1988 Ford Ranger GT and 1989 Chevy S10 – Dude I Love (or Hate) My Ride – at Home Edition [Video]

Cool tiny trucks we all forgot about...

chevy s10 tahoe ford ranger classics

1988 Ford Ranger GT and 1989 Chevy S10 – Cheap Classics

The 1988 Ford Ranger GT and 1989 Chevy S10 (Tahoe) are both fairly rare in a segment of millions. They are not that different from their regular brethren, but they are unique. These trucks also hark back to an era where small trucks were actually small. So, packed with big (for their size) engines, both trucks were pretty quick when new.

They also look kind of cool – no?

Both trucks are pretty similar. They have V6 engines, automatic transmissions and are rear-wheel drive. Both trucks are regular cabs and both trucks are unique based on their trims.

Images: TFLtruck

1989 Chevrolet S10 “Tahoe”

The “Tahoe” name is confusing to some, but it’s basically a trim level that didn’t last very long. This truck is a single cab, with a short bed. It looks almost brand-new and the current owner has made some tasteful modification.

1989 Chevrolet S10 Tahoe has a 4.3-liter V6 hooked up to a four-speed automatic transmission. That V6 made 160 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. That’s not bad considering this truck weighs about 3,000+ lbs.

Among the items the owner did to augment this ride: he lowered it. There’s a two-inch drop up front and a three-inch drop at the rear. He also has sway-bars which came off a later model S10 Extreme.

Other than fuel-pump issues, this clean version of the S10 has been solid.

1988 Ford Ranger GT

What made the 1988 Ford Ranger GT special was its cladding and decal package. It looks like it was pulled right out of the pages of Miami Vice and it certainly feels like it was built in the 1980s.

It came with the 2.9-liter V6 that made 140 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It’s hooked up to a 5-speed manual transmission. While it isn’t powerful, the owner seems to like having the manual transmission. Weighing less than 3,200 lbs, it wasn’t a sports car, but it had plenty of power nevertheless.

The owner has dealt with a few issues, including a failed water pump, but he still seems happy with how unique this truck is. The only modification he mentions is an exhaust which he regrets adding.

Both trucks are fun looking projects and we can’t wait to see what else our audience sends us!

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.