Best Car Shocks And Struts Tested for 2025 (5 Picks)

I remember the first time I drove a vehicle with truly worn-out suspension—it felt less like driving and more like piloting a boat through a storm. That frustrating, bouncy ride is what drives me to thoroughly test and compare components like these. After countless hours of research and practical application, I’ve compiled this guide to finding the best car shocks and struts available today, focusing heavily on complete quick-install kits that save you time and greatly improve your ride quality. If you’re ready to upgrade your suspension system for better safety and comfort, you’ve come to the right place.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Detroit Axle – 8pc Struts Shocks Kit for Chevrolet…	View on Amazon
	AUTOSAVER88 Front Pair Complete Quick Struts Rear shocks…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil…	View on Amazon
	Detroit Axle – Struts Shocks for FWD 2008 2009 2010…	View on Amazon
	Detroit Axle – RWD Struts Kit for 2015-2019 Ford F-150,…	View on Amazon

Detroit Axle – 8pc Struts Shocks Kit for Chevrolet Traverse Buick Enclave GMC Acadia Limited, 2 Front Struts Coil Spring 2 Rear Shock Absorbers 4 Front Rear Stabilizer Sway Bars Replacement Suspension

This comprehensive 8-piece kit from Detroit Axle is designed for large crossovers and SUVs, offering everything you need to completely overhaul your vehicle’s suspension system in one package. When dealing with heavy vehicles like the Traverse or Acadia, replacing the entire system—including sway bar links—is crucial for restoring stability, especially during highway cruising and cornering. This kit not only restores the factory ride height but is built with durability in mind to handle the weight and demands of these popular family haulers.

Key features that stand out:

• Complete Kit: Includes front quick struts, rear shocks, and all four stabilizer/sway bar end links.
• Ready-to-Install: Requires no special tools or spring compressors since the coil spring assembly is pre-mounted.
• Heavy-Duty Testing: Components undergo extensive impact, wear, and fatigue testing.
• Warranty: Backed by an impressive 10-YEAR WARRANTY for peace of mind.

Pros:
– True bolt-on solution; significantly reduces installation complexity.
– Replacing the sway bar links simultaneously ensures optimal handling restoration.
– Excellent value proposition compared to buying individual components.
– Strong, long-term warranty coverage.

Cons:
– Specifically limited to a narrow range of large GM crossover vehicles.

Best for: Owners of Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, or GMC Acadia models needing a complete, high-quality front-to-back suspension refresh.

Expert Opinion: This is the ideal solution for owners of large, aging crossovers suffering from suspension sag. The inclusion of the stabilizer links is a huge benefit, as these are often overlooked wear items that contribute heavily to poor handling and noise.

AUTOSAVER88 Front Pair Complete Quick Struts Rear shocks Compatible with 2004-2012 Chevy Malibu, 2007-2009 Saturn Aura, 2005-2009 Pontiac G6

The AUTOSAVER88 kit provides a cost-effective and highly convenient solution for several popular sedan platforms. Focusing on simple installation, these quick struts feature buckle holes that align perfectly with the factory mounting points, making them a favorite for DIY mechanics. If your mid-sized sedan is exhibiting signs of wear—like abnormal sounds, excessive bouncing, or uneven tire wear—this assembly offers a quick restoration of smooth, safe ride performance without needing to compress springs.

Key features that stand out:

• Vehicle Specificity: Designed for popular sedan models like the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6.
• Simple Installation: Engineered for safe and simple replacement without prior disassembly.
• Comprehensive Assembly: Includes struts, coil springs, mount, boot, bumper kit, and isolator.
• Performance Built: Components are manufactured to meet OE performance requirements for ride comfort.

Pros:
– Highly affordable solution for older, high-mileage sedans.
– Quick strut design drastically reduces labor time.
– Direct-fit components ensure factory-like alignment and ride height.

Cons:
– The shock lifespan might be shorter than high-end performance components.

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of older mid-sized GM sedans seeking to fix common suspension failure signs quickly and easily.

Expert Opinion: While not designed for performance driving, this kit excels at bringing life back to tired commuter cars. It directly addresses the common suspension issues in these platforms, offering immediate improvement in control and stability.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs and Rear Shock Absorbers Replacement for 2013-2015 Honda Civic Sedan – Set of 4

For Honda Civic sedan owners looking for a straightforward, OE-spec replacement, this COMPLETESTRUTS set is an excellent choice. This product focuses squarely on maintaining the original comfort and handling characteristics that Honda engineers intended. Since Civics are known for their reliability and long service life, installing complete quick struts ensures that your suspension refresh provides another long decade of worry-free commuting. Note that this kit is strictly for the sedan, ensuring perfect compatibility and ride height for that body style.

