Pickup trucks have long been a symbol of rugged reliability, but not all trucks have received love from the public. Some models, due to design quirks, reliability issues, or simply being ahead (or behind) their time, became known for all the wrong reasons. Let’s explore 14 trucks that stirred controversy and left a lasting mark on automotive history.
14. 1961-1963 Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside – Exterior
The Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside was an innovative pickup truck distinguished by its unique side-loading ramp, which made accessing the cargo area remarkably easy. Borrowing the rear-engine design from the Corvair car line, it boasted a low center of gravity and a distinctive look that set it apart from other pickups. However, its air-cooled flat-six engine, producing around 80 horsepower, proved underpowered for heavy-duty tasks.
1961-1963 Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside – Interior
Despite its practical design, the Rampside faced reliability issues and struggled to compete with more traditional pickups. Its handling and safety concerns, stemming from the rear-engine layout, further limited its popularity. Today, the Rampside’s niche appeal and limited production make it a rare find among collectors.
13. 1937 Plymouth PT50 – Exterior
The Plymouth PT50 was introduced during a transformative time in American history. While it had the makings of a classic with its blend of function and style, it fell short in the performance department. Its underpowered engine and tendency to rust over time left owners frustrated.
1937 Plymouth PT50 – Interior
While the PT50 represented a step toward modern truck design, its lack of reliability compared to competitors made it a tough sell for those needing a true workhorse.
12. 2003 Chevrolet SSR – Exterior
The Chevrolet SSR, or Super Sport Roadster, was a bold attempt at combining retro styling with modern performance. With its retractable hardtop and eye-catching design, it turned heads—but practicality wasn’t its strong suit.
2003 Chevrolet SSR – Interior
Early models boasted a 300-horsepower V8 engine, but it wasn’t until 2005, with a 390-horsepower upgrade, that the SSR felt worthy of its sporty looks. However, with limited cargo space and awkward proportions, the SSR left many wondering if it was more style than substance.
11. 1976 AMC Jeep Honcho – Exterior
The AMC Jeep Honcho made waves with its rugged design and bold decals, standing out from other trucks in its era. Powered by engines ranging from an inline-6 to a V8 delivering 330 horsepower, the Honcho certainly had potential. However, mechanical issues and inconsistent reliability held it back from greatness.
1976 AMC Jeep Honcho – Interior
Only 1,264 units were produced, making it a rare find but also a reminder of a truck that didn’t quite live up to expectations.
10. 1978-1979 Dodge Li’l Red Express – Exterior
The Dodge Li’l Red Express was a standout in the late 1970s, known for its eye-catching design and surprising performance. It featured bold red paint with gold decals, chrome exhaust stacks, and oak-trimmed bed sides that made it look like no other truck on the road. Powered by a 360-cubic-inch V8 engine, it produced 225 horsepower and was one of the fastest vehicles of its time, reaching 100 mph quicker than many sports cars.
1978-1979 Dodge Li’l Red Express – Interior
However, its limited practicality and high fuel consumption were drawbacks that contributed to its short production span. Despite its performance, this truck was often seen as gimmicky due to its flashy styling and limited practicality as a work vehicle.
9. 1979 Ford Durango – Exterior
The 1979 Ford Durango was an interesting experiment—essentially a modified Ford Fairmont turned into a pickup by National Coachworks. With only 212 units built, it never gained traction as a production model. The Durango’s awkward styling, combined with a 94-horsepower engine, left it underwhelming in performance and design.
1979 Ford Durango – Interior
The mix of fiberglass and hand-crafted components further contributed to its unpopularity, making it more of an oddity than a practical pickup.
8. 1955 Chevrolet Task Force – Exterior
The Chevrolet Task Force marked a shift in truck design, offering power steering and V8 engines as options. Its sleek looks, complete with wraparound windshields, made it stand out. But its high price and focus on aesthetics over durability meant that it wasn’t the go-to choice for those needing a reliable work truck.
1955 Chevrolet Task Force – Interior
Issues with rust and wear compounded its problems, tarnishing its reputation over time despite its iconic appearance today.
7. 1961 International Harvester C120 Travelette – Exterior
The International Harvester C120 Travelette holds a special place as the first factory-produced six-passenger crew cab truck. It was innovative for its time, offering more seating than any other truck on the market.
1961 International Harvester C120 Travelette – Interior
However, rust issues and mechanical failures in harsh climates meant it couldn’t compete with the more established brands. While its design was ahead of its time, the Travelette’s reliability problems kept it from becoming a household name.
6. 2001-2006 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – Exterior
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac introduced versatility to the SUV market by combining the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. Its four-door cabin provided ample passenger space, while the small cargo bed offered flexibility for light hauling tasks. Although it was powered by a V6 engine delivering up to 210 horsepower, it lacked the towing capacity of traditional trucks.
2001-2006 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – Interior
The Sport Trac’s innovative design appealed to adventurous families but faced criticism for its awkward proportions and limited bed size compared to full-sized pickups. Despite these challenges, it paved the way for future crossover utility vehicles.
5. 1971 GMC Sprint – Exterior
The 1971 GMC Sprint was essentially a rebadged version of the Chevrolet El Camino, mirroring its design and mechanical components. Despite its robust features, the Sprint faced criticism for its lack of uniqueness, failing to stand out in a competitive market. Consumers preferred more distinctive options, leading to the Sprint’s unpopularity.
1971 GMC Sprint – Interior
Its close resemblance to the El Camino without offering significant differences contributed to its poor reception among buyers seeking innovative choices in their vehicles.
4. 1984 Ford Bronco II – Exterior
The 1984 Ford Bronco II holds an interesting place in automotive history, appearing during a time when small off-road vehicles were becoming popular. While not strictly a pickup, it was built on the same platform as the Ford Ranger and featured a unique design that made it agile on trails. However, safety concerns regarding rollover risks damaged its reputation.
1984 Ford Bronco II – Interior
Despite its features, the Bronco II was not popular due to these safety issues, making it one of the most criticized pickups of its time.
3. 1979 Dodge D50 – Exterior
The 1979 Dodge D50 was produced under the D50 nameplate and later continued as the Dodge Ram 50. Despite its compact design and practicality, the D50 faced challenges with build quality and durability. American consumers generally preferred larger, more powerful trucks, overshadowing the D50’s appeal.
1979 Dodge D50 – Interior
These factors contributed to its widespread unpopularity, making it one of the most disliked pickups of its time. The D50’s engines, particularly the 2 L variant, lacked the power needed for heavy-duty tasks, further diminishing its reputation in the market.
2. 1962 Jeep Gladiator – Exterior
The 1962 Jeep Gladiator was a full-size pickup truck series that combined off-road capability with truck utility. However, it faced criticism for its reliability, with frequent mechanical issues stemming from its engines. The Gladiator struggled to stand out in a competitive market dominated by Ford and Chevrolet, and its limited marketing further hindered its appeal.
1962 Jeep Gladiator – Interior
Many consumers expected more from a Jeep, especially in terms of reliability and off-road capabilities. The Gladiator’s shortcomings in these areas contributed to its reputation as one of the most hated American pickups, ultimately leading to its discontinuation in 1988.
1. 1960 Studebaker Champ – Exterior
The 1960 Studebaker Champ faced a challenging market and was often criticized for its outdated components. With several unique features, including front sheet metal shared with the 1959 Lark sedan, the Champ struggled with reliability and consumer confidence due to Studebaker’s financial troubles.
1960 Studebaker Champ – Interior
The lack of power steering and outdated design elements contributed to its unpopularity. Despite its potential, the Champ failed to carve out a unique identity in a competitive market, leading to its eventual decline.
