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10 Cars From the 80s That Couldn’t Decide If They Were Cars or Trucks

Cameron Eittreim September 20, 2025

The 1980s were a transformative period in the automotive industry, marked by experimentation and innovation. Automakers began to blur the lines between traditional cars and trucks, resulting in vehicles that defied conventional classifications. This era saw the emergence of models that combined the comfort and style of cars with the utility and ruggedness of trucks, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences. The following decade would witness the rise of SUVs and crossovers, but the 1980s laid the groundwork for this shift by challenging existing automotive norms.

1. Subaru BRAT

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A classic 1980s Subaru BRAT pickup, showcasing its distinctive rear-facing jump seats and rugged design. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Subaru BRAT, an acronym for “Bi-drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter,” (en.wikipedia.org) was a distinctive vehicle that fused a car body with a pickup bed. Introduced in 1978, it featured rear-facing jump seats in the cargo area, a design aimed at circumventing the “Chicken Tax” on imported trucks. This unique configuration allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger vehicle, reducing import tariffs. (motortrend.com) Targeting both recreational and work markets, the BRAT achieved cult status for its quirky design and versatility. (journal.classiccars.com)

2. Chevrolet El Camino

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A classic Chevrolet El Camino, blending car and truck features, showcases its distinctive design and utility. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Chevrolet El Camino, produced from 1978 to 1987, (en.wikipedia.org) seamlessly blended the comfort of a car with the practicality of a truck. Its car-like ride, coupled with a functional truck bed, appealed to lifestyle buyers seeking versatility. The 1980s variants offered various engine options, including V6 and V8 engines, catering to diverse performance preferences. (en.wikipedia.org)

3. Ford Ranchero

3. Ford Ranchero
A 1979 Ford Ranchero GT, blending sedan comfort with pickup utility, showcases its sleek design and practicality. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Ford Ranchero, introduced in 1957, was a pioneering vehicle that merged sedan comfort with pickup practicality. (automotivehistory.org) Its design philosophy anticipated the crossover trend, offering a versatile option for consumers seeking both utility and style. (autohistorypreservationsociety.org) Competing directly with the Chevrolet El Camino, the Ranchero left a lasting legacy in the car-truck hybrid segment. (en.wikipedia.org)

4. Dodge Rampage

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A 1982 Dodge Rampage compact pickup, showcasing its unique front-wheel-drive design and versatile cargo bed. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Dodge Rampage, produced from 1982 to 1984, was a compact, front-wheel-drive pickup that combined car-like handling with the utility of a small truck. (en.wikipedia.org) Its 2.2-liter inline-four engine delivered 84 horsepower, enabling it to carry a payload of up to 1,145 pounds, comparable to the Chevrolet El Camino’s capacity. (hagerty.com) Despite its practicality, the Rampage had a brief production run, ceasing in 1984. (en.wikipedia.org)

5. Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup

Volkswagen rabbit pickup 2
A classic 1980s Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, showcasing its compact design and distinctive styling. | Image from www.publicdomainpictures.net (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, known as the Caddy in Europe, was produced in North America from 1979 to 1984. (en.wikipedia.org) This compact, front-wheel-drive vehicle combined the agility of a European car with the practicality of a truck bed, making it ideal for urban environments. Its efficient design and versatility appealed to young tradespeople and city dwellers seeking a functional yet maneuverable vehicle. (autoweek.com)

6. AMC Eagle Wagon

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1985 AMC Eagle wagon white with honey (alloy wheels are Jeep XJ) at 2024 AMO 2of2

The AMC Eagle Wagon, introduced in 1980, was a pioneering crossover vehicle that combined the comfort of a station wagon with the capability of all-wheel drive. (en.wikipedia.org) Its raised ground clearance and rugged design made it suitable for both urban commuting and light off-road adventures, foreshadowing the modern SUV trend. (hotcars.com)

7. Toyota Tercel Wagon 4WD

7. Toyota Tercel Wagon 4WD
A rugged 1980s Toyota Tercel 4WD wagon, ready for off-road adventures. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Toyota Tercel Wagon 4WD, produced from 1983 to 1988, combined the compact size of a car with the ruggedness of a wagon, making it versatile for both urban commuting and off-road adventures. (autoblog.com) Its 1.5-liter inline-four engine provided adequate power, while the four-wheel-drive system offered enhanced traction on various terrains. (encycarpedia.com) This blend of practicality and compactness made it a popular choice among those seeking a reliable and adaptable vehicle. (autoweek.com)

8. Subaru Leone Wagon 4WD

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A classic 1980s Subaru Leone AWD wagon, showcasing its distinctive boxy design and rugged charm. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Subaru Leone Wagon 4WD, introduced in 1972, was among the first mass-produced all-wheel-drive passenger vehicles. (en.wikipedia.org) Its combination of station wagon comfort and off-road capability laid the foundation for Subaru’s future models and the crossover market. (torquenews.com)

9. Jeep Comanche

Used 1987 jeep comanche pioneer
A rugged Jeep Comanche pickup truck, based on the XJ Cherokee, showcases its distinctive half-cab and cargo bed design. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Jeep Comanche, produced from 1986 to 1992, was a unique pickup truck that combined the unibody construction of the XJ Cherokee with a traditional body-on-frame design for the cargo bed. This “Uniframe” structure featured fully boxed frame rails over eight inches deep, providing enhanced strength and payload capacity. This innovative design offered the comfort of a unibody vehicle with the utility of a traditional pickup. (en.wikipedia.org)

10. Cadillac Mirage

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A 1976 Cadillac Mirage, a rare luxury pickup conversion, showcasing its distinctive design and opulent features. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Cadillac Mirage, produced in 1975 and 1976, was an exclusive conversion of the Cadillac Coupe DeVille into a luxurious car-based pickup. (autoevolution.com) Designed by renowned customizer Gene Winfield and built by Traditional Coach Works, only about 200 units were made. (barrett-jackson.com) Powered by a 500-cubic-inch V8 engine, the Mirage combined Cadillac’s opulence with truck functionality, featuring a functional tailgate and a bed spacious enough to accommodate a 4×8-foot sheet of plywood. (carscoops.com) This rare vehicle attracted notable owners, including daredevil Evel Knievel, who purchased the first Mirage. (ebay.com)

When Cars and Trucks Collided

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A 1980s hybrid concept car showcasing innovative design and early eco-friendly technology. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1980s marked a period of automotive experimentation, with manufacturers blending car comfort and truck utility to create versatile vehicles. (slashgear.com) Models like the Subaru BRAT and Chevrolet El Camino paved the way for today’s crossovers and SUVs, offering a fusion of style, practicality, and performance. (motortrend.com) These innovations have left a lasting impact on automotive design, influencing consumer preferences and shaping the modern vehicle landscape. (advocacy.consumerreports.org)

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