Is the small truck market nearly dead ? - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Is the small truck market nearly dead ? (Page 1 of 5)

Posted: 2/22/2020 3:50:10 AM EDT

Tacomas are still fairly small but every manufacturer used to offer a small truck. Now damn near every truck is the size of a small aircraft carrier. A 1998 Dakota was damn near perfect size. You could get a truck weighing 3,308 to 3,979 lbs, 250 hp which was great for its time and could tow 6k pounds. Put a modern engine in there and you would have one hell of a formidable little beast. Will they ever make a comeback ?

Posted: 2/22/2020 3:52:18 AM EDT

[#1]

Ford ranger, chevy colorado?

Posted: 2/22/2020 4:14:33 AM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:
Ford ranger, chevy colorado?

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When my car was having work done, my insurance paid for a rental and they gave me a Chevy Colorado. I really liked it. Granted, I didn't have to do any research, pay for any maintenance, ect. But just based on driving it for a week, I really liked it. Size, power, and comfort level were all excellent. Plus it actually was pretty decent on gas for a truck.

Posted: 2/22/2020 4:21:13 AM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:
Ford ranger, chevy colorado?

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The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

Posted: 2/22/2020 4:36:38 AM EDT

[#4]

There is no “small” truck sold in the US anymore. The dimensions of the current smaller trucks are pretty much what 1/2 tons were 20 years ago.

Small trucks were popular when they had small prices. By the time the Tacoma was created, the price was already matching 1/2 tons. It was a hard sell, and so they became 1/2 tons.

Posted: 2/22/2020 4:50:14 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
There is no “small” truck sold in the US anymore. The dimensions of the current smaller trucks are pretty much what 1/2 tons were 20 years ago.

Small trucks were popular when they had small prices. By the time the Tacoma was created, the price was already matching 1/2 tons. It was a hard sell, and so they became 1/2 tons.

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I liked the old squared off Ranger which apparently is the first and second generation. My friend built one up as a pre runner and it looked great. I would love to see one of them with the current 2.3 powertrain it would fly.

Posted: 2/22/2020 6:45:40 AM EDT

[#6]

Jeep Wrangler with the rear seat removed may be the closest you can get today for a small truck.

Posted: 2/22/2020 6:49:18 AM EDT

[#7]

Yes it's dead. People want bigger vehicles, and government safety standards have regulated them out of existence.

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:04:34 AM EDT

[#8]

I can understand why. Never drive a small one again.

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:06:23 AM EDT

[#9]

It's going to be a sad day when my 2nd gen taco dies.

I want a truck with a 6ft bed that will fit in my garage. There's nothing on the market currently that will fit that requirement.

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:09:06 AM EDT

[#10]

The small trucks of today (they’re actually called mid size trucks now) are still small compared to the huge half tons and of course the massive HD trucks on the market today.

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:11:28 AM EDT

[#11]

Ford is working on one rumored to be on their new Focus platform. I bet it will sell very well.

https://www.tfltruck.com/2019/03/2021-ford-courier-mini-truck-prototype-shows-independent-rear-suspension-and-dual-exhausts-spied/

Attached File

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:55:11 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
There is no “small” truck sold in the US anymore. The dimensions of the current smaller trucks are pretty much what 1/2 tons were 20 years ago.

Small trucks were popular when they had small prices. By the time the Tacoma was created, the price was already matching 1/2 tons. It was a hard sell, and so they became 1/2 tons.

View Quote

Yep.... 2020 Ranger is pretty close to a 1990 F150 in tow rating.

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:57:45 AM EDT

[#13]

I swapped out of a large 5th wheel trailer and A Dodge Dually and bought a new motorhome in2016. We needed a towable truck. I looked around and the ONLY candidate for US was the GMC Canyon. I has electronic shift driveline disengagement which is WONDERFUL for hooking/unhooking. We bought it and off we went. Over time , after owning many NICE trucks over the years I've come to like my little truck very much. It's as nice inside as any truck I've ever had. Has all the bells and whistles I need. The best things are the ease of use for me. I can ACTUALLY reach into the bed and retrieve something. It is super easy to park and get around traffic in. Big enough inside for both of us AND a 92 lb Boxerdog. Plenty of storage under the back seat.

For power it pulls our small trailer with our CanAm Commander on it just fine even through the mountains. By itself I've made many many 400 mile roundtrip days in it to my sons home range to practice LR stuff with him. Never once have I felt uncomfortable. I'm just generally very happy with the product. I hope they have a similar model when its time to trade again.

Posted: 2/22/2020 7:59:34 AM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:

The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

View Quote

The 2020 Ranger is closer in size to the 3rd gen Ranger than an early 90s F150. 1992 F150 extended cab short bed: 223.6 inches long (with bumper). 2000 Ranger extended cab short bed: 210.8 inches long. 2011 Ranger extended cab short bed: 203.6 inches long.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:03:00 AM EDT

[#15]

Got a ‘20 Tacoma, I don’t need a big truck, I just haul camping gear, occasional run to the dump, plus I get 18 mpg

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:06:06 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yes it's dead. People want bigger vehicles, and government safety standards have regulated them out of existence.

