Retro Review: 1986 Compact Sport Truck Comparison

You asked, we delivered! By special request, here's the MotorWeek comparison test between the Ford Ranger, Chevy S-10, Isuzu P'UP, and Mazda B-2000. Which truck is your favorite???

[@Motorweek]

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[@OOICU812]

@Kingsley Billy besides Keaton Vincent you're right... nobody cares.

[@terryadams2652]

@MotorWeek, WHY did you not include the Toyota pickup in this comparison? Toyota is the _champion_ of pickups.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

@@terryadams2652 Because that's WHY. TOYOTA WOULD WON

[@castlewhore2007]

1986: pick up trucks are less expensive than cars 2019: pick up trucks are extremely more expensive than cars

[@sci-figuy6668]

I paid $8,200 for a brand new 86.5 Nissan hardbody truck. -Hard to believe nowdays.

[@mccortezy]

@@sci-figuy6668 I think it some what true today depends on the trim. Cars also more expensive today. But the capability and versatility of truck today make it more worth the money then the price of cars today.

[@gunzoqc]

Or then house

[@irongoose3865]

@@sci-figuy6668 Base price for this year is just $20,000. (rolling my eyes)

[@hellopeoplee]

Base model 2020 Chevy Colorado extended cab msrp is 21,300 which according to an inflation calculator is 9,105 in 1986

[@redburst8]

Can we PLEASE have small, cheap, reliable trucks again?

[@BRENT3143945]

LoneRedSgt theres alot of used ones out there.

[@angelcarbajal7482]

Chevy Colorado my dude small reliable and modern just enough for us old school fellas.

[@epicface2064]

LoneRedSgt no. Sadly the chicken tax doesnt allow it.

[@dyer2cycle]

...not small enough,expensive, and too modern, unfortunately.....

[@josephdonnelly2663]

i agree. what the hell happened?

[@BCJDM]

Remember when small trucks were a thing?

[@powersurge001]

BCJDM Pepperidg.. I mean... Motorweek remembers.

[@furgusuned15650]

BCJDM Pepperidge farms remembers

[@theomnipresent1]

Ohhh yeah member! I member!

[@kz1000ps]

I MEMBER!

[@djkenny1202]

19 grand would be a lot! I think that would be a nicer Toyota 4 cyl a few years ago. When small trucks were a thing, they were actually almost the same price as the contemporary entry level economy car. My friend and I bought a 1993 Toyota base model for $6700. That was on par with a base Tercel, maybe a couple hundred bucks more. Today, that might be a 13 thousand dollar truck in basic form. I would love that. The price of a entry levelJapanese car.

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

Remember the days of an affordable TRUCK? Not a overpriced rolling couch. Easy to drive, could actually make a monthly payment on it, and not do it for 7 years, and they just fit the lifestyle of SO many of us!

[@SgtJoeSmith]

Yep but then liberals had to scream for higher minimum wages and greedy unions destroyed the country

[@TheBigFunOne]

Joe Smith higher wages are a good thing buddy. Also unions are the best thing to happen in a work place.

[@noahgaray7923]

James Murphy Man you don’t know Jack shit 😂 The trades, your “blue collar” jobs, are going to be making more than you soon. You do know that a plumber can make $90,000 right? Same with an electrician. If you get into a Union, you can get training from the union itself for free. 4-5 years and you take your certification test. Certain blue collar jobs don’t make great pay, but to dismiss them completely, it just shows how foolish you really are.

[@rfjohns1]

James Murphy you sound like an elitist douchbag

[@andybub45]

@James Murphy Going to college has nothing to do with "failing". In fact, some people who get 2 year degrees or no degree end up making more than someone with a 4 year degree.

[@MrHerberttarlek]

Dad bought a B-2000 put a shell on it with the standard '80s carpeting and two seats along the bed . We went all over the west in it during the '80s from LA . I used to tumble around in the back with a walkman and the camper lid wide open in the Utah heat . Good times .

[@saganich74]

When Snug-Top was king!

[@oliverdelgado6952]

I grew up in back of a compact truck bed with a shell in the 80s. Actually was in 2 accidents while in back of a bed.. good times !

[@THE-xp3hp]

I have 6 walkmans

[@Itsmelmc]

​@@oliverdelgado6952omg!

[@arthurboyd522]

And I still drive my hardbody every day with 430,000 miles, four cylinder though. Where was a Toyota at?

[@exxusdrugstore300]

I have one too, 150k. I was wondering the same thing, I feel like they left it out because it would dominate everything except acceleration.

[@alexgallegos7582]

Daaaamn man still running 2 years after this comment ?

[@culcune]

@@alexgallegos7582 I want to know, too! My son was given my father-in-law's '97 Tacoma 4x4 with the 5-speed manual V6 and it has about 250k miles on it.

