Remember when pickup trucks were more about practicality than luxury? In an era of ever-growing, fuel-guzzling behemoths, classic mini-trucks are returning.
Enter the mini-truck: compact, fuel-efficient, and capable. These pint-sized haulers are turning heads and proving to be more practical for everyday use than their modern counterparts.
From the iconic Datsun 620 to the quirky Subaru BRAT, these 14 vintage gems are redefining what owning a pickup in the 21st century means.
1. Datsun 620
The Datsun 620, produced from 1972 to 1979, was a game-changer in the compact truck market. Its reliable 1.8-liter engine and sturdy construction made it a favorite among farmers and tradespeople.
The 620’s “King Cab” variant, introduced in 1977, was one of the first extended cab pickups, offering extra interior space for storage or seating.
With its simple yet stylish design, the Datsun 620 has become a sought-after classic among enthusiasts. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it a joy to drive, while its impressive payload capacity and low maintenance costs make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Whether hauling supplies or cruising down the highway, the Datsun 620 is a mini-truck that punches well above its weight.
2. Toyota Hilux (1st & 2nd Generation)
The Toyota Hilux, introduced in 1968, is a legend in the world of compact trucks. The first and second-generation models, produced until 1983, were known for their indestructibility and go-anywhere capability. These tough little trucks were popular with farmers, construction workers, and adventurers.
Its simplicity and ruggedness set the early Hilux apart from modern pickups. The Hilux was built to withstand the harshest conditions with a solid axle suspension, leaf springs, and no-frills interior.
Its compact size and lightweight construction made it incredibly fuel-efficient, with some models achieving over 30 mpg. The Toyota Hilux is hard to beat if you’re looking for a classic mini-truck that can handle anything you throw at it.
3. Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, sold in the US from 1979 to 1984, was a unique entry in the mini-truck market.
Based on the popular VW Rabbit hatchback, this little truck featured a unibody construction and a transversely mounted engine, which allowed for a low load floor and impressive cargo space.
Most Rabbit Pickups were sold with a 1.6-liter diesel engine, which produced a modest 52 horsepower but delivered excellent fuel economy. While it may not win any drag races, the Rabbit Pickup’s compact size and nimble handling make it a joy to drive in the city. Its quirky styling and practical design have made it a cult classic among VW enthusiasts.
4. Subaru BRAT
The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was a funky little pickup produced from 1978 to 1994. Its standard all-wheel-drive system set it apart from other mini-trucks, making it a capable off-roader despite its small size.
Another unique feature of the BRAT was its rear-facing jump seats, mounted in the bed to circumvent import tariffs on light trucks. These seats added to the BRAT’s quirky charm and made it a hit with outdoor enthusiasts.
With its rugged construction, fuel-efficient engine, and go-anywhere capability, the Subaru BRAT is a classic mini-truck that’s as fun as it is functional.
5. Chevrolet LUV
The Chevrolet LUV (Light Utility Vehicle) was GM’s answer to the growing popularity of Japanese mini-trucks in the 1970s. Produced from 1972 to 1982, the LUV was a rebadged Isuzu Faster imported to the US to compete with the likes of the Datsun and Toyota pickups.
Despite its humble origins, the LUV was a capable and reliable little truck. Its 1.8-liter engine and lightweight construction made it fuel-efficient, while its sturdy chassis and leaf-spring suspension gave it a respectable payload capacity.
The LUV’s simple, no-frills design also made it easy to maintain and modify, which has helped it maintain a loyal following among classic truck enthusiasts.
6. Dodge D-50
Dodge entered the mini-truck market in 1979 with the D-50, a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Forte. The D-50’s interior was more comfortable and car-like than many competitors, with features like a tachometer, a tilt steering wheel, and even air conditioning.
Under the hood, the D-50 was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced a respectable 93 horsepower.
While not a powerhouse, the D-50’s engine was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. With its combination of comfort, style, and practicality, the Dodge D-50 is a classic mini-truck that still holds up well today.
7. Isuzu Faster
The Isuzu Faster, sold in the US as the Chevrolet LUV (Light Utility Vehicle), was one of the earliest Japanese mini-trucks to gain popularity in America. First introduced in 1972, the LUV was known for its rugged construction and reliable performance.
While the LUV’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine only produced around 75 horsepower, it was more than adequate for hauling light loads and navigating city streets.
The LUV’s simple, no-frills design also made it easy to maintain and repair, which is a big plus for a daily driver. For those looking for a classic mini-truck with a proven track record of reliability, the Isuzu Faster/Chevy LUV is hard to beat.
