Top 10 Pickup Trucks 1979 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Ford F-150

The 1979 Ford F-150 earns the top spot as the Best Overall because it offered the widest range of engines, from a 101 hp inline-six to a 169 hp 400 V8, all in a stout boxed frame. With the popular 351 V8, it could tow up to 7,000 pounds and haul a half-ton payload, available in both RWD and 4WD.

This truck is for the buyer who needed one vehicle to do everything—work, tow, and daily drive—without compromise. It trades away fuel economy, as its carbureted V8s were thirsty during the gas crisis, and rust was a common killer of cabs and bed corners. Compared to the Chevrolet C10 below, the F-150 offers more engine choices and a broader support network, though the Chevy has a smoother ride.

2. Chevrolet C/K 10

The Chevrolet C/K 10 ranks second because it combined the era's most handsome square-body styling with a genuinely civilized ride, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension on lighter models. Its workhorse 350 V8 produced about 165 hp and delivered smooth, reliable torque, with towing in the 5,000-to-7,000-pound range depending on the axle. The base MSRP was roughly $5,300, and the truck was offered in both RWD (C10) and 4WD (K10) forms.

This pickup is for the buyer who prioritized style and ride comfort over sheer engine breadth, and it trades away the Ford's wider engine roster and slightly higher towing capacity. It is also prone to rust in the cabs and rockers, and lower trims had spartan interiors. Compared to the F-150 above, the C10 offers a smoother ride and arguably better looks, but it lacks the Ford's unmatched parts and dealer support.

3. GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 takes third place as a mechanically identical twin to the Chevrolet C/K, sharing the same square-body shell and excellent 350 V8, but pitched slightly upmarket with richer trim packages. Its base MSRP was about $5,350, and it offered the same coil-spring composure and towing capability in the 5,000-to-7,000-pound range, in both RWD and 4WD.

This truck is for the connoisseur who wants square-body substance without the crowd, and it trades away the Chevrolet's higher production volume and slightly broader market recognition. It shares the same rust vulnerabilities in cabs and rockers as the C/K, and it lives in the shadow of its more famous sibling. Compared to the C10 above, the Sierra offers the same performance but with a touch more trim and rarity, making it a quiet collector edge.

4. Toyota Pickup (Hilux)

The Toyota Pickup ranks fourth as the Best Value of 1979, thanks to its legendary 20R 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produced 90 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque, with owners routinely reporting over 175,000 miles of service. Its base MSRP was just $4,200, making it the smartest dollar in the showroom during a fuel crisis, with excellent fuel economy and low running costs.

This compact is for the budget-minded buyer who valued reliability over brawn, and it trades away payload and towing capacity versus full-size rivals, as well as offering cheap interior plastics and easy-rusting bodywork. Compared to the GMC Sierra above, the Toyota is far more economical and durable, but it cannot match the full-size truck's work capability. Its compact size and four-cylinder engine make it ideal for errands and light hauling, not heavy towing.

5. Dodge D150

The Dodge D150 ranks fifth for offering full-size V8 grunt at a fair price, with the familiar 318 V8 producing 145 hp, backed by a 225 Slant Six and an available 360 V8. Its base MSRP was about $5,500, and it towed and hauled in the same full-size league as its Ford and Chevrolet rivals, with RWD and 4WD (Power Ram) forms.

This truck is for the buyer who wanted honest full-size capability without paying a collector premium, and it trades away the refined ride of the coil-sprung Chevrolet and the broader dealer support of Ford or GM. It also has a less polished interior and thinner parts support than its main rivals. Compared to the Toyota Pickup above, the D150 offers far more towing and payload but much worse fuel economy and reliability folklore.

6. Datsun 620 / 720 Pickup

The Datsun 620 / 720 Pickup ranks sixth for combining stylish economy with a peppy and efficient L20B 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produced about 97 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque. Its base MSRP was roughly $4,300, and it was available in RWD and 4WD versions, with the 620's distinctive sweptline bed adding charm. The truck sipped fuel and resisted breaking, though it ranked a half-step behind the Toyota on outright durability folklore.