[@wildbill23c]

Couldn't find a Toyota with a frame still in one piece. Neighbor has what looks to be a late 80's hardbody sitting out by his shop, given this is Idaho, that's where it'll sit and rust to pieces, heaven forbid the Mormons here sell their used cars, they'd rather watch them rust to pieces.

[@joeneri150]

This is also the time when Jeep made a real truck.

[@johnnichols6606]

I have a 95 ranger and my buddy has a 97 Hardbody, and we both love our small trucks, greatest vehicles ever

[@biggiecheese2088]

I’ve got an 87 Ranger, as shown in the video it is awesome.

[@audioisgood]

Nissan Hardbody still looks good today.

[@mfnbigdaddy73]

My daughter is 16 and drives one NOW ! The Nissans and Chevy S10 were the best looking and fastest of all of those trucks.

[@hugoramirez9622]

Agreed 1988 Nissan Desert Runner only 700 manual 400 automatic originals. Numbered ...mine 000597

[@backinyourcar155]

You got a picture?

[@joshualaw375]

Yessir! I’d love a Hardbody. I drive an old R50 Pathfinder, so a somewhat similar vehicle. Great cars, those old Datsuns!

[@SantanKGhey1234]

... said nobody, ever

[@TheRealE1337ist]

RIP Pat Goss. When I used to watch these with my dad when I was a kid, Pat's segments were his favorite segment. Even in these older programs, a lot of his advice is still relevant.

[@Tokey_The_Bear]

The things Pat and John have done for the grassroots automotive community... We are all so fortunate to have lived in this time. I grew up watching this and it helped form one seriously weird car collection. A little bit of everything, just like Motorweek.

[@NESherv]

I still drive my 1989 Mazda B2200 Cab Plus everywhere I go. The thing doesn't die.

[@tylerbrown5499]

found you sherv

[@dmnddy]

how alive is the truck now? still going?

[@NESherv]

@@dmnddy Still going! Just drove it 500 miles from San Jose to San Diego. It just hit 200,000 miles!

[@NESherv]

@@tylerbrown5499 Haha, I just saw your comment. Of course you did. When you get into such niche corners of a hobby, you're bound to run into the same people over and over again. :)

[@Tony-re3ds]

Anyone born in the 80s and 90s. Remember going into town riding in the back of these trucks, as a child.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

My daily driver is the 1988 Chevy S10 my Dad bought brand new. I was 3 when he bought it and I’m 38 now. He took really good care of it. Over the years the red paint faded and the engine got tired. But I had it repainted bright victory red and had the 2.5 iron duke 4 cylinder engine rebuilt. It looks and drives like brand new again. Best looking S10 in town 👍🏻 I’m real glad I didn’t drop the 327 V8 in it like I wanted now that gas price has went insane! The iron duke 4 cylinder and 5 speed are greatly appreciated now

[@splewy]

It's funny how back then, pickups were considered a more affordable alternative to cars. Now it's reversed, with pickups typically costing 30% more than an similarly equipped car.

[@shawnwells5719]

Simple. Before 1990, people bought trucks because they needed them. After 1990, people bought trucks to make other people think the buyer needed them. The manufacturers responded by turning trucks into overweight cars. Just try to buy a basic utility truck off the lot now...you can't. You have to order it.

[@cadillacdevile]

That's what popularity does to one

[@tonychavez2083]

The Mitsu Mighty Max / Dodge D50 were also pretty good little trucks back then.

[@wildbill23c]

Yes they were, friend of mine had a Ram 50, we took that thing hunting every year, it would go anywhere. Hell of a lot cheaper than today's bloated UTV's (side by side) toys.

[@albertgunter640]

Yup...great little trucks....I've owned 3...a 79, 83, and currently an 86...just pulled the head off at 230k for a valve job

[@recklessjelly1484]

I had an 83 power wagon 50 it was metal flake gold with orange and red stripes and gold wheels

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

My neighbor had one back in early 80s he swore by it , never at it.

[@RedLP5000S]

I adore the Ford Ranger. We had three generations of them. '86, '91, and '98. Glad to see it won the comparison test.

[@oambrosia]

Who wants to try sending $3 for a transcript? LOL

[@joshualaw375]

Oliver Ambrosia I’ve done it. They aren’t at that address anymore, but if you look their new one up, they WILL actually send you one LOL!

[@kylefowler5082]

@@joshualaw375 that is awesome thanks for investigating this!

[@Ithinkiwill66]

Haha!! EXACTLY! Can we go online? 😂

[@franciscodanconia4324]

Motorweek in the mid-80s: "Trucks are an affordable alternative to comparably equipped cars" Me in 2022: Goes to Ford dealership and the only things available are $80,000 King Ranch F-150s

[@americantrucking6843]

😂😂 So true

[@davesoverthere]

I would've picked the Nissan. Actually, I DID pick the Nissan. I'm still using a '91 as my daily driver.

