For automotive enthusiasts keeping track, the early 2010s marked a somber period for fans of Compact Pickup Trucks in the American market. With giants like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon temporarily out of production, the options dwindled to just a handful of models from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
Adding to the concern was the evolving definition of “compact.” Trucks marketed as small had begun to bulk up. The Nissan Frontier, for example, could stretch up to 220 inches long and tip the scales at a hefty 4400 pounds in its long-bed crew-cab configuration. This was a far cry from the truly compact pickup trucks of yesteryear.
Fast forward to twenty-five years prior, and the landscape was dramatically different. We’re talking about a time before crew-cab configurations dominated the compact pickup truck segment, a time when buyers were spoiled for choice with no less than eleven distinct models vying for their attention. Join us as we journey back to 1989, an era celebrated as the golden age for these honest and versatile machines. If you have fond memories or stories of owning or driving any of these compact pickup trucks, we encourage you to share your experiences!
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The 1989 Compact Pickup Truck Lineup: A Model-by-Model Overview
Chevrolet S-10
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
The Chevrolet S-10 was a stalwart in the compact pickup truck market, offering a blend of affordability and capability. For 1989, it came with a range of engine options, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a potent V6, catering to various needs and budgets. The introduction of standard rear antilock brakes underscored Chevrolet’s commitment to safety in this segment.
Dodge Dakota
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 was introduced in 1989, and remained available through 1991.
The Dodge Dakota carved its own niche by offering a slightly larger size than other compact pickup trucks, bridging the gap towards mid-size options. The 1989 model year was particularly notable for the debut of the Dakota Sport convertible, a unique and open-air take on the compact pickup truck that added a dash of fun to the practical segment.
Dodge Ram 50
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: Assembled for Dodge by Mitsubishi, the Ram 50 was a mechanical clone of the Mighty Max (see below)
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The Dodge Ram 50, a result of Chrysler’s collaboration with Mitsubishi, provided buyers with a reliable and economical compact pickup truck. Its mechanical twin, the Mitsubishi Mighty Max, offered essentially the same vehicle with slight branding differences, expanding consumer choices in the compact pickup truck category.
Ford Ranger
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
The Ford Ranger was a perennial bestseller in the compact pickup truck segment. Known for its ruggedness and dependability, the 1989 Ranger offered a range of configurations, including the extended-cab “Supercab” for those needing extra passenger or cargo space. Its popularity cemented Ford’s strong presence in the compact pickup truck market.
GMC S-15
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: Apart from a $53-higher base price, very little separated the S-15 from its corporate cousin Chevrolet S-10
The GMC S-15, closely related to the Chevrolet S-10, provided another option within the General Motors family for compact pickup truck buyers. Offering similar engine choices and features to the S-10, the S-15 catered to GMC loyalists or those seeking a slightly different styling and dealership experience in the compact pickup truck landscape.
Isuzu Pickup
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 boasted standard 4-wheel disc brakes
The Isuzu Pickup, while perhaps less well-known than some of its American counterparts, was a solid contender in the compact pickup truck class. A notable feature for the 1989 model was its standard 4-wheel disc brakes, a feature that was not always common in this segment at the time, highlighting Isuzu’s focus on engineering and performance in a compact pickup truck.
Jeep Comanche
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: Comanche shared its basic architecture with the Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Comanche stood out as a compact pickup truck with a strong connection to Jeep’s off-road heritage. Sharing its underpinnings with the Jeep Cherokee SUV, the Comanche offered a unique blend of truck utility and Jeep DNA. The availability of a potent 4.0-liter inline-six engine made it a capable and desirable compact pickup truck for enthusiasts.
Mazda B-Series
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 came only with rear-drive, B2600 models only with 4WD
The Mazda B-Series provided Japanese reliability and efficiency in the compact pickup truck market. The 1989 lineup differentiated between B2200 and B2600 models, with the former being rear-wheel drive and the latter offering four-wheel drive, catering to different needs in a compact pickup truck.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max
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 branded “Macrocab”
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The Mitsubishi Mighty Max, known for its fuel efficiency and compact size, was a practical choice in the compact pickup truck segment. The “Macrocab” extended-cab version added a touch of versatility to this compact pickup truck, making it suitable for both work and everyday use.
Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup
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 was available with power sliding rear glass and a pop-up sunroof
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The Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup earned its nickname for its tough and durable construction, making it a popular choice for both on-road and off-road adventures in the compact pickup truck category. Unique features like the power sliding rear glass and pop-up sunroof added a touch of modernity and convenience to this rugged compact pickup truck.
Toyota Pickup
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 an available 150 horsepower, the Toyota Pickup was the must muscular of the Japanese-built pickups
The Toyota Pickup, renowned for its reliability and longevity, was a dominant force in the compact pickup truck market. The 1989 model, with its available 150-horsepower V6 engine, was considered the most powerful among Japanese compact pickup trucks at the time, solidifying Toyota’s reputation for quality and performance.
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Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of 1989 Compact Pickup Trucks
The year 1989 represents a high point for compact pickup trucks, offering a diverse range of choices that catered to various needs and preferences. These trucks were truly compact, fuel-efficient, and practical, a stark contrast to the larger and heavier “compact” trucks of later years. The legacy of these 1989 compact pickup trucks continues to resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate their simplicity, durability, and honest utility. They serve as a reminder of a time when compact pickup trucks were truly compact and plentiful.