This compact is for the import buyer who wanted style with economy, and it trades away the Toyota's legendary reliability and the full-size trucks' work capability. It is also rust-prone, with many examples lost before the collector era arrived, and its modest power limits it to light hauling. Compared to the Dodge D150 above, the Datsun offers far better fuel economy and lower running costs, but it cannot match the full-size truck's towing and payload.

7. Ford Courier

The Ford Courier ranks seventh as a rebadged Mazda B-series that gave Ford dealers a thrifty compact to counter the imports, with a 2.0-liter four and an available Ford-built 2.3-liter producing about 92 hp. Its base MSRP was about $4,500, and it drove well, returned strong economy, and carried the reassurance of blue-oval service.

This compact is for the Ford loyalist who wanted import economy without leaving the blue-oval network, and it trades away the Toyota's legendary reliability and the Datsun's styling appeal. It is also less collectible than its Japanese rivals, and heavy rust attrition has thinned the survivors. Compared to the Datsun 620 above, the Courier offers similar economy but with a more familiar dealer support system, though it lacks the Datsun's distinctive looks.

8. Chevrolet LUV

The Chevrolet LUV ranks eighth as a rebadged Isuzu Faster that carried Isuzu's 1.8-liter G180Z four-cylinder, producing 80 hp and 95 lb-ft of torque, making it the most economy-focused of the bunch. Its base MSRP was about $4,486, and it was light, cheap to run, and available in a 4WD version that has since become a cult favorite.

This compact is for the Chevy buyer who wanted a frugal compact, and it trades away the power and capability of the Toyota and Datsun, as well as the Ford Courier's dealer support. It is also the least powerful engine in this group, and it is very rust-prone, so clean examples are scarce.

9. Dodge D50 (Plymouth Arrow Truck)

The Dodge D50 ranks ninth as a new-for-1979 rebadged Mitsubishi that brought the most muscular compact engine on offer, a 2.6-liter Silent Shaft four producing 105 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. Its base MSRP was about $4,400, and it featured balance shafts for unusual smoothness, with a four-speed manual standard and a five-speed and automatic available.

This compact is for the buyer who refused to give up torque, and it trades away the Toyota's legendary reliability and the Datsun's styling appeal, as well as the Chevrolet LUV's low price. It is also a latecomer with a thin collector following, and rust and parts scarcity dog survivors today. Compared to the Chevrolet LUV above, the D50 offers significantly more power and smoothness, but it is less frugal and has a weaker support network.

10. International Harvester Pickup

The International Harvester Pickup ranks tenth as the rugged, agricultural outlier of the field, built around stout frames and durable, simple V8s that offered serious off-road and work credibility. Its base MSRP was about $6,200, the highest here, and it was available in 4WD with genuine toughness. The trade-offs were a higher price, a thin and shrinking dealer network, and quirky parts support, making it the hardest to live with.

This truck is for the rugged individualist who wanted off-the-beaten-path character and serious 4WD capability, and it trades away the affordability and support of the full-size rivals and the economy of the imports. It is also the most expensive here with the weakest dealer support, and parts hunting is a real chore today.

How we ranked these

We ranked the top 10 pickup trucks of 1979 using a weighted scorecard. Reliability and durability got 25% weight, capability 20%, value in period 15%, engine and drivetrain 15%, simplicity 10%, and modern collectibility 15%. Scores drew from period road tests, auction data from Hagerty and Bring a Trailer, and collector retrospectives.

We deliberately ignored brand loyalty, subjective styling preferences, and modern fuel economy standards. We also excluded any trucks not sold in the US market and did not factor in dealer incentives or regional pricing variations. The focus stayed on objective, verifiable data from the era and current collector market trends.

Related questions

What was the best overall pickup truck of 1979?

The Ford F-150 was the best overall pickup of 1979. It offered the widest engine range, from a 101 hp six to a 169 hp 400 V8, and could tow up to 7,000 pounds. Its boxed frame and extensive dealer network made it the most versatile and reliable full-size choice.

What was the best value pickup truck of 1979?

