10 Ford And Chevy Pickups That'll Last You 500,000 Miles

Odometers hitting the fabled 500,000-mile mark might seem unreal, but these Ford and Chevy pickups can achieve this milestone effortlessly.

There's no getting around the fact that pickup trucks plaster a smile on the faces of the United States' gearhead populace. Why? These automobiles rank as jacks of all trades (and master of all!), adding daily driving on prepped surfaces, off-roading adventures, hauling, and towing. What's more? Their behemoth appearance delivers an otherworldly feeling that smaller cars, irrespective of their form factor and powertrain peppiness, can't offer.

American automakers have sunk their teeth into this automobile segment, releasing top-tier and high-performance variations each passing year. But in a market where saturation reigns supreme, a question beckons — what are the best trucks for longevity?

Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer for this query. But using Ford and Chevrolet as a foundation, we've dug deep to unearth pickups rolled out by these auto manufacturers that'll hit the 500,000-mile threshold without crucial parts disintegrating. Itching to get a hold of these reliable trucks? Read on!

Data featured in this article were obtained from CarSurvey, VehicleHistory, Classic.com and Edmunds. All stated facts and values were correct at the time of writing.

The 2000 Chevrolet S-10 was revered as a rugged and durable pickup truck that showcased car-like qualities. Available in two models (base and LS) and offered in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations, the 2000 S-10 stood out for its powertrain alternatives.

While the standard mill mated to rear-wheel drive models was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that delivered 120 horses and 140 lb-ft of torque, most buyers opted for the optional 4.3-liter V6 that belted out 180 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of twist. On the flip side, all 4WD S-10s fitted an improved V6 that pushed out 190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

The 2000 S-10 also had a distinct ZR2 package gravitated towards off-roading with a higher ride height, a wider track, unique wheel flares, and aggressive-looking tires. And besides being an impressive pickup truck with diverse creature comforts, the 2000 Chevrolet S-10 slots into the best cheap pickup trucks for sale category, with prices for used iterations starting at $7,000.

Related: 10 Things We Love About The Chevy S10 Pickup Truck

The Ford F-Series lineup has made a glaring mark in automotive (and by extension, pickup truck) history. How? By remaining the best-selling truck for 46 years in a row! While the Ford's F-Series segment waxes strong till date, it's pertinent to note that the 1977 Ford F-100 etched itself among the models that kick-started Ford's pickup truck domination. The 1977 F-100 earmarked the introduction of the 351 and 400 cubic-inch V8s that mated out 163 and 169 horsepower, respectively. Additionally, the pickup truck wielded plastic fender liners to prevent corrosion.

The reviews associated with the 1977 Ford F-100 describe the pickup truck as a great investment. Owners aren't hesitant to rave about its reliability and workhorse-certified stance.

Tagged the first-ever Ultimate Utility Truck, the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche turned heads upon release for being a crossbred full-size SUV and pickup truck. This burly truck packs a punch under the hood, hosting GM's rock-solid 5.3-liter Vortec V8 that pushes out 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers the required grunt to do a 0-60 MPH run in 8.9 seconds; and thanks to its torquey stance, the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche features among the best trucks for towing-related activities (for its time) with a maximum tow rating of 8,300 pounds. The truck also has a sturdy suspension system that guarantees stable, comfy, and quiet rides.

The Chevy Avalanche is regarded as a truck that'll keep running for 300,000 miles or higher, depending on how well you treat it. Many owners confirm this assertion, with several staying that their 2002 Chevrolet Avalanches rallied on after clicking 300,000 to 400,000 miles.

If you're in the market for some of the finest classic trucks from the stables of Ford, there's an increased possibility that you'll encounter the 1994 Ford F-150 — and for good reason, too! The '94 F-150 reverberated the nameplate's commitment towards architectural solidity, seamless handling, and impeccable reliability. Powering this full-size truck was a 4.9-liter inline-6 engine that cranked out 150 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque (the ultimate variant was a 5.8-liter V8 that bumped up performance values to 210 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque). The 1994 Ford F-150 also fitted the chrome wheels alongside creature comforts like power window and door locks, air conditioner, and a cassette player (AM/FM).

The 1994 Ford F-150 is deemed by owners as a life-changing truck that'll take anything thrown at it without hassles. These reviews go further to cement the fact that the 1994 Ford F-150 is undoubtedly one of the most reliable pickup trucks ever manufactured by the Blue Oval automaker.