[@Iconhulk]

Ford or Nissan would've been my picks...

[@DA90027]

My 86 Ranger STX is as comfy as a car and rides like a car.

[@justinl9077]

My dad had a Chevy Luv (Isuzu), Ford Courier (Mazda), and a Dodge D-50 (Mitsubishi) in the 1970s to 1990s then a couple of Toyotas. I miss the days of cheap simple useful vehicles.

[@oldred9122]

I'm a Ford guy and I love my Ranger, but I honestly thought the Nissan Hardbody would win. Those are damn fine pickups

[@LynxStarAuto]

Two two three Five five six I beg your pardon? The Nissan and Toyota pickups were instant classics, and sought after today.

[@hihowareyou7185]

@Andrew Smith tell that too WW2

[@wildbill23c]

Those old Hardbody trucks hold their value too, I had an 89 D21 4x4 with the 3L V6, 5 speed, 4x4 extended cab, even the AC in it still worked at 379k...made the mistake of selling it to a kid in town who had no idea how to drive it. I also had an 89 Mazda B2600i 4x4 pickup which had 319k on it, loved that little truck too.

[@sunilayya8948]

Yes. More comfortable than toyota rivals and pretty damn indestructible.

[@theangryredline5524]

MotorWeek was obviously Domestic-biased...didn’t want to let Ford, or even GM down lol @ OldRed91 you’re right D21 should’ve taken the trophy

[@justsumguy2u]

I would've chose the Nissan out of that group, and with the 4 cylinder---the Hardbody was the stuff of legends when it came to reliability and durability. The Isuzu 2.3 had a problem with blown head gaskets and cracked heads. The Mazda was a great value, as it was also very reliable

[@garyvallone5393]

The isuzu 2.7 in the trooper would blow gaskets also. Aluminum head on a cast block....

[@cyotacorolla1489]

The Nap-Z engines in the early hardbodies were dogshit. The KA replaced the Z series in 1990 I believe. Much better engine.

[@TEENOFTITANS]

As someone who drives a '90 Hardbody with the KA, she's a great truck! That thing is impossible to kill, I'm convinced it'll continue to outlive modern trucks for years to come

[@JS-gu9rx]

@@TEENOFTITANS totally agree! My father in law had one with almost 500,000 miles on it. 5 speed manual

[@mescko]

I just picked up a '95 XE-V6 King Cab 5-speed from the original owner. Stack of service receipts over an inch thick. Great condition. I'm very happy. It's interesting to me that we have the benefit of 20/10 hindsight here. That the Nissan finished mid-pack, when you look at the survival rate, the Nissan blows them all out of the water. Admittedly, this is likely owing to the fact that it was produced for longer than any of the others. My reply to this is, well, don't mess with perfection 😁

[@mrich3879]

Those Nissan trucks were awesome. My friend in high school had a base model without the rear bumper...yes a bumper was an option. That thing was great. It got AMAZING milage. Wish I had one now.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

My dad had the 720 model without a bumper and immediately after bringing it home bolted a Toyota bumper right up to it. Multiple people rammed right into the back of that thing, piercing their grilles on the hitch protrusion in the middle and just thankful they could drive away without us being mad because it didn't hurt that bumper.

[@Teddingtin]

I wish they still sold trucks like this. The “compact” trucks of today are anything but compact.

[@arthurerby2466]

True but I can't lie the mavericks are pretty cool

[@CalvinHikes]

My 87 Nissan D21 is my daily driver in 2021. Still tip top. Well, the dashboard isn't tip top but the rest of the truck is. 25mpg!

[@neutronronnie9343]

My 1986 Nissan d21 still strong after 33 years, just changed the oil today amazing truck👌👌👌

[@LynxStarAuto]

Pablo Chavez produced until 2014 in South America. Namely Venezuela

[@user-ej3of7zs4f]

The Nissan in video not 1986 This Nissan is 1993 يمه منكم

[@423tech]

@@user-ej3of7zs4f this video is from 1986. How could it be from 1993?

[@veightrwd8828]

33 years and you just changed the oil. Holy cow lol

[@neutronronnie9343]

@@veightrwd8828lol you know what i meant to say!..she still running till this day even here in Chicago🤘

[@yellowhammer3]

Where's the Toyota with "YO" on the tailgate. When I was a kid I thought that was hillarious

[@driveri1435]

Omg 💀

[@fredgarvinMP]

"Toy" was another good one. I saw a guy who must have bought a set of tailgate decals and arranged them to say, "OTAY". Simpler times...

[@garyvallone5393]

I remember seeing a Mitsubishi. They blocked the letters to say "its b.s" stupid!!

[@fredgarvinMP]

Gary Vallone İ remember that one!

[@garyvallone5393]

@@fredgarvinMP So funny huh?

[@NESherv]

FINALLY, a MotorWeek review featuring the underrated '86-'93 Mazda B-Series trucks!

