Top Picks: Premier Brands for Reliable Used Trucks

When it comes to purchasing a used truck, choosing the right brand is crucial for ensuring reliability and performance. Some brands consistently stand out due to their proven track record of durability, quality, and availability of parts. Among these top contenders are Ford, known for its iconic F-Series trucks; Chevrolet, which offers robust models like the Silverado; and Toyota, celebrated for the dependability of the Tacoma. For a comprehensive breakdown of these brands and more, explore the detailed guide below.

Illustration of used trucks

Best brands of used trucks in 2025

Ford

Ford is renowned as one of the leading producers of used trucks, particularly with its F-Series lineup, which has consistently dominated the market. In 2023, Ford's F-Series sales totaled 382,893 units, making it America's best-selling truck and outselling the second-place Silverado by approximately 118,000 trucks. The Ford F-350 Super Duty, for instance, boasts a 49.1% chance of lasting over 250,000 miles, highlighting its exceptional durability. Ford's overall truck sales in the first half of 2023 were up 23.1%, and the brand maintained a significant market share in the U.S., with truck sales accounting for 54% of its total U.S. volume in 2023.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet stands as a leading brand for used trucks, particularly with its robust lineup of full-size pickups. The Chevrolet Silverado, for instance, has seen significant market share growth, with a 27% segment share in Q3 2023 and a combined market share of 41% when including the GMC Sierra, making GM the best-selling manufacturer of full-size pickups in the U.S. The Silverado is noted for its strong sales performance, with it being the fastest-growing full-size pickup truck in the industry. Additionally, Chevrolet's truck sales have contributed substantially to GM's overall market share, with trucks making up 50% of GM's total U.S. retail volume in fiscal year 2023. This consistent demand and market dominance solidify Chevrolet's position as a top choice for used trucks. You can explore more about the Chevrolet Silverado used trucks.

Ram

Ram has established itself as one of the leading brands in the truck market, particularly with its pickup trucks. In 2019, Ram saw a significant increase in sales, with an 18-percent rise to 703,023 units, setting a new record for the brand since its spin-off from Dodge in 2009. This growth was driven by the popularity of its pickup models, which surged by 97,000 units compared to 2018, contributing to a 15 percent overall sales increase for the brand. Ram's market share also increased by more than 16 percent, indicating strong consumer preference. However, recent data shows that Toyota's Tundra has surpassed Ram in market share, with Tundra's share at 15.3 percent as of April 2024, while Ram's share is below 10 percent. For more detailed sales figures, see the Ram US Sales Figures.

Toyota

Toyota is renowned for producing some of the best used trucks, particularly the Toyota Tacoma, which is celebrated for its reliability, smooth ride, and powerful performance. In 2024, Toyota's U.S. sales rose 7% despite industry-wide challenges, with the Tacoma seeing a 19.4% increase in sales for October 2024 compared to the previous year. Toyota's certified used vehicle program is also expanding, highlighting the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, with over 790,000 certified used vehicles sold by Toyota dealers in 2023. The Tacoma's enduring popularity is evident from its consistent sales, such as 235,000 units sold in 2023, making it a top choice in the mid-size pickup category. Toyota's strong market presence and customer trust make it an excellent option for those seeking reliable used trucks. For further insights, you can explore the top five best first trucks to consider.

GMC

GMC, a prominent brand under General Motors, has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality trucks, particularly with the GMC Sierra, which saw significant sales of 241,521 units in 2022 and 222,519 units in 2023, despite a 7.87% year-over-year decline in 2023. GMC's strong brand reputation allows it to command higher transaction prices, contributing to its success in the U.S. market, especially with full-sized trucks and SUVs. The brand's sales have more than doubled between 2009 and 2015, driven by low gasoline prices and high margins on these vehicles. GMC's truck sales are a key component of General Motors' overall market share, with GM's truck sales making up 50% of its total U.S. retail volume in fiscal 2023. GMC's resilience and market performance underscore its position as a top choice for used trucks. For more insights into their sales performance, visit GMC U.S. Sales Figures.

Nissan

Nissan, while not primarily known for used trucks, has experienced notable performance in its new truck sales, such as the Nissan Titan, which saw a 47% sales gain to 3,782 units in the final quarter of 2023. However, for used trucks, the market dynamics are different. The global used truck market is projected to grow, but Nissan's specific contribution to this segment is not highlighted as a major strength. Nissan's focus has been on transitioning to electrification and improving core model profitability, as part of its Nissan NEXT strategy. Despite this, Nissan's overall market share in the U.S. was 5.17% in Q3 of fiscal year 2024, with some models showing significant sales increases.

Honda

Honda stands out as a top producer of reliable and versatile used trucks, particularly with the Honda Ridgeline, which has been consistently recognized for its unique blend of comfort, capability, and technology. In the first quarter of Honda's 2024 fiscal year, the Ridgeline saw a 106% increase in sales, highlighting its popularity. The Ridgeline is noted for its passenger space, agility, and ride refinement, making it an excellent choice in the mid-size pickup truck segment. Despite supply chain issues in 2022, Honda's production and sales have rebounded significantly, with overall U.S. sales rising 45% in the first quarter of 2024. Honda's market share also increased to 8.4%, indicating a strong recovery and consumer trust in the brand. For a detailed analysis of Honda's quarterly U.S. market performance, you can access the full report.

Dodge

The Dodge brand, with its rich history spanning over 110 years, has established itself as a formidable producer of reliable and powerful trucks. Despite recent sales declines, with Dodge sales down 67% from their 2013 peak of 595,743 vehicles, the brand still holds a significant market presence, particularly with models like the Durango carrying the brand forward. In 2023, Dodge sold 199,458 vehicles, a slight improvement from 2022's lowest annual sales figure since 1996. The brand's market share, although reduced to 1.09% by the end of 2023, reflects its enduring legacy in the automotive industry. Dodge's trucks, known for their dependability and performance, continue to attract a loyal customer base. For more insights into the history of the Dodge brand, explore their heritage and resilience in the automotive world.

Jeep

Jeep remains a leading brand in the automotive industry, particularly for used trucks, with a strong market presence and loyal customer base. In 2023, the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler were among the best-selling SUV and crossover models in the US, with 212,701 and 155,491 unit sales, respectively. Jeep's market share in the off-road vehicle segment is impressive, reaching about 30% in North America. The brand's revenue in North America from SUV sales was approximately $12 billion in 2023, and it is expected to maintain a significant market share in 2024. Despite recent declines, Jeep continues to capitalize on its heritage and reputation for rugged vehicles.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi, although not as dominant in recent years, has a notable history as a producer of reliable trucks. In the US, Mitsubishi's sales peaked in 2002 with 345,915 vehicles sold, but the brand experienced a significant decline thereafter, hitting a low of 53,988 vehicles in 2009. However, Mitsubishi is on a recovery path, with sales now steadily above the 100,000 mark, largely due to the popularity of its SUV lineup. The brand's trucks, such as those from the early 2000s, are still sought after in the used market for their durability and performance. Mitsubishi's truck sales have shown a 17.4% increase in 2024, indicating a resurgence in interest. For more details on Mitsubishi's sales figures, visit Mitsubishi US Sales Figures.