8. Ford Courier
The Ford Courier, produced from 1972 to 1982, was a rebadged version of the Mazda B-Series pickup. Despite its humble origins, the Courier was popular among American buyers looking for a compact, fuel-efficient truck.
One of the Courier’s standout features was its “soft-ride” suspension package, which provided a more comfortable ride than many competitors.
The Courier was also available with a long bed, giving it an advantage in cargo capacity.
While not the most powerful or luxurious mini-truck on the market, the Ford Courier’s combination of comfort, practicality, and affordability make it a solid choice for a classic daily driver.
9. Nissan 720
The Nissan 720, sold in the US from 1980 to 1986, was a significant step forward in comfort and refinement compared to its predecessor, the Datsun 620. The 720 offered a more spacious and better-appointed interior with features like a tilt steering wheel, a radio, and even air conditioning.
Under the hood, the 720 was powered by a range of four-cylinder engines, with the top-of-the-line 2.4-liter unit producing a respectable 103 horsepower.
The 720’s chassis was also notably more rigid than the 620’s, improving its handling and overall durability.
For those looking for a classic mini-truck with more refinement and creature comforts, the Nissan 720 is definitely worth considering.
10. Mitsubishi Mighty Max
The Mitsubishi Mighty Max, sold in the U.S. from 1982 to 1996, was a hidden gem in the mini-truck market. Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, it offered a compelling alternative to more popular brands.
While its 2.0-liter engine is not the most powerful, it delivers adequate performance for everyday driving and light hauling tasks.
One of the Mighty Max’s standout features was its comfortable interior, often praised as more car-like than many of its competitors. The truck’s lightweight construction also contributed to its agile handling and impressive fuel economy, with some models achieving up to 29 mpg on the highway.
The Mitsubishi Mighty Max is worth considering for those seeking a classic mini-truck that combines practicality with a touch of comfort.
11. GMC S-15
The GMC S-15, introduced in 1982, was GMC’s answer to the growing demand for compact pickup trucks. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet S-10, the S-15 offered a more upscale alternative with unique styling cues and additional features.
The truck had various engines, including a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 4.3-liter V6.
The S-15’s focus on ride comfort and handling set it apart from its competitors. The truck featured an independent front suspension, which was relatively rare in pickups then, providing a smoother ride than many of its leaf-spring-equipped rivals.
With its combination of comfort, versatility, and GMC’s reputation for quality, the S-15 remains a solid choice for those seeking a classic mini-truck with a touch of American engineering.
12. Suzuki Samurai
While not strictly a pickup truck, the Suzuki Samurai deserves a spot on this list for its incredible versatility and off-road capabilities. Introduced to the U.S. market in 1985, the Samurai quickly gained a cult following among outdoor enthusiasts and urban adventurers. Its compact size and lightweight construction made it incredibly handy on and off the road.
The Samurai’s 1.3-liter engine may seem underpowered on paper, but its low-end torque and four-wheel-drive system made it capable of performing in challenging terrain. With a payload capacity of up to 940 pounds, the Samurai could also handle light hauling duties when needed.
The Suzuki Samurai is hard to beat for those looking for a classic mini-truck alternative that can tackle both city streets and backwoods trails with equal aplomb.
13. Plymouth Arrow
The Plymouth Arrow, a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Forte, was sold in the U.S. from 1979 to 1982. This often-overlooked mini-truck offered a unique blend of style and practicality that set it apart from its Japanese-branded counterparts.
The Arrow’s sleek design, with its distinctive sloping hood and wraparound taillights, gave it a more modern appearance than many of its boxy rivals.
Under the hood, the Arrow was powered by a 2.0-liter or 2.6-liter engine, providing a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The truck’s unibody construction, unusual for pickups of the era, contributed to its car-like handling and comfortable ride.
While the Plymouth Arrow may be a rare sight on roads today, its style, comfort, and utility make it a hidden gem in the world of classic mini-trucks.
14. Jeep Comanche
Last but certainly not least, we have the Jeep Comanche, produced from 1985 to 1992. Based on the popular Cherokee SUV platform, the Comanche offered the ruggedness and off-road capability that the Jeep was known for in a compact pickup package.
Available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, the Comanche could tackle everything from daily commutes to challenging off-road adventures.
The Comanche’s unibody construction and a traditional pickup bed gave it a unique blend of car-like handling and truck utility. Engine options ranged from an economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a potent 4.0-liter inline-six, allowing buyers to choose between fuel efficiency and power.
With its distinctive Jeep styling and versatile capabilities, the Comanche remains a sought-after classic for those who want a mini-truck that can do it all.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