[@kingdaniel3519]

My father had a 93 B Series and it was a great little truck. I was looking at getting one for myself back in 04 but ended up finding a 99 F150 for a steal.

[@exxusdrugstore300]

My dad had a 2.6 4x4, he said it was a beast.

[@r.s.customz1502]

Just avoid the 2.0 Mazda made they break crankshafts very easy

[@Phillygthemessenger]

I used to have an 89 b2200. My grandfather gave it to me. The piston rings had gone out, but it still ran. Would barely climb a hill in 1st gear. I sold the truck for $300

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

I absolutely loved the looks of the 4wd ext cab Nissan from back in the day.

[@jschatzee2107age]

I love these retro reviews, always takes me back in time

[@brandondeel3567]

This is a gem for the mini truckers out there!

[@aaronbehindbars]

My first vehicle was a 91 Mazda B2600i SE-5 extended cab. Grandpa bought it to tow behind his RV, gave it to me when I started driving. My uncle got it 17 years ago and it's still running strong. I'd love to have it back.

[@MonkeyMD3]

Dad had a red 92 with a manual. Same exact spec as yours. It was my first car. I still look for one occasionally.

[@Iexpedite1]

I had that same Ford Ranger with the carbureted V6 and an automatic. It was surprisingly quick. I raced a friends Trans Am and while he would pull away it didn’t happen quickly. The truck met an untimely demise and almost got me killed twice in the process. Driving home one night a tie rod end came loose and I ran off a bridge. The truck fell 20 feet into a ditch and landed on the driver’s door. I somehow wasn’t hurt. I walked back to my girlfriend’s house and was trying to get her to come to the window. I needed to use her phone to call my dad but I didn’t want to wake her dad. Suddenly someone stepped around the side of the house and leveled a shotgun at me. I raised my hands and called out so he would know who I was. Fortunately he didn’t shoot me. My girlfriend had been frightened and she snuck in to her parents room and woke her dad. That Ranger had it out for me. A few years later I married the girl...27 years ago.

[@jamespalmer9556]

Damn give me back 1989!

[@DDFJ1230]

I drive a 91 Ranger with the 2.9 4x4 and have no complaints!

[@Terminxman]

k

[@cameronkinnan6697]

I drive ford period with no complaints.

[@cesare.7311]

Cameron Kinnan me too

[@billman6364]

ive got an 02 ranger xlt, no problems, ibought it new and with the price of trucks now id be crazy to get rid of it, 70k, i had a company truck.

[@cameronkinnan6697]

We still have our Expedition little over 10 years, but we mainly got it for towing our poontoon boat, but now we dont have the boat anymore, so we have alot of V8... Who am i kidding she aint going anywhere.

[@frankb4199]

That Nissan was amazing. Way ahead of its time. The Mazda was great too. Bring this back, basic trucks are what we ask for. Not a watered down f-150.

[@ralphhitchensjr.9633]

Had a Isuzu P'UP 1983 same color as the one here but reg cab. Pretty little truck. Short bed. Kept that truck 17 years. 1.9lit 4, wheel drive, Could not get out of it's own way. Needed a 5 speed. Had only a 4. Turn 3,000 rpm at 55 mph.

[@johnstutz4458]

Ralph Hitchens Jr. I had that truck also. Dang motor stayed wound tight. It lasted forever though, I could not kill that little thing. I also owned the Chevy and the Nissan . The Chevy was a good truck till the rear main went. The Nissan was my fav, I had the SE standard cab, it was loaded to the max every option on it. Loved that truck. Ran it under a church bus while towing a loaded trailer. Dang it.

[@seththomas9105]

Thanks Motorweek for 35 years(for me) of great shows!

[@fernandorocha8459]

Thanks Motorweek, this comparsion sport trucks is very nice. I love Chevy S10 Tahoe 1986 and Ford Ranger STX 1986 is my favorites

[@mcarajol6950]

I drove a 1983 Nissan King Cab 720 / Datsun 5 speed for 33+ years..... Sooo Enamored with the vehicle... I purchased a 1985 Nissan King Cab 720 5 sped and still drive it to this day ..... Burro de la Familia ...Very Very Faithful piece of equipment ... Gonna shed a tear the day ... she lets me down

[@KayBertoss]

Ah memories. 20 years old when this came out. Settled on a brand new 1989 4X2 Ford Ranger V6 5spd regular cab long box with the new body style for 1989. Drove it 2.5 years. Traded it in after a couple of annoying engine oil leaks towards a Toyota Truck. Bought a brand new 1992 Toyota V6 5spd 4X4 extra cab. Owned it for 14 years. Loved that truck.

[@doogals]

I just love these retro 80's tests. These were the 'must have' vehicles when I was growing up!

[@SearchEast2069]

The IIHS would shit a brick if a company tried to make a car/truck with inward facing jump-seats today.

