For those keeping track, 2014 felt like a low point for Compact Pickup Trucks in the U.S. With the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon temporarily out of production, the market seemed limited to just Honda, Nissan, and Toyota in this vehicle class.
Adding to the sentiment, many questioned just how “compact” the modern small trucks had become. The Nissan Frontier, for example, could reach lengths of 220 inches and weigh a hefty 4400 pounds in its long-bed crew-cab configuration.
Fast forward to twenty-five years prior, and the landscape of compact pickup trucks was drastically different. Nissan’s compact offering, then simply named the Pickup, was capped at 190 inches in length and weighed under 3200 pounds in its heaviest form.
Let’s journey back to 1989, a time before crew-cab body styles dominated the small truck segment. Back then, shoppers enjoyed a diverse selection with no less than 11 distinct compact pickup truck models to choose from. If you have memories or experiences with these dependable little machines, we encourage you to share them.
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1989 Chevrolet S-10
Base price: $7874
Base engine: 92-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 125-horsepower 2.8-liter V6
Optional engine: 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6
Fun fact: Rear antilock brakes became standard for 1989
1989 Dodge Dakota
Base price: $7879
Base engine: 100-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 125-horsepower 3.9-liter V6
Fun fact: The Dakota Sport convertible debuted in 1989 and was offered through 1991.
1989 Dodge Ram 50
Base price: $7919
Base engine: 90-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 109-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder
Fun fact: Manufactured for Dodge by Mitsubishi, the Ram 50 was mechanically identical to the Mighty Max (see below).
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1989 Ford Ranger
Base price: $8093
Base engine: 100-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 140-horsepower 2.9-liter V6
Fun fact: Extended-cab “Supercab” Rangers started at $10,749.
1989 GMC S-15
Base price: $7927
Base engine: 92-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 125-horsepower 2.8-liter V6
Optional engine: 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6
Fun fact: The S-15 was virtually the same as its Chevrolet S-10 counterpart, with only a $53 difference in base price.
1989 Isuzu Pickup
Base price: $7908
Base engine: 96-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 120-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder
Fun fact: The Isuzu Pickup came standard with 4-wheel disc brakes.
1989 Jeep Comanche
Base price: $8111
Base engine: 121-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 177-horsepower 4.0-liter 6-cylinder
Fun fact: The Comanche shared its fundamental design with the Jeep Cherokee SUV.
1989 Mazda B-Series
Base price: $8068
Base engine: 85-horsepower 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (B2200)
Optional engine: 121-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder (B2600)
Fun fact: Mazda B2200 models were exclusively rear-wheel drive, while B2600 models were exclusively 4WD.
1989 Mitsubishi Mighty Max
Base price: $7864
Base engine: 90-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 109-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder
Fun fact: Extended-cab versions of the Mighty Max were officially called “Macrocab”.
More on used Mitsubishi trucks
1989 Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup
Base price: $7799
Base engine: 106-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 145-horsepower 3.0-liter V6
Fun fact: The Nissan Pickup offered options like power sliding rear glass and a pop-up sunroof.
More on compact Nissan pickups
1989 Toyota Pickup
Base price: $8248
Base engine: 103-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 116-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Optional engine: 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6
Fun fact: With up to 150 horsepower available, the Toyota Pickup was the most powerful among Japanese compact pickups.
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