The automotive landscape has dramatically shifted over the decades, and what was once considered a “small pickup truck” in 1989 barely resembles today’s compact offerings. In 2014, the landscape for truly compact pickups in the U.S. had thinned considerably. With models like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon temporarily out of production, the market was largely held by Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. However, even these contemporary “small trucks” have grown significantly in size and weight compared to their predecessors. The modern Nissan Frontier, for example, can reach lengths of 220 inches and weigh up to a hefty 4400 pounds in certain configurations.
Rewind back to 1989, and the definition of a small pickup truck was markedly different. Nissan’s pickup at the time, simply named “Pickup,” measured under 190 inches and weighed less than 3200 pounds in its heaviest trim. This era, a quarter of a century prior to the article’s original writing, represents a time before crew-cab body styles dominated the small truck segment. Back then, consumers enjoyed a diverse selection of no less than 11 distinct models in this vehicle class. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to 1989 and explore the array of Small Pickup Trucks that were available to buyers.
A Look at the 1989 Small Pickup Truck Market
The year 1989 offered a wide array of choices for those in the market for a small pickup truck. From American stalwarts to Japanese imports, the options were plentiful and diverse. Here’s a closer look at some of the models that populated dealer lots.
Chevrolet S-10
Front passenger side view of a red 1989 Chevrolet S-10 small pickup truck
The Chevrolet S-10 was a popular choice in the small pickup truck segment. In 1989, the base model started at a reasonable $7874 and came equipped with a 92-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. For those seeking more power, optional engines included a 125-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 and a more robust 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6. A notable upgrade for the 1989 model year was the inclusion of rear antilock brakes as a standard feature, enhancing safety and control.
Dodge Dakota
Front driver side angle of a red 1989 Dodge Dakota small pickup truck
Priced slightly higher than the S-10, the 1989 Dodge Dakota started at $7879. Its base engine was a 100-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, with an optional 125-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 available for increased performance. A unique and fun fact about the 1989 Dakota was the introduction of the Dakota Sport convertible, which remained an option through 1991, offering open-air driving in a small pickup format.
Dodge Ram 50
The 1989 Dodge Ram 50, with a base price of $7919, was an interesting entry in the market. It was powered by a 90-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engine, with an upgrade to a 109-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder available. Interestingly, the Dodge Ram 50 was assembled by Mitsubishi and was essentially a mechanical twin to the Mitsubishi Mighty Max, highlighting collaborations within the automotive industry.
Ford Ranger
Front driver side view of a blue 1989 Ford Ranger small pickup truck
The Ford Ranger, a long-standing name in small pickup trucks, had a base price of $8093 in 1989. It came standard with a 100-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. For more power, buyers could opt for a 140-horsepower 2.9-liter V6. For those needing more cabin space, the extended-cab “Supercab” Ranger models started at $10,749, providing a bit more versatility.
GMC S-15
Mirroring its Chevrolet counterpart, the 1989 GMC S-15 was priced at $7927. It shared the same engine options as the S-10, including a 92-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder base engine, and optional 125-horsepower 2.8-liter and 160-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engines. The article humorously notes that aside from a slightly higher base price ($53 more than the S-10), there was very little to distinguish the S-15 from its Chevrolet sibling, reflecting the close corporate relationship between the brands.
Isuzu Pickup
Front driver side view of a white 1989 Isuzu Pickup small pickup truck
The 1989 Isuzu Pickup was offered at a base price of $7908 and featured a 96-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder as its base engine. An optional 120-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder engine provided a step up in performance. A standout feature for the Isuzu Pickup was its standard 4-wheel disc brakes, a relatively advanced feature for small pickup trucks of that era, emphasizing its focus on braking performance.
Jeep Comanche
Front driver side view of a beige 1989 Jeep Comanche small pickup truck
The Jeep Comanche entered the fray with a base price of $8111 and a more powerful base engine: a 121-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. An even more potent 177-horsepower 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine was available as an option. A key characteristic of the Comanche was its shared architecture with the Jeep Cherokee, blending Jeep’s rugged DNA into a small pickup format.
Mazda B-Series
Front driver side view of a red 1989 Mazda B-Series small pickup truck
The 1989 Mazda B-Series started at $8068 and offered two engine choices depending on the model. The B2200 version came with an 85-horsepower 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, while the B2600 boasted a 121-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder. A defining feature was the drivetrain configuration: B2200 models were exclusively rear-wheel drive, whereas B2600 models were exclusively four-wheel drive, catering to different driver needs and preferences.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max
Front driver side view of a red 1989 Mitsubishi Mighty Max small pickup truck
The Mitsubishi Mighty Max was the most affordable of the group listed, with a base price of $7864. It featured a 90-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engine, with an optional 109-horsepower 2.6-liter 4-cylinder. Extended-cab versions of the Mighty Max were distinctively branded as “Macrocab,” offering a unique name for the extended cab variant.
Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup
Front driver side view of a tan 1989 Nissan Hardbody Pickup small pickup truck
The 1989 Nissan “Hardbody” Pickup was priced at $7799, making it another budget-friendly option. It was powered by a 106-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder base engine, with an optional 145-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 for more demanding tasks. The Nissan Pickup offered some then-modern amenities, including optional power sliding rear glass and a pop-up sunroof, adding a touch of convenience and open-air feel.
Toyota Pickup
Front driver side view of a red 1989 Toyota Pickup small pickup truck
At the higher end of the price spectrum, the 1989 Toyota Pickup started at $8248. It offered a 103-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder base engine, with an additional 116-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder option, and a top-tier 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The 150-horsepower V6 made the Toyota Pickup the most powerful among Japanese-built small pickups of that year, appealing to buyers prioritizing performance.
Conclusion
The 1989 small pickup truck market was a vibrant and diverse landscape, offering a range of models with varying features, engine options, and price points. Compared to today’s significantly larger and often more expensive “small” trucks, these 1989 models represent a bygone era of truly compact, affordable, and practical pickups that catered to a wide range of needs and preferences. For those who appreciate the simplicity and honest utility of smaller vehicles, the 1989 lineup of small pickup trucks offers a compelling look back at a different time in automotive history.