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You sure about that..I always see them tiny cars in the way with some nut hugger on the wheel..Like This.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:10:23 AM EDT

[#17]

Attached File

I want one in the worst way...

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:12:07 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Ford ranger, chevy colorado?

The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

And at that size, weight, gas mileage, and price point, you might as well get a half ton.

Kharn

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:12:46 AM EDT

[#19]

I liked the older Dakota I rented a while back. That little V-8 moved that truck right along.

Too bad the Dakota was such an unreliable, poorly built POS overall.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:17:44 AM EDT

[#20]

I have an '11 GMC Canyon.

Love that damn truck.

Pulls my boat, dirt bikes, quads with no problems.

Drives like a sportscar.

Extended cab opens to put guns/gear/groceries super easy.

I think it has 242HP with the 5 cylinder.

New Colorados are definitely bigger.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:18:03 AM EDT

[#21]

These are close to the size of 80s small trucks.

Attached File

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:21:41 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/300897/download__1___2__jpeg-1286327.JPG

I want one in the worst way...

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Me too. That exact one, pretty much. It's still too big but it's the closest thing to what I really want. My first vehicle was an '82 toyota pickup. If it weren't for body rust it would still be on the road. Make that with a crew cab in a 4x4 and I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:24:36 AM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
There is no “small” truck sold in the US anymore. The dimensions of the current smaller trucks are pretty much what 1/2 tons were 20 years ago.

Small trucks were popular when they had small prices. By the time the Tacoma was created, the price was already matching 1/2 tons. It was a hard sell, and so they became 1/2 tons.

View Quote

Vehicles keep getting larger and the parking spaces seem to be shrinking.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:46:33 AM EDT

[#24]

I don’t think the Ranger getting a little larger is a bad thing. Extra room is needed as things change in your life. As long as it was the wife and I with one dog the Ranger was perfect for traveling to the cabin and hunting. After adding a few more pups in our life it got a little cramped. We still use it for that but most of the time we take the 4Runner.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:47:07 AM EDT

[#25]

They still seem popular to me. I don't know why though.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:59:15 AM EDT

[#26]

Attached File

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:03:10 AM EDT

[#27]

My '97 extended cab Ranger 2wd, 2.3L, 5-spd XLT would get 27-28mpg on the highway with A/C on. Low 20s around town. Nothing can touch that anymore.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:05:03 AM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:

The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

View Quote

Id like to see a picture of the two side by side.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:11:06 AM EDT

[#29]

Trucks are too danm big

I want a truck the size of a danm forte, but no

All I need or want is a 5 foot bed, 2 doors and a 2L engine

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:11:54 AM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
It's going to be a sad day when my 2nd gen taco dies.

I want a truck with a 6ft bed that will fit in my garage. There's nothing on the market currently that will fit that requirement.

View Quote

You must have a small ass garage. Guy across the street parks his Silverado 2500hd with long bed quad cab in his garage. And that's an apartment garage.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:17:07 AM EDT

[#31]

Per Google-

1992 F-150 = 79" wide x 197"-235" long

2020 Ranger = 78" wide x 211" long

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:17:18 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
You must have a small ass garage. Guy across the street parks his Silverado 2500hd with long bed quad cab in his garage. And that's an apartment garage.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
It's going to be a sad day when my 2nd gen taco dies.

I want a truck with a 6ft bed that will fit in my garage. There's nothing on the market currently that will fit that requirement.

You must have a small ass garage. Guy across the street parks his Silverado 2500hd with long bed quad cab in his garage. And that's an apartment garage.

A “normal” two car garage will fit an access cab f150 with a 6.5 foot bed - with 1.5” to spare

This is not even a quad door cab

That’s too tight to even be reasonable

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:28:24 AM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:

Vehicles keep getting larger and the parking spaces seem to be shrinking.

View Quote

This! A couple of months ago I test drove a Titan, but ended up getting a Tacoma for just this reason. In reality, the Tacoma isn't THAT much smaller that the 16 year old F-150 it replaced.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:33:55 AM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
And at that size, weight, gas mileage, and price point, you might as well get a half ton.

Kharn

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Ford ranger, chevy colorado?

The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

And at that size, weight, gas mileage, and price point, you might as well get a half ton.

Kharn

Not quite, if you shop around that is.

https://www.brandonford.com/vehicle-details/new-2019-ford-ranger-xl-tampa-fl-id-33547571

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:35:35 AM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:

Yep.... 2020 Ranger is pretty close to a 1990 F150 in tow rating.

