2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner

This is Toyota's compact pickup, the one that slots below the full-size Tundra and competes with the Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10. It's nimble and easy to drive, especially off-road, and the four-wheel-drive versions will get you out of most sticky situations. Owners report these trucks running past 180,000 miles with few issues, and they're known for being tough and long-lasting. Stepping up from the base Deluxe to the PreRunner gets you the larger 3.4L V6 and a bit more aggressive off-road styling, but it stays rear-wheel drive like the entry-level truck. The 3.4L V6 makes 190 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, paired with the four-speed automatic, giving you stronger highway passing power than the four-cylinder Tacomas, though the fuel economy is 17 mpg combined.