[@truckman63]

Antwon Jenkins wasn't that in Ford rangers ext cab until 2011

[@exxusdrugstore300]

At that point it was more of a charity for the Ranger.

[@thejbcrazy]

I had a Blue B2200. It was so much fun. Have a Danger Ranger now ... Love Mini Trucks ...

[@updog4ever]

Ahhh the good old glove compartment cup holders.

[@sdrape4964]

updog4ever Yes, worked great til that first little crack in the pavement 😂😂

[@landonbenford8369]

I think they were meant to be used while in park. My '91 Escort cupholders were ridiculously shallow.

[@Howard1939]

I had an 86 Isuzu Turbo Diesel Spacecab LS, it lasted 16 years, got 26 mpg city & shy of 40 mpg highway, for 10 of it's 16 years hauled newspapers on weekends and did newspaper route deliveries to dealers, hotels and vending machines.. Ultimately the only problem was a sunroof that would occasional leak in heavy Texas rains, the diesel engine was a German model, which in the end, caused problems getting replacement parts, what did it in, was a leaking oil cooler, sold it in 2004 for a 1988 Chevy S-10 short bed with standard cab, wish I still had it..!

[@starquestman1544]

I've only ever seen one of these extended cab trucks in that body style. it was in my small town a couple years ago. it looked like it was very well taken care of since it was new but then it got sold to some trashy family that didn't take care of their cars and within about 6 months to a year the thing had dents in every body panel and looked like it had gone through a war. sadly i haven't seen the thing since, seems like most of the rarer vehicles end up this way?!

[@1903tx]

I love these full episodes with the opening, promo spots, and credits. Please post more!

[@nostalgiadad7137]

This show was so much fun to watch! in my market it came on at 1 pm Saturday. I could watch a full run of cartoons then this.

[@wbwayne8887]

Exactly what I used to do. Basically lived for Cartoons and Motorweek every Saturday. Kids today have no idea. 😂

[@paulbryan750]

I remember watching this when it was new. Still enjoyed it many years later

[@jimmertrzcinski1144]

I miss the Jeep Comanche :) I love the Comanche though

[@joseluissanchezgil9769]

I owned a '88 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab with the 2.9 V6 and a 5 speed manual. It rode rough and the motor was notorious for cracking the heads. Bad web casting was the blame. I was constantly repairing the truck. The motor lasted until the 130K miles mark, when the cracked heads finally killed the engine.

[@hunternichols9463]

jose luis sanchez gil I own a XLT Supercab myself knock on wood I haven't had any issues with the heads cracking

[@weskirkland5850]

27:54 Makes me happy. From my childhood. I woulda been 6 when this came out. Watching it with my dad.

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

I drove all of these back in the day and, for real world use, the Nissan was head and shoulders above all of the competition here.

[@raymondturner6784]

I definitely like the Ranger on longer drives over the Nissan. The Nissan seemed to have better build quality though. I like all the trucks, but the Ranger and D series was the best. The Mazda was great, but only up to about 55 mph. I wouldn't use it much outside of household chores. The others lag behind too much.

[@mitch9521]

Its too bad compact pickups are no more. I love my 2011 Ranger

[@gregorylouganus9057]

Umm the frontier, the Colorado, the Tacoma, the canyon.. Ya there "mid size" now but still compact

[@WilliamRowan]

Colorado, Midsized? It's almost the same height and width as my "Full size" 1999 Chevy Tahoe...

[@EGGINFOOLS]

Gregory Louganus How can it be midsize and compact at the same time?

[@zososldier]

All truck manufacturers converted their mini truck to their mid sized and the old mid sized to full size. New gen Colorado, Tacoma and frontier are huge in comparison to these old trucks. Only one still rocking a mini truck is ford in their non-american line.

[@djkenny1202]

Too big. Too expensive. Too much features.

[@wildbill23c]

The powered rear window I found quite funny, I just saw an 86 Ford Ranger 2 weeks ago at the pick a part yard with that powered rear window, 1st time I'd ever saw that feature in a truck that old...I know some newer/new trucks have that standard, just found it funny to see it was even an option as an aftermarket add-on 30+ years ago...pretty cool.

[@catjudo1]

My first truck was an 85 Toyota X-Tra cab pickup with the 22R engine and a five speed manual. When he used it, he had a nice topper over the bed, but when he needed a nicer looking car for job hunting I took the top off. It was dependable, tough and quite comfortable. No carpet, no power windows or locks, a junky radio/tape deck and woven vinyl seats that were extremely comfortable. My second truck was an 88 Ford Ranger I bought off of my father-in-law. 300K miles but extremely well cared for. Looked like the truck in the video except it was green and had a standard cab. Manual transmission was a Toyo Kogyo (nee Mazda) unit and it still drove nicely. I miss small trucks. Today's small trucks are much too big and cost too much.

