help you find the right pickup for your needs.

2025 Nissan Frontier

The 2025 Nissan Frontier keeps the same design from its big update a few years ago. While it looks tough and offers decent off-road features, it falls behind in tech and fuel economy. The ride can feel bumpy, and the cabin doesn’t feel as nice as others in this class.

2025 Nissan Frontier

The V6 engine is strong but thirsty, and some drivers say it doesn’t feel very refined. It’s not a bad truck, but it’s not the best either. If you want a basic midsize truck that gets the job done without bells and whistles, the Frontier might still work for you.

2025 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger comes back in 2025 with a bold new look and more power options. It offers a Raptor version for off-road fans and a strong turbocharged engine. But even with the updates, the ride isn’t as smooth as other trucks in its class.

2025 Ford Ranger

Some owners mention that the back seat is cramped and the infotainment system still feels a bit outdated. Ford is improving reliability, but the Ranger still has a way to go before it catches up to the top midsize trucks. It’s good, just not great—especially when compared to what Toyota and GM are offering.

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is a different kind of truck. It’s built more like an SUV, so it drives smoothly and gets good mileage. The interior is comfortable and roomy, with smart storage and user-friendly tech. But it’s not made for heavy towing or off-road adventures.

2025 Honda Ridgeline

Some truck buyers want more muscle and traditional truck looks, which the Ridgeline lacks. Still, for people who just need a truck for weekend jobs or daily driving, it’s one of the easiest pickups to live with. If comfort matters more than raw power, the Ridgeline might be the right kind of different.

2025 GMC Canyon

The 2025 GMC Canyon looks sharp and feels more premium than most midsize trucks. It shares a lot with the Chevy Colorado, including a turbocharged engine and smooth ride. The new design is bold, and the tech is up to date with big screens and driver-assist features.

2025 GMC Canyon

But reliability is still a question, and the price can jump fast when you add options. It’s a solid pick if you want a stylish truck with some luxury touches. Just be ready to pay a bit more and keep an eye on long-term dependability compared to Toyota or Honda rivals.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2025 Chevy Silverado is a full-size truck that’s great for towing, hauling, or commuting. It has several engine options, including a fuel-saving turbo-four and classic V8s. The inside is more modern than before, especially on higher trims. Chevy has improved ride quality and added more standard safety features.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Still, some buyers report minor issues with tech or build quality. It’s a strong all-around truck but doesn’t quite top the list. If you want power, space, and solid value, the Silverado delivers. Just make sure you test drive a few trims, as features and comfort vary widely between models.

2025 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 stays one of the best-selling trucks for a reason. It offers a ton of options—V6, V8, hybrid, and electric—so there’s something for everyone. It tows a lot, rides well, and has a huge touchscreen with useful work features. Ford has added more tech and driver aids for 2025, and it’s all wrapped in a strong, modern design.

2025 Ford F-150

While early electric models had a few bugs, Ford is fixing those quickly. The F-150 isn’t perfect, but it checks nearly every box for work and play. It remains a smart pick for truck buyers who want variety and power. The F-150 is a fine example of how to build a popular truck, and that’s why it has sold so well for decades.

2025 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2025 Chevy Colorado is one of the best midsize trucks this year. It’s fun to drive, looks great, and has strong performance with its turbocharged engine. Chevy made the interior feel more like a full-size truck with updated screens and better materials. It also offers off-road packages like the Trail Boss and ZR2 for adventure lovers.

2025 Chevrolet Colorado

Ride quality is improved, and the tech is easier to use than before. It still shares some parts with the Canyon but costs a little less. For people who want a strong, affordable midsize truck that handles everything, the Colorado is a great pick.

2025 Toyota Tundra

The 2025 Toyota Tundra is tough, smart, and now even more efficient. Toyota ditched the V8, replacing it with a strong twin-turbo V6 and hybrid options that boost fuel economy and torque. It’s great for towing and offers lots of smart features inside like a huge screen and Toyota’s newest safety tech.

2025 Toyota Tundra

The ride is smoother than older Tundras, and the cabin feels high-end on upper trims. Reliability has also improved with this new generation. If you need a full-size truck that works hard and stays dependable, the Tundra earns its spot in the top three of this list.

2025 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is fully redesigned for 2025, and Toyota got almost everything right. It now offers more legroom, better ride comfort, and way more tech than ever before. You can pick from a turbocharged engine or a new hybrid setup with better gas mileage and strong torque.

2025 Toyota Tacoma

Off-road versions like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter are built for adventure, and daily drivers will love the smooth ride. Toyota added more safety features too. Best of all, it still holds its title as one of the most reliable trucks on the road. The new Tacoma feels fresh but stays tough.

2025 Ram 1500

The 2025 Ram 1500 holds the top spot for a reason. It offers the best ride quality in the full-size class, thanks to its smooth suspension and quiet cabin. Ram now includes a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine to replace the old HEMI V8, and it delivers better fuel economy without giving up performance.

2025 Ram 1500

The interior is still the nicest in the game—more like a luxury SUV than a truck. Big screens, soft-touch materials, and smart storage make it easy to live with every day. If you want power, comfort, and dependability all in one, the Ram 1500 is the best choice.

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We all know sad stories about the demise of Pontiac, Oldsmobile, or Mercury, but the US car industry is filled with tales of famous brands that were discontinued for various reasons. In almost all cases, those brands were fan favorites, but they didn’t have the luck to continue. Here are the 10 most interesting American car brands we won’t see again. 

1. Edsel

Ford launched the Edsel in 1958 as an upscale alternative to its Ford and Mercury lines, aiming to rival Buick and Oldsmobile. Over $400 million went into the brand’s development and marketing, but public reaction was underwhelming. The controversial design, especially the grille, drew criticism and jokes, which hurt its image. 

