Are there any *interesting* trucks anymore?

There were some dealers in previous years that were doing F150 XL (stripper version) with short cab then hot rodded up with engine mods to make them fast.  Think of something done in the vein of the original Ford Lightning ala smallest truck with biggest engine.  Maybe these are Roush or similar. 

Is something like that interesting? Single cab, short bed, big engine. 

Or, Cadillac offered an Escalade version of the Chevy Avalanche named Escalade - something-with three letters.  Always came with the 6.0, big engine and a lot of lux. Is a used version of this kind of pseudo-truck interesting? 

John Welsh said:

There were some dealers in previous years that were doing F150 XL (stripper version) with short cab then hot rodded up with engine mods to make them fast.  Think of something done in the vein of the original Ford Lightning ala smallest truck with biggest engine.  Maybe these are Roush or similar. 

Is something like that interesting? Single cab, short bed, big engine. 

 

Or, Cadillac offered an Escalade version of the Chevy Avalanche named Escalade - something-with three letters.  Always came with the 6.0, big engine and a lot of lux. Is a used version of this kind of pseudo-truck interesting? 

Dealer on-offs would be of interest but not something you can easily do a search for.

The Caddilanch has been on my search list but its still on the boring end of life and cost wise when I compare it to a well equipped F150 it starts to loose out.

For sheer giggles I looked at a newer caddy suburban (whatever they call it) and from the lux perspective its everything I loved about my ELR and CTS-V, but it just seems TOO nice to use for truck life.  I live on a farm I will haul nasty stuff.  Even with the H2 I used to get folks saying "you arent going to put THAT in your nice truck are you"  Yes I am, its a truck.  But also why Im leaning toward something with a bed rather than another SUV.

At this point though Im tempted just to break the bank and find a duramax swapped H2 to ride off into the sunset.

In reply to JThw8 :

Do you need the extended cab?  A regular cab F150 suddenly becomes rather special. Plus it's significantly lighter which makes it perform rather well. 
     Then make sure you get the flex fuel option. Because well, more power.   My V8 regular cabV8 4x4 on E85 will smoke the tires if I roll into it hard getting on the freeway.  Yet return 20 mpg if I drive gentle. (22+with 87 octane ) in my daily commute to and from work. 
  Plus you save $1.00 a gallon on E85  which works out to $20 a tankful  adjusting for the lower MPG  I'm still $10 ahead per tankful.  Plus if you're hauling a heavy trailer the engine runs cooler.  
  Mine has been perfect since new.  No problems. Talking to mechanics they say the V8 6 speed has been bullet proof. No issues. 
  

H3T Alpha was the H3 pick up that came with a 5.3L. That's a lot of engine in small truck. 

I personally like the lines of the H3 pick up better than the H2, but there's an H2 pick up also? 

https://www.thedrive.com/news/30193/is-this-rare-2010-hummer-h3t-alpha-v-8-midsize-pickup-still-worth-33k

John Welsh said:

H3 Alpha was the H3 pick up that came with a 5.3L. That's a lot of engine in small truck. 

Nothing against them but I'll stick with the H2 if Im staying with Hummer.   In honesty I like my H2, if they can fix it that will be best case scenario.  But for interior space for hauling its on the edge of adequate so the H3 would fall woefully short.  But if they cant fix mine then I know after searching high and low for one just the way I like it and adding more to it to make it just so, Im not really sure I want to start all over again.  Some things will be hard to find.  I was tempted to buy a beat one with a good body and swap everything else out of mine to it but that's time I just dont have on my hands.

Going down the "budget be damned" rabbit hole I answerd my own question.

The Roush Nightmare....2017 model with under 30k on the clock available at my local dealer.  600hp of supercharged fun in a VERY limited edition, that is interesting :)   Still outside my pay grade but at least there are some things out there.

JThw8 said:

Going down the "budget be damned" rabbit hole I answerd my own question.

The Roush Nightmare....2017 model with under 30k on the clock available at my local dealer.  600hp of supercharged fun in a VERY limited edition, that is interesting :)   Still outside my pay grade but at least there are some things out there.

 

Didn't I basically suggest this?  LoL. I bet that truck moves! 

In reply to yupididit :

Apologies, I guess you did, I was thinking you were talking dealer packages which I suppose this qualifies as.  It is about 20k over my target range but it is local and damn it checks all the happy boxes.   It will be in my best interest if they dont total my truck, I dont need this kind of debt :)

JThw8 said:

dps214 said:

JThw8 said:

yupididit said:

In reply to JThw8 :

Or the 5.0 and throw a whipple on it? 