[@oliverdelgado6952]

I just saw a 80s nissan hard body for sale. In mint condition. Asking price was $6k .

[@brandonmoulds9597]

The opening is so 80s. I love it!

[@tendervittlesdoobiestein2145]

I comparison shopped the Nissan, Chevy, and Ford before buying an 86 Ranger Supercab 4x4, with AT and AC. Don't remember the model package but it was just a little over the base model. To this day it was the best decision I ever made on a new vehicle. The solid black enamel paint, body lift, 33 x10.5 on nice alloys plus a few accessories here and there, it was a REALLY nice looking truck too.

[@garyvallone5393]

not to mention by far the best suspension on any truck ever. The twin I beam

[@Johnny96ri]

@@garyvallone5393 best suspension on a 4x4 is and remains a solid axle.

[@garyvallone5393]

@@Johnny96ri I agree but that twin I beam was a pretty bad ass front end for the 2wds

[@Johnny96ri]

@@garyvallone5393 Bad, yes. Ass, yes. Bad-ass? No, just bad and ass.

[@brantisonfire]

In high school, and this was back in 2003-2004, my friend Tim had a '88 Bronco II. This was basically the 2wd Ranger with a rear bench and bed cover. That thing felt so unstable on the highway running 65, and it didn't help when our 311-pound friend who was center on the football team would rock side to side, compressing the suspension left to right until it felt like we were gonna roll over. So glad he never wrecked that thing cause it would have crumpled like a tin can.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I remember when compact trucks were compact. Although I never owned the trucks in the video, I did get to drive one. My stepdad had a 1978 Toyota SR5 truck when I was a boy. Although it was indeed compact, compared to the full-sized trucks of the time, I found it comfortable to ride in. Its seats weren't very comfortable, but there was more than enough room to work with. My other favourite compact trucks were the Isuzu P'up and the Chevy S-10 and GMC S-15. What I wouldn't give to be able to find another compact Toyota truck.

[@superapple4ever]

I wish I could have that classic 80's jazzy background music.

[@cbh148]

congratulations to Marty McFly's Toyota pickup, which won this shootout without even being there.

[@fastnasty6627]

That movie saved toyota trucks.

[@melrose9252]

Two two three Five five six Your comment exposes your ignorance and stupidity so shut up gal.

[@goclunker]

@@melrose9252 Toyota trucks don't rot? LOLOL

[@gregpavitt309]

Marty McFly's truck was awesome!

[@memyself4682]

Greg Pavitt I agree.i wonder where it is now.

[@bartprice3439]

Back then, if you bought one of these trucks in the city, you became everyone's go-to for moving.

[@svenlabots1869]

This was an especially great episode. Man i love the extended tune at the end of the program, with those supercheesy images of that guy being pulled out of the trunk! It must 've been a blast working for Motorweek back in the day!😅😂

[@RobCamp-rmc_0]

“Jump seats [...] reasonable comfort” I snorted

[@shurd3207]

Had a truck Nissan and most claim was never made but there were a few out there and I even see one near my house today from time to time, a 2wd,std cab,short bed SE V6 Hardbody/D21. The books use to show the 4wd version but not the 2wd. Was a 1/2 year model. Even had power windows and locks and a sunroof with all the other SE equip.

[@ricorob100]

Pops still has his 1991 GMC Sonoma (S-10 twin) rolling along still with 240,000 miles on the 2.8 V6, mates to a five speed. Living in the south where salt rust hasn't eaten it away, she's still going strong...so well that on those hot summer day we roll the windows (manually 😂😂😂), and slide the lever up for some a/c. GM all day. Just bought a 1990 Cavalier Z24 with 76,000 original miles. Looking forward to summertime, and sort of revisiting my childhood even if it's a simple memory. Sure do miss the 80's.

[@letsgonow5641]

THey all look sweet. Love the Mazda..

[@ESTBuddy]

I just love it how the new Chevy Colorado and Ford ranger don’t offer sunroofs yet here you have a 30 year old Nissan with just that.

[@rw0037]

A loaded truck for $12k in 1986 is like $32k today. Good luck finding that anywhere now. Most midsize trucks are nearly $50k+ now when loaded up with all the options.

[@VertigoGTI]

I remember watching this episode with my dad when I was a little little guy. He bought a Ranger in 1990.

[@fastnasty6627]

Sorry to hear that. My condolences.

[@GhostOfAMachine]

I had a 2015 Ranger ute before moving to US. Can't believe how time has changed

[@joshualaw375]

I’d have the Nissan Hardbody. Hands down, no question. Good looking, practical, reliable as hell! Take it from somebody who’s driven his 1999.5 Pathfinder all his life!

[@bonestockgarage122]

My dad bought a brand new ranger with the 4 cylinder in the 1980’s. His first new vehicle ever...it slung a rod right after the 25k mile warranty. My dad never bought a Ford ever again. His next three Dakotas all made it to 300k miles.