View Quote

I saw one the other day and did a double take. Thought it was a F150.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:37:40 AM EDT

[#36]

Wasn't there rumors a few months ago Ford is testing a new 'Courier' that is the size of small trucks in the 70s and 80s?

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:38:27 AM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
Jeep Wrangler with the rear seat removed may be the closest you can get today for a small truck.

View Quote

Came in here to reply "no one wants a small truck anymore".

Read your comment and thought "yeah, good point" .

Remembered that I daily a JL.Wrangler with the rear seat removed from the day I bought it

I love the damn thing, 285 hp, 8 spd ZF trans, 4.10 gears with a weight of 2977 (no seat, no spare and muffler delete) so it's relatively quick.

It is quick and shorter than most 4 door compacts.

Sits up higher for a better view and can navigate over curbs.

But the fact that it is such a tiny sliver of the market ...

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:40:30 AM EDT

[#38]

Personally, I won't buy any truck less than 3,980 pounds. But that's just me...

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:47:45 AM EDT

[#39]

I have a 2015 quad cab Tacoma TRD that’s been great and my FIL picked up a 2019 Colorado that he likes so far.

My only grip with the Tacoma is that it is a PITA with a rearward facing car seat and I wish it had a bit more power at elevation. On the flip side, it’s never given me a problem and will go damn near anywhere. I have 19 GMC 1500 4x4 company truck and wouldn’t dream of taking it up some of the mtn trails here.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:51:21 AM EDT

[#40]

I like small trucks

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:51:39 AM EDT

[#41]

The problem isn't that no one wants a small truck anymore.
The problem is no one wants to pay $30k+ for a small truck.
The combination of .gov mandated safety and emissions regulations is the main culprit in the demise of the small truck market.

ETA: In high school, I had a 1981 Datsun pickup. Four banger, carbureted, 5 speed. It got 30 to 35 mpg. Is there even a new truck made today that will get 35 mpg?

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:52:42 AM EDT

[#42]

no it is being forcecfully drown by the big compsnie to sell more 65K trucks

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:53:01 AM EDT

[#43]

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https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/69748/IMG_20190504_065957_jpg-1286337.JPG

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That is kinda funny.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:56:22 AM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
Not quite, if you shop around that is.

https://www.brandonford.com/vehicle-details/new-2019-ford-ranger-xl-tampa-fl-id-33547571

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Ford ranger, chevy colorado?

The 2020 Ranger is the size of an early 90s F150. They are not "small trucks". They are quite a bit larger than the third gen Ranger.

And at that size, weight, gas mileage, and price point, you might as well get a half ton.

Kharn

Not quite, if you shop around that is.

https://www.brandonford.com/vehicle-details/new-2019-ford-ranger-xl-tampa-fl-id-33547571

GD claims they want XLs, but drive one for a while and you'll hate it.

Kharn

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:57:25 AM EDT

[#45]

The market is getting a combo of what the Gov and the market want.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:57:36 AM EDT

[#46]

Everyone on here claims they want a small truck, but the market doesn't bear that out. There isn't a crank window/no frills/non-fancy-electronics small truck that people will buy, unless you include the Nissan Frontier that everyone loves to shit on because it's old an outdated, even though it falls square in the price and capability range everyone claims to want.

I have also not seen anyone post a picture of their small trucks where they aren't all crew cab, and people mock the guys who post their standard cab full size work trucks.

There aren't small pickups because nobody buys them. Everyone buys a crew cab medium pickup instead, and enough people complain that their small pickup isn't big enough, so they've grown into the size a 1990s F150 used to be, so that the full size king ranch behemoths don't have to be constrained by former operating size.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:59:32 AM EDT

[#47]

I saw a regular cab short bed truck a few days ago. Looked like a toy. OTOH I parked my 09 GMC 2500 HD CC LB next to a new, lifted Ford Super Duty 2500.....what a monster.

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Posted: 2/22/2020 10:00:22 AM EDT

[#48]

The problem is that mid sized trucks essentially cost the same as full size trucks. Makes more sense for most people to buy the bigger more capable truck.

Posted: 2/22/2020 10:00:25 AM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
There is no “small” truck sold in the US anymore. The dimensions of the current smaller trucks are pretty much what 1/2 tons were 20 years ago.

Small trucks were popular when they had small prices. By the time the Tacoma was created, the price was already matching 1/2 tons. It was a hard sell, and so they became 1/2 tons.

View Quote

It wouldn't surprise me to find out that changes in the emissions standards created a set of rules for small trucks that made them uneconomical or untenable to manufacture and sell.

Posted: 2/22/2020 10:02:20 AM EDT

[#50]

The small to midsize trucks now days are the size of full-size trucks 25 years ago.

Modern day full size trucks are huge.

I drove a 91' GMC Sonoma through HS and college and it had less room than a VW bug inside.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Is the small truck market nearly dead ? (Page 1 of 5)

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