Factory hotrod trucks are still made so there's no need to miss those days. You just don't want to pay the price of admission into the recent factory hotrod trucks lol

Price of admission aside, besides the Raptor what's interesting?  Fast...eh fast is easy, boring trucks can be fast, but I dont know I'm just looking for what stands out a bit and not finding it.  Even interesting colors are few and far between.

What are the old days hot rod trucks you're missing? Basically all I can think of are the lightning and the srt10 and at least one of those was useless as an actual truck. Plus a new Ecoboost f150 is probably faster anyway. I've driven a 3.5 f150 and it's certainly not boring when you put your foot to the floor. Even towing a 7k lb trailer the thing isn't slow. Anyway, I'm just not sure what you're looking for. Interesting colors are out there, but with your budget restrictions you're not really in a position to be super picky.

As I noted above, remove the budget restriction and show me something interesting.  I'm saying 30k because Im a cheap SOB, but if there was something that got my interest enough to open the wallet I'd be interested in hearing about it. 

When I say interesting let's look at some of my past vehicles.  

Maruader instead of Crown Vic

Abarth instead of Fiat 500

CTS-V instead of CTS

Basically Im looking for the specialty models, the INTERESTING ones.

Okay, you gave some car examples, I still want to know what these interesting trucks of the past are that you're yearning for.

This isn't a suggestion as to what you should buy since you said no Dodge products, but as an example of interesting trucks I think the Ram R/T qualifies as it has the old 90's "sport truck" recipe for the most part: regular cab short bed with color matched bumpers instead of chrome, v8 power, and a higher rear axle ratio than the regular truck, as well as limited slip. To me that's kind of the modern answer to the original Ford Lightning. If they had made it available with the 6.4 it might've been truly special.

JThw8 said:

Going down the "budget be damned" rabbit hole I answerd my own question.

There was a dealer in Georgia making Lightning-badged trucks with the Roush blower in them.

Further down that "no budget" rabbit hole there's also the F-250 Tremor.

In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :

You can get a F150 Tremor too.

dps214 said:

JThw8 said:

dps214 said:

JThw8 said:

yupididit said:

In reply to JThw8 :

Or the 5.0 and throw a whipple on it? 

Factory hotrod trucks are still made so there's no need to miss those days. You just don't want to pay the price of admission into the recent factory hotrod trucks lol

Price of admission aside, besides the Raptor what's interesting?  Fast...eh fast is easy, boring trucks can be fast, but I dont know I'm just looking for what stands out a bit and not finding it.  Even interesting colors are few and far between.

What are the old days hot rod trucks you're missing? Basically all I can think of are the lightning and the srt10 and at least one of those was useless as an actual truck. Plus a new Ecoboost f150 is probably faster anyway. I've driven a 3.5 f150 and it's certainly not boring when you put your foot to the floor. Even towing a 7k lb trailer the thing isn't slow. Anyway, I'm just not sure what you're looking for. Interesting colors are out there, but with your budget restrictions you're not really in a position to be super picky.

As I noted above, remove the budget restriction and show me something interesting.  I'm saying 30k because Im a cheap SOB, but if there was something that got my interest enough to open the wallet I'd be interested in hearing about it. 

When I say interesting let's look at some of my past vehicles.  

Maruader instead of Crown Vic

Abarth instead of Fiat 500

CTS-V instead of CTS

Basically Im looking for the specialty models, the INTERESTING ones.

Okay, you gave some car examples, I still want to know what these interesting trucks of the past are that you're yearning for.

The current crop of trucks are better than any of those anyway, my '18 4x4 four door 5.0 f150 gets 24mpg if I'm not aggressive, pulls anything I want and will put down 5.9second 0-60. The big ecoboost has the same numbers. In 150,000 miles it's needed nothing but a trans reflash and a set of rear (?) brake pads. It does not have CarPlay but the integrated Bluetooth is better than on anything else I've owned. It's white so not exciting but it could easily have graphics or a wrap added. I think what you are looking for is here but you probably won't buy it off a lot.

One can look at trucks and see nothing of interest, or they can see a blank canvas. All of the things that differentiate a Marauder from a Crown Vic, or Abarth from 500, or CTS-V from CTS can be done to "boring" trucks to make them stand out.

Something like an F150 has a large aftermarket full of stuff to make it more interesting. Intakes, exhaust, tunes, boost, lowering kits, big brake kits, sway bars, etc are readily available to tailor the performance of domestic half tons to your desires.

To add visual pop, you can get hoods, grilles, bumpers, stripe kits, different lights, tons of wheels, etc.