[@davidaubin3902]

My uncle loved his Ford Ranger that he delivered cheese for Cabot Company

[@ftffighter]

Ford ranger with the 2.3L would last forever. My dad had an 1989 Ranger with the 2.3L 5-speed that had 380k miles on it with stock clutch and nothing was ever replaced. Snap, even the valve covers were never removed in it's life. It led a hard life working and hauling X2 the recommended maximum lol That thing was reliable as hell. It ended up rusting off of its frame but still ran like a champ.

[@rustybrowneye]

ftffighter most ford trucks do, usually the body rusts away before the engine fails

[@fixt100]

i got 600k out of my 87 2.9l 4x4 my family made me sell it because they said it was an eyesore (not aa straight panel left on it heh, chicks dig body damage right?) it went down streams through snow into the ditch and right back out again (after it was rolled over again), no joke it was the best vehicle i will probably ever own.

[@billman6364]

fffighter, a few years ago consumer reports went looking for the highest milage vehicle they could find guess what , an 80s something ranger in WV, 450,000 miles!

[@rustybrowneye]

David H. not the power rangers!

[@MyDyerMaker]

Only GM would have a name of 'Maxi-Cab'.

[@deanspanos8210]

Miss you Nissan.

[@cadman10000]

I love those old Hardbody trucks.

[@pearlmax]

I blame Ghosn. The Japanese allegedly love him for saving the company. I despise him for destroying everything that made Nissan awesome.

[@quadrunner2124]

The frontier was a hardbody with updates through 2004.

[@cesarcantu9001]

I loved the Datsun/Nissan Sunny pickups even though its old it looks cool. Ugggh I so want one

[@63stratoman]

I had a '90 model. First year with the new KA24 Engine! That motor was a beast and bulletproof! I miss it!

[@nutz4gunz457]

No Toyota pickup! I guess that wouldn't be fair to the others in the test.

[@4-LOW]

It didn't make it...it rusted to death on the way there.

[@MrWiggilez]

or jeep MJ

[@Gabesafish]

No VW Rabbit Pickup, No Subaru Brat

[@Gabesafish]

And now the closest things we have left to that once crowded segment are the Tacoma, Colorado and Frontier, and they have grown quite a bit in size.

[@LOGICNREALITY]

considering no one adjusted the valves at every 15k so they all ended up blowing smoke and ticking, then blowing hahaha

[@lamune6809]

In the early 90's I needed a car and picked up an 87 B2000 SE-5 standard cab extended bed with 140k miles on it. I drove that thing daily for 5 years with a cross-threaded spark plug in cylinder 4 that couldn't be changed. Then gave it to a friend. That truck was unkillable and to be fair, we tried hard to kill it. Nice work, Mazda.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

That B-Series is 🔥

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Great video, MotorWeek I really love these types of videos! Keep up the great work! Also, did you guys ever do a Retro Review of family sedan from the 80's or 90's? Thanks again for the awesome video! -DriveAndBeDriven "The Quest To Record The Best!"

[@Doc1855]

You CAN lay Refrigerator flat while hauling, But once you have it home, set it UPRIGHT for 24-36 hours BEFORE plugging it in.

[@FrightfulAccountant]

That's what I like about america. For this kind of needs here in Europe we buy a van... Ugly, juk. In amerika, they buy a pickup truck, and that is cool! :-D

[@dcanmore]

plenty of small pick-ups in Europe to choose from, including the latest Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Great Wall Steed, VW Amarok, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi L200, Fiat Fullback, Mazda BT-50, Renault Alaskan and Mercedes X-Class. Different is, unlike America, you don't see many in the cities, but mostly in the country and smaller rural towns. In the cities, vans are king.

[@techmaven5900]

Vans may be ugly but they are practical!

[@briandjordjevic9969]

john robert thats what in talking about

[@rtroyer33]

FrightfulAccountant I want to buy a van instead of a truck when I get the chance. A clean Ford Econoline 150.

[@AightBro123]

FrightfulAccountant in a truck you just throw stuff in the back with no worries in a van you wanna keep the floor clean of course I would want bwdliner jn my pickup

[@thumperpaul]

I'd take the Nissan. I know a co-worker who just traded in his 1989 Hardbody with well over 300,000 KM on the odometer and he was sad to see it go. He told me the truck was bought from the dealership even before they could list it on their lot.

[@wildbill23c]

He will quickly regret that decision, today's vehicles are extremely cheap in quality, with a horrendously steep price tag for an electronics nightmare on wheels.

[@Joe_Blo]

S10 4X4. Special ordered from factory in 1986. $14,200. Still have it. -Review is deceptive. Rear opening side windows were available option. So was cargo capacity, @ 3/4 ton. It rides like a car with proper shocks. Biggest complaints: Lack Lack of power, no stake holes holes in bed. But 32 years later, it's still going, original drive train. You'll see more S10s on still on the road than any any of any of the others in this review. When's the last time you saw a "Space Cab"?

