Here are the 3 most reliable diesel pickups of all time
Ah, the diesel trucks. It’s hard not to love them. However, diesel trucks have a certain learning curve. Driving these big oil burners isn’t the hardest part; it’s the slightly strange mechanics of how trucks work. An unreliable diesel might just be the worst automotive experience ever, but having a solid diesel is like nothing else. Here are the three most reliable diesel pickups of all time.
Should You Buy a Diesel Pickup Truck?
Diesels are not for everyone. However, if you are someone who needs to haul big loads or pull heavy trailers, a diesel will be your best friend. Hell, given the price of gasoline, the added fuel economy of diesel engines might even be a boon to your wallet.
The most reliable diesel conversation is difficult. There are many opinions. Brand loyalty plays a major role in this segment. Another aspect that makes this question difficult to answer is that diesel pickup trucks have been manufactured for quite some time, and in that time many different models have been produced. MotorTrend picked out what we think is a solid trio of oil burners. So, let’s start there before the hate mail comes in.
1999-2003 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty (7.3 liter power stroke)
MotorTrend comes out the door with a bit of a punch. The top choice for the most reliable diesel pickups ever is the 1999-2003 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty with factory 7.3-Power Stroke.
The Power Stroke engine is a simple, low-maintenance powertrain that, depending on the year, develops between 235 and 275 horsepower and 500 to 525 lb-ft of torque. Part of this engine’s reliability comes from Ford’s choice to build the blocks and cylinders out of heavy cast iron. This model range has also seen great improvements over the previous generation.
Mechanical updates included an air-to-air intercooler, lowering exhaust gas temperatures and improving power and torque output. Along with being much quieter than previous indirect-injected Power Strokes, the updated version also received much-needed 140cc split-stroke injectors, according to MotorTrend.
Only two transmissions came in these trucks, a five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual. Both options scored top marks for reliability.
If properly maintained, these vans can still be ready to run for up to 500,000 miles. That means picking up a used model with over 200,000 miles isn’t that risky.
1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 (5.9-liter, 12-valve Cummins)
Everything from engine choice to body design on this era Dodge Ram 2500/3500 was iconic. MT mentions two things that make this truck so special: its Cummins powertrain produces heaps of cheap horsepower and is rock-solid reliability.
This year was the first of this body style and Dodge sold hundreds of thousands of them. It makes sense; the new look paired with an upgraded Cummins 12-valve – it’s a winning combo. There were a series of upgraded parts, but many were still very mechanical, including the manual transmission option.
Some Cummins during this period produced more horsepower than others. As MotorTrend editors wrote:
“The NV4500-backed 5.9-liter Cummins also had more power than engines equipped with 47RH/47RE four-speed automatic transmissions. From 1994 to 1995, the engine was rated at 175 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque; the 1996-1998 versions had 215 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. With automatic transmissions, the Cummins was downgraded to 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque (1994-1995) or 180 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque (1996-1998).
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2006-2007 (6.6 Liter Duramax LBZ)
Everyone gets a piece of the diesel pie, even Chevy. (Sorry, I’m a Ford jerk.) MotorTrend explains that part of the reason these model-line diesel pickup trucks are so popular is because they have very drivable ECUs. If there’s anything we know about diesels, they love to modify a truck.
Like the other trucks on this list, the 6.6-liter Duramax LBZ V8 got seriously updated for 2006. The updates were a block with more straps, bores with 4mm extra depth, cowl caps stronger main bearing and forged steel connecting rods. Not only did these upgrades lead to an engine that produced 360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, they also made the engine more durable. If that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is.
Finally, for better or worse, these trucks snuck past modern emissions restrictions, adding another layer of reliability.
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