By "rolling my own" so to speak, I was able to turn this plain Jane:

Into this:

There's no reason something similar couldn't be done to a newer half ton.

I didn't think of this earlier because I likely didn't think it was new enough. Not exactly a mis-fit toy but also not one of the same usual 3 choices...The Nissan Titan.

I was heavily considering a Titan just before covid.

Made as the Gen1 version from '04-'15.  There were some teething issues from '04-'07 but the '08-15 models are very stout and reliable.  The top model is the Pro4-X and the gets you a electronic rear locker too.  The trailer package is denoted by the two post mirrors and the trans temp gauge on the dash.  The only offered 5.6L V8 is nearly 400hp at maybe 385 hp.  The towing capacity is 9,000lb making them more like 250/2500's than 150/1500's.  Gas mileage is poor, as you might expect from the big engine and big capabilities.  You will never be left thinking this isn't enough truck.  There is a 1.5 cab but the double cab is the popular model.  For you, I would seek out the newest model you can find.  There will be no car-play but it should be easy to add a dual din and with the big brands you can likely even preserve the use of the steering wheel controls.  

There was a Gen2 Titan from '16 to current.  I think the early years of them had some teething issues also.  The popular internet wisdom is the late Gen1s are the best target.  When shopping you will find many high mile examples still on the road.  

The double cab is then a 5.5ft bed.  The 1.5 cab is a 6.5ft bed. 

2013 Pro4-X double cab w/ 70k asking $24.9k

1.5 cab sample: '12 Pro4-X w/ 112k asking $18k but no tow package as denoted by the smaller mirrors:

A lesser option 1.5 cab '15 w/ just 10k miles asking $24k

EDIT: 317hp and 385 ftlb 

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15151485/2008-nissan-titan-review/

Came is 2nd place in 2007 C&D comparo: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15146674/2007-chevy-silverado-vs-dodge-ram-ford-f-150-nissan-titan-toyota-tundra-comparison-tests/

0-60 in 7.0 sec

1/4 mile in 15.6 sec

There are plenty of interesting trucks out there 

Dodge put the hellcat motor in the grand cherokee, Durango and ram. They have the Rebel and the Jeep Gladiator

Ford has the raptor, the bronco, the little maverick which might end up being pretty cool, the lightning Is definitely interesting, and aren't they talking about releasing a ranger raptor. Plus they have Shelby trucks on lots

Chevy has the Zr2 colorado.

That's just the interesting stuff then you talk about the "normal trucks" with just the best engines. With Ford and Chevy if you get the 5.0 or 6.2 backed by the A10 you have a legitametley fast truck, and the dodge with the 5.7 isn't a slouch either.

We are literally in the golden Era of trucks right now. Everything I've heard people ask for in trucks is currently available more than it ever has been.

High horsepower. Dodge will sell you dumb levels, everyone will sell you 400 hp, and you can build dumb levels with the Ford and chevy yourself.

Half ton diesel: pretty much everyone now

Offroad capable: the normal trucks are more capable than ever, but then you have the offroad packages that are available on mid size and full size and are crazy their even available. Raptor, TRX, ZR2 I'm looking at you

Luxury: they are all luxurious and some are downright opulent

Size: You have big trucks, medium trucks and baby trucks

You have more choice than you ever have, and theyre all doing all the things people have been asking for the last 15 or 20 years.

Toyman01 + Sized and said:

How about this.

 

It would have been awesome if GM would have offered that in a panel van.

MrChaos said:

JThw8 said:

Is a Jeep Gladiator functional enough as a pick up to be interesting? Too much Dodge content? 

Way over price threshold and still have trouble wrapping my head around towing with a Jeep

also they are slow in non ecodiesel versions(285hp/260ftlbs for the pentastar in a 4800-5k lb truck), and the ecodiesel versions have issues towing because of the compromised cooling package(nature of the jeep front end being like 50% smaller than the ram 1500 or grand cherokee.)

 

Dont get me wrong, I love my gladiator ecodiesel so far but i have no plans to tow with it.

Think a 3.6 in a Gladiator is slow?  Ditch the 8 speed auto and put a stick behind it.  Then you'll know what slow is.

You lost fun colors when you ruled out Ram. 

Opti said:

There are plenty of interesting trucks out there 

Dodge put the hellcat motor in the grand cherokee, Durango and ram. They have the Rebel and the Jeep Gladiator

Ford has the raptor, the bronco, the little maverick which might end up being pretty cool, the lightning Is definitely interesting, and aren't they talking about releasing a ranger raptor. Plus they have Shelby trucks on lots

Chevy has the Zr2 colorado.

