Top-Rated Classic Off-Road Trucks in the U.S.

Vukasin Herbez July 3, 2019

4. Dodge Ram Cummins

There were diesel trucks before the ’80s-’90s Ram Cummins, but they weren’t as good as this one. Under the hood was a venerable 5.9-liter straight-six diesel engine with only 160 HP but a healthy 400 lb-ft of torque. However, for the 1991 model year, Dodge updated the truck, giving it more power and options.

As a matter of fact, most diesel truck fans consider this to be the best year in the series. The power and torque figures seem low considering today’s engines, but this is an old truck with old technology. However, old technology doesn’t mean that the ’91 Ram Cummins is not a capable vehicle. With a 4×4 drivetrain, it is an extremely good truck.

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3. Chevrolet C/K “Square Body”

Chevy introduced the third generation of their popular C/K trucks in 1973. It was one of the biggest, most important trucks in their history. Not only it was advanced and well-engineered, but it also featured many firsts for Chevrolet and for the entire truck segment, as well. Chevy called it the “Square Body” for its boxy design.

This third-generation C/K featured a computer-designed body with more space and comfort than ever before. The truck was bigger and tougher due to the new platform, revised suspension, and tougher axles. Customers had numerous cab configurations, special editions, engine options, and details to choose from, too. This made the third-generation C/K one of the best trucks in the world at the time. Chevy produced the C/K from 1973 to 1991 in the U.S. They also produced this model was in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and South Korea. During the long production run, Chevrolet introduced a diesel engine as an option. This proved to be a highly popular choice in Europe and South America.

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2. Jeep FC

All Jeeps are capable off-road SUV models with a characteristic design and signature appearance. However, in 1956, Jeep introduced a strange model they called the Forward Control or FC. It was a cab-forward, bulldog-style truck with the engine underneath the passengers and all-wheel drive.

Even though the FC was a Jeep, which means it was a capable, tough, and durable machine, the market didn’t respond well. So, in its nine years of production, Jeep made just around 30,000 of them, mostly for the export market. Jeep thought the FC would be a bestseller, but on the domestic market, most buyers preferred models with a more formal look.

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1. Jeep CJ-6

When they presented the popular Jeep CJ-5, some customers complained about the lack of interior space since the CJ-5 was just a bit bigger than the classic military Jeep Willys. For those buyers, Jeep introduced the CJ-6 model in 1956. It was basically a CJ-5, but with a longer wheelbase and more space in the back.

Even though it was more practical, the CJ-6 wasn’t popular with most buyers. Interestingly, there was also a military version they called the M170. But the easiest way to recognize the CJ-6 is with its increased length over the standard CJ-5. Also, some versions had a spare tire they mounted on the rear fenders.

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Top-Rated Classic Off-Road Trucks in the U.S.

4. Dodge Ram Cummins

3. Chevrolet C/K “Square Body”

2. Jeep FC

1. Jeep CJ-6

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