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The last two decades of the 20th century marked what many regard as the golden age for pickup trucks. Compact models from manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge offered a blend of practicality, versatility, and admirable fuel efficiency, all at an affordable price. Notable names included the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma, and Dodge Dakota, along with popular imports like the Mazda B2300 and Nissan D21 Hardbody.
These trucks shared a price range of only about $500 among the base models, with many offering decent fuel economy figures. For instance, a brand-new 1994 Chevrolet S10 could be purchased for roughly $193 a month, which was manageable on a typical middle-class income of approximately $32,000.