General Discussion

When I talk fondly about my bulletproof only vehicle bought new 1989 stock 5 speed 4 cylinder Ford Ranger (no cab +, but with a bed you could load a 4x8 sheet of plywood in - and only $7k after tax and registration), or the 2nd hand mid 70's Datsun truck I had(until it was stolen), everyone over the age of 35 I talk to also commiserates about those late 80's/early 90's smaller trucks - the fuel economy, ease of repair, low cost, and basically, ability to do what was expected of a light work/family use truck.
Because occasionally, you, or a buddy, just needs a truck - to pick up or haul bigger boxes or dirtier household/yard stuff around. Or pick upsome swap-meet stuff or new furniture or haul away excess appliances and all that hoarder crap that's around the home. Or make an extra $50 + a sixpack hauling for a co-worker, neighbor, friend, or family member.
Or put a topper or camper over the bed and live out of it, in a pinch.
And if you have kids, pets, or best buds, all that oversized utility, sports, or outdoors stuff.
And best of all, those sizes of trucks could typically fit in a normal sized driveway or parking spot.

A smaller, cheap, basic truck is perfect for most people who don't have to regularly travel off road or haul trailers for work.