When did compact trucks become so expensive? (F150, vehicle, SUV)

[Trucker7]

In 1995, I bought a brand new Toyota truck for just $11,500. It was a no-frills work truck; regular cab, 5 speed manual, vinyl seats, no A/C, roll-up windows, and a basic AM/FM radio. Adjusted for inflation, that truck would cost $17,955 today. Instead, the most basic Toyota truck today, the Tacoma, starts at $23,300. For that price you get an extended cab (no more regular cabs available), automatic tranny (stick is only available on the more expensive 4x4 model), A/C, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, EnTune Audio with touch screen and steering wheel audio controls, and backup camera. The prices for other brands and models are similar.

It seems to me that trucks used to be considered work vehicles, while now their primary target are families' second vehicle, with more emphasis put into creature comforts rather than raw practicality, driving the prices up and out of reach for many people. Funny thing is that in the 1990's compact trucks accounted for 10% for truck sales; now is only 2% and models like the Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota no longer exist.

[Dude of Gwinnett]

Funny enough, I noticed the same thing when I was truck shopping. A few years ago my S10 started to go out on me. Great truck but just nearing the end of its day. I noticed that the compact/midsize truck market was just gone. Options were basically a Tacoma or a Frontier. Thats it. Disappointing because while I need a truck, the full size trucks (F150s, Silverados, etc.) can be a real pain in the ass when in the cities. And just as you said, a Tacoma that was more than just base model standard was not too much cheaper than just getting a full sized truck. Though, to be fair, at least with some of the more expensive Tacomas I saw more functionality and practicality, more than I saw comfort or needless add ons.

[notnamed]

That's also what's causing pickups to have such high resale value.

[wit-nit]

The popularity of pick-ups and SUVs the past few years has driven the prices up. It's called supply and demand.

[Mandalorian]

Full sizers improved a ton and smaller trucks stagnated. Compact trucks with V6s got the same fuel economy as full sizers, the price was close, there really wan't much incentive to pick a compact over full size.

[HappyRider]

Compact trucks?There are no compact trucks left. Chevy Colorado is considered compact these days.

[Army_Guy]

Originally Posted by notnamed

That's also what's causing pickups to have such high resale value.

I've noticed that. Looked at used Tacoma's and the prices aren't too far off from new ones.

I think the increased technology leading to more comfort and mileage make trucks more appealing and practical as daily drivers.

Personally, I've never had a constant need for a truck so I've always gone with a car and recently with crossover vehicles.

[mustangman66]

Its unfortunate as I would love a pickup but to me a pickup is a work truck, not a family vehicle. My step dad bought a brand new Ranger in 99 for around 10K...4cyl, 5spd, 2wd, regular cab. Basic, just like a truck should be, of course I would have opted for 4wd but you cant get basic anymore. Too many people are focused on creature comforts vs what the intended use of the vehicle is. I was thinking about all of these options I have in my current vehicle that I don't even use...just wasted money.

[Electrician4you]

There are also more items that manufacturers have to install on vehicles. That drives up the cost. Every vehicle needs or will need a back up camera to follow regulations. That adds to the cost. Having to meet all these safety and other fuel, emissions etc regulations costs money for research. The manufacturers need to get their money back somehow. At a one time rear bumpers were optional trim on pickups. Now they must have them. Again that's a cost.
Also streamlining and selling a car with a package makes it easier for manufacturers. They don't care about the .0001% who want a bare bones truck. That's not who they cater to. They cater to 99.9999%.

That's why I drive a older truck. Because in order to replace my truck with a brand new equivalent is going to run 62,000 dollars. (I priced it out on build it manufacturers sites)

[k374]

I paid only $15k for my truck 12 years ago brand new, someone offered me $6k for it the other day LMAO! That means it's retained 40% of it's value after 12 yrs!! A new one costs $25k, and a fully loaded model of this truck costs over $40k yikes!!