That's just the interesting stuff then you talk about the "normal trucks" with just the best engines. With Ford and Chevy if you get the 5.0 or 6.2 backed by the A10 you have a legitametley fast truck, and the dodge with the 5.7 isn't a slouch either.

We are literally in the golden Era of trucks right now. Everything I've heard people ask for in trucks is currently available more than it ever has been.

High horsepower. Dodge will sell you dumb levels, everyone will sell you 400 hp, and you can build dumb levels with the Ford and chevy yourself.

Half ton diesel: pretty much everyone now

Offroad capable: the normal trucks are more capable than ever, but then you have the offroad packages that are available on mid size and full size and are crazy their even available. Raptor, TRX, ZR2 I'm looking at you

Luxury: they are all luxurious and some are downright opulent

Size: You have big trucks, medium trucks and baby trucks

You have more choice than you ever have, and theyre all doing all the things people have been asking for the last 15 or 20 years.

This is a great post and 100 % true. 

Awesomeness is out there, but it isnt $30k.  

Besides, what were so great about the old 80s and 90s trucks?

-Little Red Express was just a tape and stripe package, wheels, exhaust

-First Gen Lightning was a slow turd with wheels, decals, and custom bumpers

-454SS was kind of cool, still a slow turd with wheels and decals but at least had a pretty hot for the time motor

-Syclone was legitimately cool and no replacement exists

-Typhoon was also cool for the time, but eclipsed by the Jeep SRT8 and Hellkitty offerings.

-2nd Gen Lightning and the less known Harley Davidson edition was pretty cool for the time but really just rims, altezza tails, body colored bumpers, and a blower.  A modern Ecoboost is faster.

I guess in the grand scheme of things, those older trucks were cool because 99% of the trucks out there really sucked.  Now there is nothing to differentiate because modern trucks are all so good.  

Y'all are ruling out towing with a Gladiator. They have a TON of personality and this EcoDiesel model towed my 20' enclosed very well. Pentastar is more power but (way) less torque and has to be revved to the moon to make said power. But as a "cool truck" the Gladiator tops the list IMO. Out of the defined $30k price range, especially with a diesel.

Chevy SSR is just a TrailBlazer, why not tow an 18' trailer (presumably open) with one? 

93gsxturbo said:

-2nd Gen Lightning and the less known Harley Davidson edition was pretty cool for the time but really just rims, altezza tails, body colored bumpers, and a blower.  A modern Ecoboost is faster.

When is a blower a "just"?

Specs say the Lightning is a couple tenths faster in the quarter mile than a modern Ecoboost, and the Ecoboost doesn't have that blower whine or the sheer hooligan-inspiring character of the Lightning.

In reply to Brake_L8 (Forum Supporter) :

I like the gladiator but it's priced in the big truck range.  Sure the gladiator can do things but you can get a Silverado trail boss or a tremor f150 for the same price with more capability and the same gas mileage. 

Ok, let's clear some things up.  I totally agree the average box stock truck off any dealer showroom is still far and away a better truck than any of the specialty variants produced in the past, I was just looking for what are todays "specialty variants"  and some answers have turned up here.  The Raptor I knew about but as noted for that the "good parts" are things that dont fit my use case so I'd be paying much extra for orange paint (because of course I'd get the orange)   Now I know of a few others, someone else pointed out to me that the Harley Davidson versions sometimes had superchargers, I was not aware of this and wrote them off as appearance packages.  Bronco is a meh for me.

A "roll your own" option isnt for me in this instance.   I have plenty of project cars, I buy unique variant cars for DDs because I like having something different but I don't want a project DD.

Gladiator is cool but not cool enough to justify the price in my book.   Im willing to exceed my mythical 30k limit but I want to find something that inspires me to do that.  Like the Roush posted above, its well above my target number but I understand why and would be willing to pay it.

Chevy SSR, 2500lb towing capacity and a 4 ft bed.  Its cool, its not a truck.

This may all be a moot point now as I just got the preliminary estimate from the body shop.  MUCH higher than I expected, at least double, but not totaled.  Its on the verge however with some parts availability still being confirmed.  But with the current estimate not totalling it and therefore knowing they are valuing the truck at at least double that if not more then if they do total it I will have a better shopping budget than originally aniticpated.   

In reply to JThw8 :

 The non-Raptor F150 from the 2011 to 2013 era came with the 6.2 engine. It might've only been the Harley Davidson version but they are rare. 

Look