Key features that stand out:

• OE Specifications: Designed to match exact OEM fitment and restore original ride quality.
• Specific Fit: Perfect replacement for 2013-2015 Honda Civic Sedans (explicitly excludes Coupe and SI models).
• Set of Four: Includes two front complete strut assemblies and two rear shock absorbers.

Pros:
– Guaranteed fitment and ride quality replication of the factory setup.
– Excellent choice for maintaining the car’s resale value and factory feel.
– Complete set avoids mismatched components.

Cons:
– Limited vehicle application means low versatility.

Best for: Honda Civic Sedan owners (2013-2015) who prioritize retaining the original factory ride feel and specifications.

Expert Opinion: The 9th generation Civic requires precise component matching to maintain its responsive handling. This set provides the peace of mind that the suspension components will perform exactly as the original equipment did, ensuring a balanced, safe ride.

Detroit Axle – Struts Shocks for FWD 2008 2009 2010 Honda Odyssey Complete 2 Front Quick Install Ready Struts with Coil Spring Assembly 2 Rear Shock Absorbers Replacement Suspension Kit

Minivans like the Honda Odyssey carry precious cargo and require a robust, reliable suspension system to manage heavy loads and highway speeds. Detroit Axle delivers again with this comprehensive kit specifically designed for the FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) Odyssey. Restoring the suspension on a minivan is crucial for minimizing body roll and preventing bottoming out when fully loaded. The quick-install feature makes replacing the heavy front struts far less cumbersome than dealing with traditional spring compressors.

Key features that stand out:

• Vehicle Specific: Tailored precisely for FWD 2008-2010 Honda Odyssey models.
• Quick Ready Installation: Front struts come complete with springs and mounts, requiring no complex assembly.
• Durability Focus: Components undergo rigorous testing (impact, wear, and fatigue) to ensure they can handle minivan loads.
• Warranty: Includes the standard 10-Year Warranty.

Pros:
– Significantly improves ride comfort and load management in minivans.
– Quick installation saves substantial time and labor costs.
– Designed to handle the weight distribution unique to the Odyssey platform.

Cons:
– Not compatible with AWD models, requiring buyers to verify their drivetrain.

Best for: Honda Odyssey owners needing to restore a smooth, stable, and safe ride quality essential for family transportation.

Expert Opinion: Minivan suspension takes a beating due to continuous use and heavy loads. This kit addresses the critical need for a complete front-end overhaul, minimizing sway and increasing driving confidence on busy highways.

Detroit Axle – RWD Struts Kit for 2015-2019 Ford F-150, 2 Front Struts with Coil Spring Assembly 2 Rear Shock Absorbers 2016 2017 2018 Replacement Suspension Kit

Truck suspension needs to balance comfort for daily driving with the rugged capability to handle towing and hauling. This Detroit Axle kit is specifically engineered for the RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) Ford F-150, one of the most popular trucks on the road. The assemblies are constructed to handle the high demands placed on a working truck, ensuring the vehicle maintains proper ride height and reduces the notorious “floaty” feeling common in worn-out truck shocks. Finding the best car shocks and struts for heavy-duty vehicles often means choosing complete assemblies built to withstand abuse.

Key features that stand out:

• Heavy-Duty Application: Specifically built for the 2015-2019 Ford F-150 (RWD models, Crew and Extended Cab).
• Complete Front and Rear: Includes two front quick struts and two rear shock absorbers.
• No Special Tools: Designed for straightforward installation right out of the box.
• Reliability: Tested for impact and fatigue common in truck applications.

Pros:
– Enhances stability and control necessary for towing and hauling.
– Excellent durability and long-term performance backed by a 10-year warranty.
– Restores proper off-load and on-load ride height.

Cons:
– Does not include 4×4 or lift components, strictly stock RWD replacement.

Best for: Ford F-150 RWD owners needing to replace their worn suspension to improve handling and heavy-duty load management.

Expert Opinion: Replacing the F-150’s factory shocks is a noticeable upgrade, often resulting in a firmer, more controlled ride immediately. For RWD applications, this kit is perfectly calibrated to maintain the truck’s intended stance and load capability.