The Toyota Pickup (Hilux) was the best value of 1979. With a base price of about $4,200, it delivered legendary 20R four-cylinder reliability, excellent fuel economy, and low ownership costs. Its modern collector value has soared to $20,000-$33,000, proving its long-term worth.

How did the 1979 fuel crisis affect pickup truck sales?

The second gas shock of 1979 pushed buyers toward compact, four-cylinder imports like the Toyota, Datsun, and Chevrolet LUV. These trucks offered superior fuel economy and lower running costs, accelerating the shift away from thirsty full-size V8s and reshaping the market.

Which 1979 pickup had the most powerful engine?

The International Harvester pickup, with its stout V8 options, offered rugged power, but the Ford F-150's 400 V8 at 169 hp was the most powerful among mainstream full-sizes. Among compacts, the Dodge D50's 2.6-liter four made 105 hp, the strongest in its class.

Are 1979 square-body Chevrolet trucks collectible?

Yes, 1979 square-body Chevrolet C/K trucks are highly collectible. Their clean, iconic styling and the durable 350 V8 have made them favorites among collectors. Hagerty tracks strong, rising values, and clean 4WD K10s command significant premiums at auction.

What should I look for when buying a 1979 pickup today?

Prioritize rust inspection, especially on cab corners, rockers, and bed sides. Frame integrity is critical. Favor a rust-free body over a perfect engine, as these carbureted drivetrains are simple and cheap to rebuild. Originality and a solid body drive value more than horsepower.

FAQ

What was the best-selling full-size pickup of 1979?

The Ford F-150 was the best-selling full-size pickup of 1979. It offered the broadest engine lineup, from a thrifty six to a powerful 400 V8, and had the largest dealer and parts network in America, making it the most capable and accessible choice for work and daily use.

Why is the Toyota Pickup considered the best value?

The Toyota Pickup combined the lowest base price of about $4,200 with legendary 20R four-cylinder reliability, often exceeding 175,000 miles. Its excellent fuel economy during the gas crisis and low maintenance costs made it the smartest financial choice, and its value has since appreciated dramatically.

Which 1979 compact pickup had the most power?

The Dodge D50, rebadged from Mitsubishi, had the most powerful compact engine in 1979. Its 2.6-liter 'Silent Shaft' four produced 105 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, offering smoothness and strength that outpaced rivals like the Toyota and Datsun.

Was 4WD available on 1979 pickups?

Yes, 4WD was widely available in 1979. Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, and International offered 4WD on full-sizes, while Toyota, Datsun, and Chevrolet LUV offered it on compacts. Today, 4WD versions almost always command higher collector prices than their 2WD counterparts.

How did the fuel crisis shape the 1979 truck market?

The second gas shock of 1979 made fuel economy a top priority. Buyers flocked to compact four-cylinder imports like the Toyota, Datsun, and Ford Courier, which offered thrift and reliability. This accelerated the decline of full-size V8 dominance and paved the way for the compact truck boom.

What is the most collectible 1979 pickup today?

The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet C/K square-body are the most collectible 1979 pickups. Clean, unmodified 4WD examples of either can fetch $30,000 or more. The Toyota Hilux has also seen remarkable appreciation, with top examples selling in the $20,000-$33,000 range.

Are 1979 Dodge D150s a good value?

Yes, the Dodge D150 offers excellent value. It provides full-size V8 capability with the tough 318 V8, but lacks the collector hype of Ford or Chevy. This keeps prices more affordable, making it a smart buy for those wanting a capable, simple full-size without the premium.

What are common rust issues on 1979 pickups?

Common rust areas on 1979 pickups include cab corners, rocker panels, bed sides, and cab mounts. Floorboards and frame rails are also vulnerable. Corrosion is the primary killer of these trucks, so thorough inspection is essential before purchase.

Which 1979 pickup is best for off-road use?

For serious off-road use, the International Harvester pickup and the 4WD versions of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet K10 are top choices. The Toyota Hilux 4WD is also excellent for its reliability and light weight, making it a capable and economical off-roader.

Sources

• https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools
• https://bringatrailer.com/
• https://classic.com/
• https://www.curbsideclassic.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-Series
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_C/K
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Hilux
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_D-series

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