[@TheBigFunOne]

Brent Rice damn sir you’re ancient I was -6 😂

[@Johnny96ri]

You see S-10s because they barely changed the damn things. 1982-93 looked like the same truck. (Underneath, 1982-2004 WAS the same truck.) They sucked until they got the 4.3 V6 in 1987...the 2.8 was lousy. (I'd rather have the 4 cylinder.)

[@bcubed72]

2:00 "Chevy S-10 Tahoe MAXI CAB?!?" That's gotta be the WORST name for a vehicle, except possibly for the Pontiac "Vibe." SRSLY, GM, what's the deal with naming your vehicles after stuff designed for coochies?

[@Planag7]

Just saw an Isuzu truck for sale. Guy wasn't around to talk about it but I left my number. Think KZbin listened in because I found this video lol

[@johntaurus5399]

Ford had clearly put the most effort into its truck. not surprisingly, it won. Love those seats. up market Ford's of the era had great seats. this Ranger. Taurus LX, Tempo LX and GLS, Mustang GT. All had excellent, comfortable seats unique to that trim. I put 1986 Taurus LX seats in my old 1993 GL, I loved them haha

[@yomama9760]

LOVE my Tempo LX still...Ford had the BEST LX Top shelf trim that is awesome!

[@endersstare328]

I'd like to see a full retro review on the nissan king cab

[@arieljones4595]

Pickup trucks "... cost much less than comparably equipped cars." Times have changed.

[@sdrape4964]

My dad had an 86 Isuzu LS Spacecab in the 2 tone gold. Went 230k on original 2.3L engine and clutch. Only reason we got rid of it was because the tailgate was opened one day, and didn't close back up because of rusty hinges. And it couldn't be fixed because the rest of the bed - and body - had also rusted away. 😂 I miss these old trucks.

[@danielwoods404]

The s10 styling really held up. For anyone wondering, the Isuzus are not around anymore because the 2.3l motor in them didn't last. Same motor that was in the first years of the Trooper.

[@trampasashton1822]

Nope

[@skylinefever]

The Nissan probably had the most reliable engine, but it required a timing belt replaced according to a schedule.

[@cargueone1971]

Skyline Fever /only on the v6. the 4 had a timing chain

[@exxusdrugstore300]

The chain will rattle over time though, it's kind of annoying but not too big a hassle.

[@exxusdrugstore300]

I would say the Isuzu or the Mazda was probably the most reliable, Japanese 4 cylinders last for eternity.

[@Iwokeupscreaming]

It kind of upsets me that Toyota was not included. I thought they made the coolest small pickups in the 80's

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

Angryjolly This. I was expecting the Toyota and, if possible, the Triton as well. I can't remember if the Dakota was out at the time as well.

[@jerlaine1638]

Angryjolly to be honest the Toyota was the only real competition that the Ranger had. in terms if usefulness and longevity those are practically the only 2 left

[@mfnbigdaddy73]

Dodge had the D50 at the time. Basically a Mitsubishi....smh

[@mfnbigdaddy73]

Actually they were all pretty damned good trucks. I am partial to S10s and Nissans myself, they looked the best by far, and were faster than the rest too !Nissan had the fastest 4 cylinder truck, and Chevy had the fastest V6 (4.3) !

[@robertsitch1415]

Almost all the little Japanese designed trucks of the 70s and 80s had pretty good powertrains but rusted bodies and frames in places that salt the roads.

[@dohc1067]

As a younger man at the time and soldier, I saw alot of these trucks on the road and the Mazda was the most popular for the car and truck shows at least where I lived. Imo, the Nissan (Frontier) hard body truck was one of the best if not balanced trucks for the long haul and the newly redesigned version looks good today. I still believe Mazda would have grown more if they had their own engineered truck here in the US 🇺🇸.

[@toddbob55]

My 1991 Ford ranger was the most comfortable and best Truck ive ever driven or owned.

[@ss_whole]

That shirt screamed 80's

[@justabagel5173]

1:38 times have changed

[@man_on_wheelz]

yes... F-150 will typically run you over $60,000

[@billman6364]

yes, i bought a new1988 ranger xlt reg cab 5speed for $8800, some special promo deal, i guess it was a deal compared to the prices he was quoting.

[@freedom24v86]

MAN_ON_WHEELZ actually a base f150 is around 24 grand 30k with the gay crew cab 😯

[@OOICU812]

Who would thumb down a truck comparison video made in the 80s?

[@forterierocks]

86 Isuzu Pup was my 1st truck I bought it used in 94 when I started my house washing business, I had a gas generator and power washer mounted in the box, I used that truck until 2011 when the rear diff went out, had 377K on it and never gave me any issue, definitely was a good little truck.