Comparison and Insights on Suspension Kits

When evaluating which of these assemblies offers the best car shocks and struts for your needs, the primary factor is vehicle application and completeness.

The Detroit Axle 8pc Kit stands out due to its sheer scope; it’s the only kit reviewed here that includes stabilizer bar end links, providing a full suspension overhaul for large SUVs. If you have a compatible GM vehicle, this is arguably the best overall value for complete restoration, maximizing the return on investment by replacing all interconnected wear items simultaneously.

The AUTOSAVER88 and COMPLETESTRUTS offerings are highly targeted for specific sedans (Malibu/G6 and Civic, respectively). They are excellent choices if you need an affordable, hassle-free OEM-spec replacement that focuses purely on restoring factory ride quality without complex modifications.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Axle kits for the Honda Odyssey and Ford F-150 highlight the need for vehicle-specific load tuning. Minivans and trucks require springs and dampers calibrated to handle fluctuating cargo weights. Always ensure you match the product to your vehicle’s specific drivetrain (RWD vs. FWD vs. AWD) to maintain optimal geometry and load capability.

In short: Quick struts are essential for DIY installers as they eliminate the dangerous and time-consuming task of spring compression. For vehicle-specific durability and a massive warranty, the Detroit Axle products consistently lead the pack.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Car Shocks and Struts

If your goal is achieving a Factory-Fresh Feel for your sedan:
Choose the COMPLETESTRUTS for the Honda Civic (if applicable) or the AUTOSAVER88 kit. These focus on meticulous OE replication for reliable, comfortable daily commuting.

If you drive a Heavy-Duty Vehicle that hauls or tows:
The Detroit Axle RWD Struts Kit for the Ford F-150 is your top contender. Its testing and construction are tailored to manage the rigorous demands of a truck.

If you need a Total System Overhaul for a large SUV:
The Detroit Axle 8pc Struts Shocks Kit for the Traverse/Acadia platform offers unmatched completeness and value by including the crucial stabilizer links.

If your vehicle is a Family Hauler (Minivan) requiring superior load handling:
Opt for the Detroit Axle Struts Shocks for the Honda Odyssey. Restoring stability in a minivan is paramount for passenger safety and comfort.

Best Car Shocks And Struts FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between a shock absorber and a strut?

A: A shock absorber is a singular component designed only to dampen spring oscillation (bouncing). A strut is a structural part of the suspension system, acting as a steering pivot and supporting the weight of the vehicle, usually incorporating the coil spring. Most modern vehicles use struts on the front axle and either shocks or struts on the rear.

Q2: How do I know when I need to replace my shocks or struts?

A: Common signs of worn-out suspension components include excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, the vehicle diving severely during braking (nose-diving), leakage of hydraulic fluid from the component body, and noticeable irregular or cupped tire wear. Reduced ride comfort and poor handling during cornering are also key indicators.

Q3: How long do struts and shocks typically last?

A: While manufacturer recommendations vary, most original equipment shocks and struts are designed to last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, factors like driving habits, road conditions (e.g., poor roads, extreme weather), and vehicle load can significantly reduce their lifespan. It’s best to have your suspension components inspected every 12,000 miles.

Q4: Are quick-install struts as good as traditional struts?

A: Yes, in most cases, quick-install struts (also known as complete strut assemblies) are excellent. They offer the same core damping performance while saving significant installation time and cost. Crucially, they eliminate the need for dangerous and specialized spring compression tools. They ensure the coil spring, strut mount, and boot are perfectly matched and pre-assembled, providing a reliable suspension replacement.

Q5: Will replacing my best car shocks and struts affect my wheel alignment?

A: Replacing quick struts, which bolt directly into the control arm and steering knuckle, will often require a professional wheel alignment afterward. Since the strut is a structural component, even slight variations in mounting tolerance can affect the camber and toe angles, leading to rapid tire wear if not corrected. Rear shock absorbers, which are not structural, typically do not require an alignment.

Q6: Can I replace just one strut, or should I replace them in pairs?

A: It is strongly recommended that you always replace struts and shocks in axle pairs (both fronts or both rears). Replacing only one can lead to uneven damping performance and ride height, which compromises vehicle stability, safety, and braking effectiveness. This imbalance negates the benefits of installing quality best car shocks and struts.