For today’s truck enthusiasts, the term “compact pickup” might seem almost ironic. Modern Small Pick Up Trucks have grown considerably in size and weight, blurring the lines with their full-size counterparts. In 2023, while models like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have returned, the segment feels less “compact” than ever before. Even the Nissan Frontier, marketed as a mid-size truck, can feel quite substantial.
However, rewind back to 1989, and you’ll enter a different world of truly small pick up trucks. Twenty-five years prior to the original article’s writing (2014), the landscape of small trucks was incredibly diverse and genuinely compact. Vehicles were lighter, smaller, and offered a breadth of choice that’s hard to imagine today. Forget crew cabs and extended wheelbases dominating the market; in 1989, the focus was on nimble, affordable, and practical small pick up trucks. Shoppers back then enjoyed a remarkable selection – a stark contrast to the limited options available in later years.
Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to this era and explore some of the standout small pick up trucks from 1989, vehicles that truly embodied the spirit of “compact.”
Iconic Small Pick Up Trucks of 1989
In 1989, the market was brimming with options for those seeking a capable yet maneuverable truck. Here’s a look at some of the key players that defined the small pick up trucks segment:
Chevrolet S-10
The Chevrolet S-10 was a popular choice in the small pick up trucks category, known for its versatility and available engine options.
- Base price: $7874
- Base engine: 92-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
- Optional engines: 125-horsepower 2.8-liter V6, 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6
- Fun fact: Safety advancements included rear antilock brakes becoming standard in 1989.
Explore more about the Chevrolet S-10
Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota stood out as a slightly larger option in the small pick up trucks class, offering a bit more muscle.
- 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, a unique and sporty variant, debuted in 1989.
Learn more about the Dodge Dakota
Dodge Ram 50
The Dodge Ram 50 was a testament to cross-brand collaborations, offering a reliable and economical small pick up truck.
- Base price: $7919
- Base engine: 90-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
- Optional engine: 109-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder
- Fun fact: This small pick up truck was actually manufactured by Mitsubishi for Dodge, sharing its DNA with the Mitsubishi Mighty Max.
Discover used pickup reviews, including models like the Dodge Ram 50
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger was a dominant force in the small pick up trucks market, known for its dependability and variety of configurations.
- Base price: $8093
- Base engine: 100-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder
- Optional engine: 140-horsepower 2.9-liter V6
- Fun fact: For those needing more space, the extended-cab “Supercab” Ranger was available, starting at $10,749.
Find out more about the Ford Ranger
GMC S-15
The GMC S-15 offered a slightly more upscale take on the small pick up trucks formula, sharing many similarities with its Chevrolet counterpart.
- Base price: $7927
- Base engine: 92-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
- Optional engines: 125-horsepower 2.8-liter V6, 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6
- Fun fact: Essentially a twin to the Chevrolet S-10, the GMC S-15 had a slightly higher base price but offered a similar package.
Isuzu Pickup
The Isuzu Pickup was a lesser-known but noteworthy contender in the small pick up trucks arena, boasting some advanced features for its time.
- Base price: $7908
- Base engine: 96-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder
- Optional engine: 120-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder
- Fun fact: A standout feature for the Isuzu Pickup was its standard 4-wheel disc brakes, a relatively uncommon feature in small pick up trucks of that era.
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Jeep Comanche
The Jeep Comanche brought Jeep’s rugged DNA to the small pick up trucks segment, offering a unique blend of utility and off-road capability.
- 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 popular Jeep Cherokee SUV, contributing to its robust nature.
Learn about used Jeeps, including the Comanche
Mazda B-Series
The Mazda B-Series offered Japanese reliability and efficiency in the form of a practical small pick up truck.
- 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 differentiated its models with the B2200 being rear-wheel drive only and the B2600 exclusively offering 4WD.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max
The Mitsubishi Mighty Max was another Japanese entry in the small pick up trucks market, known for its value and available features.
- 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 distinctively named “Macrocab,” offering increased cabin space in a small pick up truck.
Discover used Mitsubishi trucks, including the Mighty Max
Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup
The Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup earned its nickname for its robust construction and was a popular choice for both work and recreation among small pick up trucks.
- 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 some surprising luxury options for its class, including power sliding rear glass and a pop-up sunroof.
Learn more about compact Nissan pickups
Toyota Pickup
The Toyota Pickup, renowned for its reliability and durability, was a top contender in the small pick up trucks segment, often praised for its engine options and build quality.
- Base price: $8248
- Base engine: 103-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
- Optional engines: 116-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6
- Fun fact: With its available 150 horsepower V6, the Toyota Pickup boasted the most power among Japanese-built small pick up trucks of that year.
The Enduring Appeal of 1989 Small Pick Up Trucks
The small pick up trucks of 1989 represent a bygone era of automotive design – a time when “compact” truly meant smaller dimensions, lighter weight, and a focus on practicality. These trucks offered a compelling blend of utility, affordability, and maneuverability that is often missing in today’s larger truck market. They stand as a testament to a time when small pick up trucks were numerous, diverse, and genuinely catered to those seeking a nimble and honest workhorse or everyday vehicle. If you remember these classic machines, you likely appreciate the simple charm and capable nature of these iconic small pick up trucks.
