Some trucks that were once road legends are now getting harder to spot. Whether it’s due to changes in technology, design, or simply age, certain models are fading from the highways and backroads we know. In this list, we’ll explore 25 trucks that are becoming rare sights on the road, from classic favorites to overlooked models, each holding its own bit of history and character.
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Ford Ranger (1993-2012)
The Ford Ranger from 1993 to 2012 was a compact, dependable truck that fit the needs of drivers wanting a smaller yet capable vehicle. Known for its durability and reasonable fuel economy, it offered several engine options, including a 2.3-liter inline-four and a 4.0-liter V6. However, after its initial run, the Ranger was shelved in favor of larger trucks in Ford’s lineup. Though a newer Ranger model was released in 2019, the original version is now rarely seen on the road.
Chevrolet S-10
The Chevrolet S-10 was a popular compact pickup until the Chevy Colorado took its place in the lineup. Known for its ruggedness and affordability, the S-10 came with both a 2.2-liter inline-four and a 4.3-liter V6 engine, appealing to both casual drivers and small business owners. However, as larger pickups gained popularity, this smaller truck has become a rare sight, particularly the older models.
Dodge Dakota
Discontinued in 2011, the Dodge Dakota filled a niche as a mid-size truck, offering both work-ready toughness and a smaller size than full-size pickups. Its available V6 and V8 engines provided decent power, and the Dakota was known for its solid towing capacity. However, with Dodge shifting focus to larger trucks, the Dakota is now a rare find.
Toyota T100
Toyota’s T100 was an early attempt at a full-size truck before the Tundra came into the picture. Although it featured a powerful V6 engine and Toyota’s famed reliability, it struggled to compete with American-made full-size pickups. Production ceased after low sales, making the T100 an increasingly rare model on today’s roads.
GMC Sonoma
The GMC Sonoma was GMC’s version of the S-10, offering similar reliability and engine choices in a compact frame. As GM shifted its focus to mid-size trucks like the GMC Canyon, the Sonoma was left behind. Now, finding a well-maintained Sonoma on the road is becoming a rarity, with most being replaced by newer, more powerful models.
Mazda B-Series
The Mazda B-Series, a compact truck often rebadged from the Ford Ranger, offered a solid, affordable option for light-duty needs. With engines ranging from a 2.2-liter to a 4.0-liter V6, it was popular for its manageable size and fuel efficiency. However, with Mazda’s retreat from the truck market, the B-Series is now mostly seen in older models, making it a rare sight.
Nissan Hardbody (D21)
The Nissan Hardbody, known for its rugged design and reliable performance, earned its nickname for its durability. Available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V6, it was favored for both work and off-road use. While beloved by owners, the Hardbody’s production ended in 1997, and surviving models are becoming increasingly hard to spot.
Ford Bronco Pickup (1966-1996)
The Ford Bronco Pickup was a limited-production variant of the popular Bronco SUV, often modified for off-road and recreational use. Its rarity and vintage appeal make it more of a collector’s item now, with original models fetching high prices. The Bronco Pickup is now mostly seen in classic car shows rather than on the road.
Isuzu P’up
The Isuzu P’up was a small, economical truck that catered to fuel-conscious buyers. Known for its reliable engines and compact design, it was often used for city driving and light-duty tasks. However, as Isuzu left the U.S. truck market, the P’up gradually disappeared, becoming a rare sight on today’s roads.
Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevrolet Avalanche was known for its unique “midgate” design, which allowed it to function as both a truck and an SUV. Despite its innovation, the Avalanche struggled to find a steady market, and production ended in 2013. Now, it’s becoming a rare sight on the road as most have been retired.
Subaru Brat
The Subaru Brat was a quirky, all-wheel-drive compact truck popular for its unusual design and light off-road capabilities. It featured rear-facing seats in the truck bed to avoid import taxes. However, due to its unconventional design and limited appeal, the Brat has become increasingly rare, mostly seen in enthusiast collections.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max
The Mighty Max was Mitsubishi’s compact pickup offering, known for reliability and affordability. With engine options like a 2.4-liter inline-four, it was a favorite for drivers needing a simple work truck. However, Mitsubishi’s limited presence in the U.S. truck market led to the Mighty Max’s discontinuation, making it a rare find today.
Jeep Comanche
The Jeep Comanche was Jeep’s only compact pickup, based on the Cherokee platform. Its off-road capability and 4.0-liter inline-six engine made it a favorite among enthusiasts. However, limited production numbers and Jeep’s pivot away from trucks make the Comanche a rare sight on the road today.
Chevrolet LUV
The Chevrolet LUV, based on the Isuzu Faster, was a compact truck that emphasized fuel efficiency. It appealed to city dwellers and businesses needing a nimble truck, but with larger pickups dominating the market, the LUV is now almost extinct.
Datsun 720
Datsun’s 720 was a tough, reliable compact pickup that offered a good mix of utility and affordability. However, with Datsun rebranding as Nissan and the introduction of newer models, the 720 is now more of a relic, found only in vintage collections or used by die-hard fans.
Toyota Hilux (1980s)
The Toyota Hilux was known for its legendary durability and reliability. Though still sold globally, the Hilux hasn’t been available in the U.S. since the 1980s. Its rarity in the U.S. market, combined with its cult following, makes it a seldom-seen model on American roads.
International Harvester Scout Pickup
The Scout Pickup was a tough off-road vehicle from International Harvester, known for its rugged build and off-road capability. Enthusiasts prize it for its classic looks, but as International Harvester exited the consumer vehicle market, these pickups are now only found in enthusiast circles.
Dodge Ram SRT-10
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 was an extreme performance truck powered by a Viper V10 engine, making it one of the most powerful trucks ever made. Though impressive, its practicality was limited, and as a result, it’s become a collectible rather than a regular sight on the road.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood was a luxury truck that combined high-end features with a pickup bed, but its high price and limited functionality made it unpopular. Only produced for one year, the Blackwood is now a rare find, mainly seen in classic car collections.
Ford Courier
The Ford Courier, a compact truck that preceded the Ranger, was valued for its simplicity and fuel efficiency. As the Ranger gained popularity, the Courier was gradually phased out, making it a rare sight on modern roads.
Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR was a retro-styled convertible truck that blended a 5.3-liter V8 engine with a unique design. Although intriguing, it struggled to find a niche and was discontinued. Today, it’s more of a curiosity than a practical vehicle, rarely seen on the road.
Hummer H2 SUT
The Hummer H2 SUT was a limited-production truck that emphasized style over practicality. Known for its size and bold design, it was less about work and more about making a statement. Production ended in 2009, and Hummers of this type are now mostly found in collections.
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup was a small, fuel-efficient truck that catered to European sensibilities. Its compact design made it ideal for urban driving, but with larger trucks becoming the standard, the Rabbit Pickup is now rarely seen on the road.
Chevrolet C/K 1500 (1988-1998)
The Chevrolet C/K 1500 was a durable workhorse, popular with farmers and tradespeople. However, as Chevy’s Silverado line gained traction, older C/K models were retired, making the 1500 a rare sight outside of rural areas.
Ford F-250 Highboy (1967-1977)
The Ford F-250 Highboy was an iconic truck known for its tall stance and rugged build. Highly sought after by collectors, the Highboy’s durability has ensured that some still survive. However, it’s mainly found in enthusiast circles and is rarely seen in regular use today.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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