2009-2011 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier takes the top three spots in our Used Compact Trucks under $20K rankings. Its price and total cost of ownership (TCO) are good for the class, and it has excellent reliability ratings as well.
2009-2011 Nissan Frontier
The Frontier is available with a four-cylinder or V6 engine. It gets an EPA-estimated 19/23 mpg city/highway with the four-cylinder and 14/19 mpg with the V6. When properly equipped, the Frontier has a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a max payload of 1,565 pounds.
2009-2011 Nissan Frontier
Test drivers said the Frontier delivers a composed ride and poised handling, and the Pro-4x trim is an adept off-roader. They preferred the V6 engine to the base four-cylinder for the added power it provides.
2009-2011 Nissan Frontier
The Frontier King Cab's rear jump seats are much smaller than the Crew Cab's second-row bench seat. The front seats are comfortable and there is a good amount of cabin storage. The Frontier is a little short on tech features, however. Notably, navigation is not available.
2009 Toyota Tacoma
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is a reviewer favorite. It costs less than several class rivals, and its ownership costs are lower than many similarly-rated trucks in our rankings.
2009 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. With the four-cylinder engine, the Tacoma gets an EPA-estimated 19/25 mpg city/highway. With the V6, it earns 17/21 mpg. When properly equipped, the Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a max payload of 1,570 pounds.
2009 Toyota Tacoma
Critics recommended the V6 engine over the four-cylinder, particularly if you plan to tow or haul cargo regularly. The Tacoma rides somewhat roughly on the pavement, but it shines in off-road conditions.
2009 Toyota Tacoma
Most testers agreed that the Tacoma's seats are comfortable, though the low driving position displeased some drivers. If you plan to carry rear-seat passengers, opt for the Double Cab; critics agreed that the Access cab's rear seats are uncomfortable. The Tacoma offers more standard features than many class rivals.
2010 Dodge Dakota
The 2010 Dodge Dakota is a little less expensive than several other 2010 compact trucks, and its TCO score is also good for the class. The Dakota tops the field in reliability, earning a perfect rating of five out of five.
2010 Dodge Dakota
The Dakota features a standard V6 engine and offers a V8 in the Laramie trim. With the V6, the Dakota gets an EPA-estimated 15/20 mpg city/highway. With the V8, it earns 14/19 mpg. When properly equipped, the Dakota has a maximum payload of 7,250 pounds – more than most competitors.
2010 Dodge Dakota
Reviewers said the Dakota's V6 engine has ample power for daily driving but that the beefy V8 is better for towing and hauling. Its ride and handling fails to really impress anybody, but they also aren't anything to complain about.
2010 Dodge Dakota
The Dakota can seat up to six, but rear-seat passengers will find cramped conditions. The front seats offer a decent amount of room though. The Dakota has a fair number of standard features, and the available voice-activated navigation is a rarity in the class.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2012 GMC Sierra has one of the lowest ownership costs of any 2012 full size truck. Its price is below average for the class, and it scores a perfect five out of five for its reliability rating.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra comes standard with a V6 and is available with three different V8 engines. According to the EPA, the Sierra gets anywhere from 15/22 mpg city/highway to 12/18 mpg, depending on which engine you choose. When properly equipped, the Sierra has a max towing capacity of 10,700 pounds.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500
Test drivers reported that the V6 engine feels slow and prefer one of the V8s, especially if towing or hauling cargo is the game. The Sierra's handling is good for a full size truck, but its ride is fairly stiff.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra seats up to six. The seats are roomy and comfortable, and the Crew Cab has ample legroom for rear seat occupants. Higher trim levels like the Denali have a plethora of features, some of which wouldn't be out of place in a luxury vehicle.
2009 Ford F-150
The 2009 Ford F-150 has a solid reliability rating, and it has a lower price than many 2009 full size trucks. Its cost of ownership is good for the class as well.
2009 Ford F-150
The 2009 F-150 is available with three different V8 engines and gets an EPA-estimated 15/20 mpg city/highway. The F-150's maximum towing capacity of 11,300 pounds is better than nearly every competitor.
2009 Ford F-150
The base V8 offers plenty of power for most every truck owner, but the 5.4-liter V8 is more powerful and may be a better choice for the most demanding drivers. Most test drivers enjoyed the F-150's handling abilities and agree that it's a capable off-road performer.
2009 Ford F-150
The F-150 seats up to six and provides a generous amount of room for front seat occupants. Rear seat passengers won't be cramped, and the legroom in the crew cab is remarkable. The F-150 is available with some intriguing features, including an RFID tagging system that can help inventory tools.
2009 Toyota Tundra
The 2009 Toyota Tundra has a below-average price for the class and lower ownership costs than many competitors. It has an excellent reliability rating.
2009 Toyota Tundra
A V6 engine is standard in the Tundra, and it's available with two different V8s. The Tundra gets an EPA-estimated 15/19 mpg city/highway with the V6 and 14/17 with the V8. The Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 10,800 pounds when properly equipped.
2009 Toyota Tundra
Test drivers said the base V6 is just fine, but they preferred the V8 engines, which are noticeably more powerful. The ride isn't quite jarring, but it's less comfortable than the rides that class rivals deliver.
2009 Toyota Tundra
The Tundra seats up to six. The seats are comfortable, and the CrewMax cab features excellent rear-seat legroom. The Tundra offers a decent number of standard features, and the in-cabin technology is easy to use.
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Many new trucks nowadays carry sky-high price tags, leading buyers to consider cheaper used alternatives. Of course, you want more than just a good price – you want a good truck. Read on to learn more about six of our most highly rated used trucks.