When Did Trucks Get So Complicated? Bring Back the Basics

Every day, someone is complaining about how things don’t last like they used to. It’s a common frustration, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Quality control has slipped, and it’s not just with aftermarket parts—genuine OEM parts aren’t much better. Things that used to last decades now feel disposable. We’ve reached a point where the average working man or woman can’t buy a new truck without taking on a payment that looks more like a mortgage.

What Happened to Plain, Durable Trucks?

Once upon a time, a truck was a tool—simple, rugged, and built to last. Manual windows, vinyl floors, maybe an AM/FM radio if you were lucky. No touchscreens, no lane-keeping assist, no auto start-stop. Today? You get heated and cooled seats, 15-inch infotainment screens, and a subscription for features that used to be standard. All nice if you want them, but what if you don’t?

Here’s the thing: not everyone wants a luxury vehicle. Some of us just need a workhorse. If Joe down the street wants a truck with manual windows, or Suzy from the east side wants an old-school radio, those should be options. But the Big Three—GM, Ford, and Chrysler—don’t see it that way. They’ve gone all-in on tech and creature comforts because that’s where the big profit margins are.

Why Are Trucks So Expensive Now?

It’s simple: manufacturers build what makes them money. A stripped-down work truck with basic features isn’t profitable compared to a fully loaded luxury trim. Add in government safety and emissions regulations, and it gets even harder. Airbags, sensors, crash structures, and advanced emissions systems aren’t optional—they’re mandatory. These features add complexity, weight, and cost.

And let’s talk about emissions. We’ve got DEF systems and particulate filters that make trucks less reliable and more expensive to maintain. Ironically, when the U.S. military orders vehicles, they come from the factory without all that emissions junk because reliability matters more than regulation in the field. That should tell you something.

The Myth of Government-Only Blame

It’s easy to blame the government for everything. Yes, emissions and safety standards have played a big role in how trucks are built today. But automakers also chose this path because it makes them more money. People have been trained to believe they need all these luxury features, and now base models are rare unicorns.

Engine Downsizing and Cylinder Deactivation

When did it become acceptable for an 8-cylinder engine to shut off half its cylinders at a stoplight? It sounds good on paper—better fuel economy—but in reality, these systems cause expensive failures down the road. The engineers who design these features probably believe in the concept, but the execution often falls short.

The Rumored Hilux: A Step in the Right Direction?

There’s a rumor that Toyota might bring the legendary Hilux to North America. If that happens, it could be a game-changer. The Hilux is known worldwide for being nearly indestructible and simple—a true throwback to what trucks were meant to be. But the big question is: will it survive the gauntlet of U.S. regulations and consumer expectations for tech-heavy features?

What We Really Want

At the end of the day, the message is clear: give us a choice. If you want a fully loaded $80,000 luxury truck, go for it. But if I want a basic, reliable truck without all the extras, that should be an option too. Build a plain, durable truck at a fair price and you’ll have customers lined up around the block.

Every day, someone is complaining about how things don’t last like they used to. It’s a common frustration, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Quality control has slipped, and it’s not just with aftermarket parts—genuine OEM parts aren’t much better. Things that used to last decades now feel disposable. We’ve reached a point where the average working man or woman can’t buy a new truck without taking on a payment that looks more like a mortgage.

What Happened to Plain, Durable Trucks?

Once upon a time, a truck was a tool—simple, rugged, and built to last. Manual windows, vinyl floors, maybe an AM/FM radio if you were lucky. No touchscreens, no lane-keeping assist, no auto start-stop. Today? You get heated and cooled seats, 15-inch infotainment screens, and a subscription for features that used to be standard. All nice if you want them, but what if you don’t?

Here’s the thing: not everyone wants a luxury vehicle. Some of us just need a workhorse. If Joe down the street wants a truck with manual windows, or Suzy from the east side wants an old-school radio, those should be options. But the Big Three—GM, Ford, and Chrysler—don’t see it that way. They’ve gone all-in on tech and creature comforts because that’s where the big profit margins are.

Why Are Trucks So Expensive Now?

It’s simple: manufacturers build what makes them money. A stripped-down work truck with basic features isn’t profitable compared to a fully loaded luxury trim. Add in government safety and emissions regulations, and it gets even harder. Airbags, sensors, crash structures, and advanced emissions systems aren’t optional—they’re mandatory. These features add complexity, weight, and cost.

And let’s talk about emissions. We’ve got DEF systems and particulate filters that make trucks less reliable and more expensive to maintain. Ironically, when the U.S. military orders vehicles, they come from the factory without all that emissions junk because reliability matters more than regulation in the field. That should tell you something.

The Myth of Government-Only Blame

It’s easy to blame the government for everything. Yes, emissions and safety standards have played a big role in how trucks are built today. But automakers also chose this path because it makes them more money. People have been trained to believe they need all these luxury features, and now base models are rare unicorns.

Engine Downsizing and Cylinder Deactivation

When did it become acceptable for an 8-cylinder engine to shut off half its cylinders at a stoplight? It sounds good on paper—better fuel economy—but in reality, these systems cause expensive failures down the road. The engineers who design these features probably believe in the concept, but the execution often falls short.

The Rumored Hilux: A Step in the Right Direction?

There’s a rumor that Toyota might bring the legendary Hilux to North America. If that happens, it could be a game-changer. The Hilux is known worldwide for being nearly indestructible and simple—a true throwback to what trucks were meant to be. But the big question is: will it survive the gauntlet of U.S. regulations and consumer expectations for tech-heavy features?

What We Really Want

At the end of the day, the message is clear: give us a choice. If you want a fully loaded $80,000 luxury truck, go for it. But if I want a basic, reliable truck without all the extras, that should be an option too. Build a plain, durable truck at a fair price and you’ll have customers lined up around the block.