The Chevrolet S-10 was replaced by the Colorado for the 2004 model year, and it debuted with loads of promise. For 2004, the Colorado had two distinct engines; while there was a 2.8-liter inline-4 engine good for 175 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, Chevy gave customers access to a more powerful 3.5-liter five-cylinder engine that delivered 220 horses and 225 lb-ft of twist. That said, buyers could choose from a pair of pristine transmission alternatives — an Aisin five-speed manual or a Hydra-matic four-speed automatic transmission. Although the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado breathed a new lease of life with a refined aesthetic, many were disappointed with its max towing rating of 4,000 pounds (for context, the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 had a towing capacity of 5,900 lbs).

The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado has a solid wave of positive feedback from owners. A bulk of these reviews rain plaudits on the mid-size truck for its long-lasting and powerful stance. Some users also state that the '04 Chevrolet Colorado has been a companion a decade and 200,000+ miles later.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

The Ford Ranger ventured into the pickup truck scene back in 1982 (1983 model year). Upon its release, it amassed a massive following for its compatibility, performance, and durability. For 1998, the Ranger still hadn't deviated from its foundations, showcasing a sharp and sturdy architecture that offered the ultimate compact pickup experience. The 1998 Ranger's interior, while not being opulent, hosted supportive seats, an easy-to-use instrument panel and switchgear, and a CD/cassette player routed to a four-speaker system. And on the performance front, the 1998 Ford Ranger didn't slack with two engine alternatives — a 117-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4 engine and a 158-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 mill.

The reviews relating to the 1998 Ford Ranger rarely denote negativity; rather, most of them are tell-tale of the truck's underrated stance. Numerous owners say the '98 Ranger was a truck that ran as intended as long as it was put through regular and routine maintenance.

If you're on the lookout for trucks that last the longest, you might want to consider the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. Now in its sixth production year, the '09 Colorado witnessed several changes, most notably the introduction of a puissant V8 engine for the first time. For context, it was a 5.3-liter iteration that produced 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. Although the '09 Colorado's interior was characterized by subpar materials, it earned high marks for its roominess and clutter-free dashboard. The truck also came with safety functionalities like anti-lock brakes and traction control. It's also one of the best used Chevy pickup trucks out there, with budget-friendly prices starting around $7,000.

Users of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado tag it a reliable work truck void of problems — but for this to take precedence, routine maintenance is non-negotiable. Some also tag it as a great daily driver, all thanks to the truck's roomy interior and supportive seats.

Searching for a heavy-duty truck that'll go the distance regardless of prevailing circumstances? Consider taking a trip down memory lane to see what the 1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty has got under its sleeves. Upon its debut, the '99 F-350 got tongues wagging for featuring 44 unique configurations. And to tally its Super Duty status, the 1999 F-350 had three revolutionary powertrains: a 5.4-liter Triton V8 capable of 235 horses and 335 lb-ft of torque; a 6.8-liter Triton V10 that generated 275 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque; a diesel-powered 7.3-liter Power Stroke that impressed with 235 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. That said, interior luxuries like leather seats, power steering, and air conditioning prevailed on the 1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty.

1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty owners consider it a behemoth truck that handles like a car. This truck is also praised for its fuel-efficiency, despite boasting top-tier towing and hauling capabilities. Furthermore, the '99 F-350 Super Duty is deemed reliable, with one owner suggesting they'd like to get another.

Another Super Duty truck we'll be giving credence to is the 2005 Ford F-250. Available in three cab configurations, this F-250 has three powertrain options, the most powerful being the 6.8-liter V10 that coughs out 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. This truck also screams work readiness with a steel chassis and extended frame sections for unfiltered strength and durability. These updates give the 2005 Ford F-250 the muscle to pull 12,500 pounds without letting out distorted revs.

The Ford F-250 Super Duty is considered the truck that screams the Blue Oval's Built Ford Tough slogan, word for word. And while the exterior is rock-solid and forged from steel, the interior oozes comfort in all ramifications.

Related: Watch This Nearly Stock Ford F-250 Super Duty Prove Its Worth Climbing Hell’s Gate

Since its introduction to the Ford F-Series lineup in 1975, the F-150 has evolved to become a trend-setting full-size pickup truck. For 2013, the F-150 entered the market with head-turning add-ons like hill-descent control, xenon headlights, and an infotainment system powered by MyFord Touch. The 2013 F-150 made its debut with four unique engine alternatives; and while all were considered stalwart, the most powerful was the 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to the Raptor trim.

Owner reviews on the 2013 Ford F-150 affirm that it's a functional and practical full-size pickup truck. Some comments also state that the F-150 has stayed problem-free despite daily use for years.

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Benson's love for automobiles isn't waning anytime soon. Having ghostwritten for multiple automotive-themed sites for the last three years, he's decided to pitch his tent at HotCars -- churning out stellar content bound to keep you immersed.