Despite strong initial sales, interest plummeted, and the Edsel was discontinued in 1960. The real issue wasn’t quality—it was Ford’s massive overhype. Buyers expected innovation but got a gussied-up Ford. The Edsel is remembered as a cautionary tale in automotive history—proof that marketing alone can’t compensate for poor execution.

2. Imperial

Often mistaken as a Chrysler model, Imperial was a standalone luxury brand under the Chrysler umbrella from 1955 to 1975 and briefly revived in the early ’80s. Created to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln, Imperials featured distinctive styling and upscale interiors. However, they shared too much with regular Chrysler models and offered limited body styles. 

By the ’70s, economic shifts and increased European competition weakened the brand’s appeal. Without a full lineup or unique platforms, sales declined. Although discontinued, Imperial still has fans; some believe Chrysler should bring it back as a modern American luxury alternative.

3. Packard

Once more prestigious than Cadillac, Packard was a symbol of American luxury from its founding in 1899 until its demise in 1958. Known for elegant styling, top-quality engineering, and powerful engines, Packard sedans were favored by presidents and royalty. After WWII, the brand struggled to keep up with competitors backed by larger corporate structures. 

It merged with Studebaker in 1953 to survive, but the resulting cars lacked the brand’s former prestige. The last Packards were rebadged Studebakers, a sad end to a once-great name. Though attempts were made to revive it, Packard remains a memory of bygone elegance.

4. Duesenberg

Duesenberg, active from 1913 to 1937, built some of America’s most iconic luxury cars. The brand combined bespoke styling with high performance, introducing advanced straight-eight engines and even supercharging technology. The 1930 SSJ produced 320 hp—unheard of at the time. Duesenbergs were the favorites of Hollywood stars and wealthy elites, symbolizing wealth and power. 

Despite its racing pedigree and engineering innovation, the Great Depression crippled sales, and the company folded. Though long gone, its legacy lives on. Many enthusiasts dream of a revival, comparing its potential to Bugatti’s comeback. The name “Duesy” still represents something truly extraordinary.

5. Pierce-Arrow

Founded in 1901, Pierce-Arrow became one of America’s premier luxury automakers, known for its flowing lines, artistic designs, and unique fender-mounted headlights. Based in Buffalo, NY, it appealed to celebrities, musicians, and international buyers with its craftsmanship and bold styling. Competing with Packard, Cadillac, and Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow earned its place in the luxury car world. 

However, like many independents, Pierce-Arrow couldn’t survive the economic collapse of the Great Depression, and production ceased in 1938. Despite its relatively short run, Pierce-Arrow remains an essential name in automotive history, remembered for pushing design boundaries and representing the creative spirit of early American luxury.

6. Auburn

Auburn began as a modest automaker in Indiana but transformed into a high-style premium brand under Errett Lobban Cord’s leadership in the 1920s. Known for elegant, high-performance cars, Auburn offered straight-eight engines and eye-catching designs. Its crowning achievement was the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster, which featured a 4.5-liter engine and optional supercharger. 

Despite the car’s appeal, the Depression era wasn’t kind to flashy brands. Auburn tried to keep pace with Cadillac but couldn’t match its resources or market reach. By 1937, production ended. Auburn’s brief but dazzling legacy lives on through collectors and design historians who admire its bold flair.

7. Stutz

Founded in 1911 in Indianapolis, Stutz built a reputation for performance and luxury. The Bearcat model, derived from racing roots, was considered one of America’s first sports cars. Stutz innovated with advanced engines, including 32-valve heads, and set speed records in the 1920s. Its high-quality builds and racetrack success made it desirable among wealthy drivers. However, sales didn’t match the reputation, and the brand ceased operations in 1935. 

A revival in 1968 introduced retro-styled Stutz vehicles, but they remained niche curiosities. Despite its eventual disappearance, the Stutz name still evokes early motorsport glamour and American ingenuity.

8. LaSalle

General Motors introduced LaSalle in 1927 to bridge the gap between Cadillac and more affordable Buick and Oldsmobile models. Designed and marketed under Cadillac’s supervision, LaSalle offered much of the Cadillac prestige at a lower price, gaining a solid following. Known for attractive styling and decent performance, it was a brilliant strategy during its early years. 

However, by the late 1940s, GM decided the brand overlapped too closely with Cadillac’s lower-end offerings. LaSalle was discontinued in 1940, and although the name appeared on a few concept cars afterward, it never returned to production. Its legacy remains understated but respected.

9. Marmon

The Marmon Motor Car Company, founded in 1902 in Indianapolis, earned fame for innovation and speed. It pioneered multi-cylinder engines well before competitors, including V2s, V4s, and eventually V8s. Marmon’s biggest claim to fame came in 1911 when its Wasp won the first-ever Indianapolis 500. 

Despite success in racing and luxury markets, Marmon couldn’t maintain momentum against better-funded rivals. Its attempt to regain status with a V16 engine failed to turn the tide. In 1933, the company closed. Though less known today, Marmon’s contributions to early automotive engineering and racing remain historically significant.

10. Continental

Continental was Ford’s second failed attempt at launching a premium brand after Edsel. Established in the mid-1950s, the Continental Division was intended to sit above Lincoln in the Ford hierarchy. Its only real offering was the Continental Mark II, produced from 1956 to 1957. It was a beautifully crafted, hand-assembled, and costly car, comparable in price to a Rolls-Royce. 

While critically acclaimed, it was unprofitable, leading Ford to fold the division quickly. Later, the Mark series continued under the Lincoln name, but the standalone brand vanished. The original Continental Mark II remains a beloved symbol of mid-century American luxury done right.

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