Peterbilt is arguably the most iconic heavy-duty truck brand in America, with a legacy dating back to 1939. We decided to list our top five models, drawing from decades of innovation. This list is subjective, based on opinion rather than hard data, and we’re sure it will spark debate. We hope you enjoy!
#5 The Peterbilt 579 – Versatile, Popular, and Efficient
Before you throw your phone or break your computer monitor, hear us out. The Pete 579 made our list not for its classic looks, but because of its popularity and versatility. With today’s demand for efficiency and modern tech, the 579 fits the bill.
The Peterbilt 579 is one of the most popular models ever thanks to its good looks, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety features, and price. Whether in day cab or sleeper configurations, it’s versatile and a strong seller in the pre-owned market, offering excellent value and reliability when well-maintained.
While the early PACCAR MX engines faced criticism, most of the issues stemmed from sensors and emissions systems rather than the engine itself. In fact, we believe the MX has fewer problems than many competitors’ engines.
While the 579 may not achieve iconic status, it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Peterbilt’s most consumed Class 8 trucks of all time. It’s a commodity—and a good one at that.
- Production: Began in 2012
- Engine: Available with up to 605 horsepower
- Sleeper Options: 44″, 58″, 72″, or 80″
- TV/Movie Credits: Nash Bridges, Yellowstone, The Darkest Minds
#4 The Pete 352 Cab Over (COE)
The Peterbilt 352 “Fat Cab” is a standout in the cab-over-engine (COE) segment. While fans of the International Transtar and Freightliner Flat Nose might argue otherwise, the 352 is the only COE truck to star in the Cars movie series by Pixar, earning it a special place in pop culture.
The 352 is the best COE Peterbilt built, period.
The ergonomic design of the Peterbilt 352 made it a driver favorite, while its fuel efficiency attracted owner-operators and fleets alike. The model 352 was particularly popular due to length laws.
Though nearly extinct in the U.S., cab-over trucks remain popular in Europe due to their maneuverability.
- Production: 1980-2005
- Engine Options: Cummins, CAT, or Detroit Diesel
- Notable Feature: Famous for its three-piece wraparound windshield
- TV/Movie Credits: Cars, Maximum Overdrive, Die Hard: With a Vengeance
#3 The Peterbilt 359
The Pete 359 is still turning heads, but looks alone aren’t what set this truck apart. The ability to customize made the 359 legendary.
You could choose between two iconic engines—the Cummins N14 or the CAT 3406. You could get a Pete 359 with a CAT 3408, but it was the CAT 3406B that put this model on best of the best, ultimately taking the market away from Cummins.
The Peterbilt 359 allowed you to purchase enough chrome that the truck was illegal in seven states. Okay, that’s not true, but there are some that could probably blind you, if you stared at the truck too long on a sunny day.
This truck wasn’t just about looks. It was favored by long-haul drivers, short-haul operators, and those in the agricultural and construction industries. A long-hood 359 with a 3406B and a 280″ wheelbase could even tempt a happily married man to run away from home!
- Production: 1966–mid-1986**
- Notable Firsts: First sleeper with a raised roof, first to offer a walk-through 63″ sleeper
- Customization: Known for its customization options, including copious amounts of chrome
- TV/Movie Credits: Smokey and the Bandit Part III
**In 1986 you could get either a 359 or 379, at that time, in our opinion only the fools went with the 379
#2 The Pete 389 – The King of the Road
While some might have expected the Peterbilt 389 to claim the third spot on our list, behind the Pete 359, we’ve placed it at number two. Why? The Peterbilt 389 is undoubtedly one of Peterbilt’s finest trucks.
While it may not have the extensive customization options of its predecessors, the Pete 389 offered customers a 600-hp Cummins engine, serious style, the latest safety technology, and top-notch driver comfort.
- Production: 2006–2023 (2025 Model Year)
- Notable Use: Commonly used by NASCAR teams to haul race cars
- Fun Fact: The last Peterbilt 389 was raffled by Rush Peterbilt to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project
- TV/Movie Credits: Gone Girl, Rufus, Transformers (Optimus Prime)
#1 The Peterbilt 379 – Pride and Class
It’s no surprise that the Peterbilt 379 claims the top spot. This truck became a symbol of quality and reliability, whether used in long-haul (sleepers), short-haul (day cabs), agriculture (2 axles), or construction.
It doesn’t hurt that the The Peterbilt 379 is the best selling Pete of all time.
The 379 offered customization options that were nearly endless. We are sure hundreds of chrome shops, slowly went out of business when the Peterbilt 379 stopped production.
You could choose a long or short hood, a CAT, Cummins, or Detroit Diesel engine, and transmission options ranging from 10 to 18 speeds. No automatics, though—because no respectable 379 driver would even think about driving an automatic.
The 379 wasn’t just known for its good looks, but for its toughness and reliability. The Huck & Rixet cab was one of the best-built cabs ever, and drivers loved the model. When California outlawed the truck due to CARB regulations, a frenzy ensued nationwide. A well-maintained, rust-free 379 from California could fetch twice the price of one from another state. A Pete 379 with a 3406E 6Z serial number put this truck over the top in our minds. Nothing will ever touch that combination in our lifetime.
- Production: Mid-1986–2007
- Fun Fact: The Peterbilt 379 has 15 pages of screen credits on IMCDb.org
- Legacy Class: If you own a Legacy Class Peterbilt 379, you own one of the last 1,000 units produced
- Fun Fact #2: It has been rumored that some 379’s with 6NZ engines and low, low miles (150,000 or less) sold for more than a new 389.
- TV/Movie Credits: Transformers, The X Files, Rush Hour 2, 21 Jump Street
Copyright 2025 Charter Trucks. All Rights Reserved.