Back when gas was cheaper and driveways weren’t filled with giants, pickup trucks were all about doing the job without the drama. They kept it simple, and that’s exactly what some folks miss today. For those looking to sidestep the bulk, here’s a rundown of 10 compact 1980s pickups that still punch above their weight.

1985 Toyota Pickup

The 1985 Toyota Pickup was light on its feet but heavy on reliability. Its carbureted 22R engine wasn’t flashy, but it was bulletproof. It even made its way into pop culture with “Back to the Future.” Currently, its average resale price is under $8,000, and many still run strong after 300,000 miles.

1984 Ford Ranger

There was a time when Ford’s smallest truck made a big impact. The 1984 Ranger hit the market at around $6,827, and its under-110-inch wheelbase and featherweight frame gave it real agility, especially off-road. Ford even slipped a diesel option under the hood. 

1986 Chevrolet S-10

This was GM’s first shot at a homegrown compact pickup, and it delivered. This S-10 kept it lean and affordable with an MSRP starting below $7,500. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, making it versatile for its size. It was smart, useful, and easy to wrench on.

1983 Nissan 720

This small pickup made practicality feel stylish. Priced around $4,100, the Nissan 720 offered 30 MPG on the highway and stayed under 190 inches in length. A 5-speed manual made it fun to drive, and features like dual spark plugs and an optional sunroof felt ahead of its time.

1987 Dodge Dakota

Before the Dakota showed up, trucks were either small or full-size. Dodge carved out new ground with the first mid-size pickup in America. It offered V6 muscle without tipping 4,000 pounds and towed up to 5,500 lbs. Plus, the cabin was roomy, and the base model cost around $8,000.

1982 Mazda B2000

The B2000 had a curb weight of under 2,600 pounds and originally sold for approximately $6,500. That low cargo bed came in handy for weekend hauls, and its tough four-cylinder engine earned serious fan loyalty. A factory tachometer added a touch of flair to what was otherwise a humble, hardworking ride.

1981 Isuzu P’up

The Isuzu P’up didn’t shout for attention, but it earned respect. Its diesel setup topped 40 MPG, and its price stayed just below $7,000. Decades later, its squared-off styling still holds up, and surprisingly, many of these trucks are still running strong in the used market.

1986 Toyota HiLux

Priced around $6,100, this truck earned its reputation the hard way through years of use and very few complaints. The 1986 Toyota HiLux blended simplicity with legendary durability, using the same 22R or 22RE engine found in other Toyota pickups. It’s light in weight, tough on wear, and easy to maintain.

1986 Mitsubishi Mighty Max

Style met substance in the Mitsubishi Mighty Max. It came in low, with a clean design and a surprisingly quick feel when paired with a manual. The $6,800 price tag kept it accessible, while the tough suspension took bumps and backroads in stride. 

1985 Jeep Comanche

Underneath, it shared bones with the Jeep Cherokee, but the Comanche was its own thing. As the only unibody pickup of the time, it blended SUV comfort with true 4×4 grit. Its short-bed version made it maneuverable in cities, and a $7,500 base price kept it within reach for everyday drivers.