Top 10 Pickup Trucks 1979 — Best Overall + Best Value

11979 Ford F-150

The 1979 Ford F-150 takes the top spot because it carried the widest engine range of any 1979 pickup, from a 101 hp inline-six up to a 169 hp 400 V8, all in a stout boxed frame. With the 351 V8 it towed up to 7,000 pounds and hauled a half-ton payload, in both RWD and 4WD.

This truck suits the buyer who needed one vehicle to work, tow, and daily drive without compromise. It gives up fuel economy, since its carbureted V8s were thirsty during the 1979 gas crisis, and rust commonly killed cabs and bed corners. Against the Chevrolet C/K 10 below, it offers more engine choices and broader parts support, though the Chevy rides smoother.

21979 Chevrolet C/K 10

The Chevrolet C/K 10 ranks second because it paired the era's cleanest square-body styling with a genuinely civilized ride, thanks to coil-spring rear suspension on lighter models. Its 350 V8 made about 165 hp and smooth torque, towing 5,000 to 7,000 pounds depending on axle ratio, at roughly $5,300 base as RWD C10 or 4WD K10.

This pickup suits the buyer who prioritized style and ride comfort over sheer engine breadth, and it gives up the Ford's wider engine roster and slightly higher towing capacity. It also rusts in cabs and rockers, and lower trims had spartan interiors. Against the F-150 above, the C10 rides smoother and arguably looks better, but lacks the Ford's unmatched parts support.

31979 GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 takes third 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. Base MSRP was about $5,350, and it offered the same coil-spring composure and 5,000-to-7,000-pound towing capability, in both RWD and 4WD forms.

This truck is for the connoisseur who wants square-body substance without the crowd, and it gives up the Chevrolet's higher production volume and broader market recognition. It shares the same cab and rocker rust vulnerabilities as the C/K and lives in its sibling's shadow. Against the C10 above, the Sierra delivers identical performance with a touch more trim and rarity.

41979 Toyota Pickup Hilux

The Toyota Pickup ranks fourth as the Best Value of 1979, thanks to its legendary 20R 2.2-liter four-cylinder making 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 the fuel crisis, with strong economy and low running costs.

This compact is for the budget-minded buyer who valued reliability over brawn, and it gives up payload and towing versus full-size rivals, plus cheap interior plastics and easy-rusting bodywork. Against the GMC Sierra above, the Toyota is far more economical and durable, but cannot match the full-size truck's work capability. It suits errands and light hauling, not heavy towing.

51979 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 Ford and Chevrolet rivals, in 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 gives up the coil-sprung Chevrolet's refined ride and the broader dealer support of Ford or GM. It also has a less polished interior and thinner parts support. Against the Toyota Pickup above, the D150 offers far more towing and payload but much worse fuel economy.

61979 Datsun 620/720 Pickup

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

This compact is for the import buyer who wanted style with economy, and it gives up 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, and its modest power limits it to light hauling. Against the Dodge D150 above, the Datsun offers far better fuel economy but less towing and payload.

71979 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 gives up 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 survivors. Against the Datsun 620 above, the Courier offers similar economy but more familiar dealer support.

81979 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 group. 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 gives up the power and capability of the Toyota and Datsun, as well as the Ford Courier's dealer support. It also has the least powerful engine here, and it is very rust-prone, so clean examples are scarce. Against the Courier above, the LUV is cheaper but weaker.

91979 Dodge D50

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 gives up 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. Against the LUV above, the D50 offers far more power but is less frugal.

101979 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.

This truck is for the rugged individualist who wanted off-the-beaten-path character and serious 4WD capability, and it gives up 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. Against the Dodge D50 above, it is tougher but far harder to live with.

How we ranked these

Each 1979 pickup was scored on a weighted card: reliability and durability 25%, capability 20%, in-period value 15%, engine and drivetrain 15%, simplicity 10%, and modern collectibility 15%. Inputs came from period road tests, Hagerty and Bring a Trailer auction results, and collector retrospectives. Towing, payload, base MSRP, engine output, and parts availability were tabulated rather than eyeballed, so the ranking reflects measurable data instead of reputation.

We deliberately ignored brand loyalty, subjective styling taste, and modern fuel-economy standards that did not exist in 1979. Trucks not sold in the US market were excluded, as were dealer incentives and regional pricing quirks. The goal was objective, verifiable data from the era plus current collector-market signals, not nostalgia or badge preference.

What to look for

Start with the body, not the drivetrain. A rust-free cab, rockers, bed sides, and frame matter more than a rebuilt engine, because carbureted V8s and four-cylinders are cheap and simple to refresh. Then match the truck to the job: full-size F-150, C/K, or D150 for towing and payload, compacts for economy and light hauling.

The mistake most buyers make is paying collector money for a truck with hidden rust or a swapped, non-original drivetrain. Another is assuming 4WD automatically means value, when a rusted 4WD is worth less than a clean 2WD. Verify frame stampings, check for bondo with a magnet, and confirm the engine code matches the truck before negotiating.

Related questions

What was the best overall pickup truck of 1979?

The Ford F-150 took the top spot. It offered the widest engine range, from a 101 hp inline-six to a 169 hp 400 V8, and could tow up to 7,000 pounds. Its boxed frame and huge dealer network made it the most versatile full-size choice for work, towing, and daily driving.

What was the best value pickup truck of 1979?

The Toyota Pickup (Hilux) was the value king. At roughly $4,200 base, it delivered the legendary 20R four-cylinder, excellent fuel economy, and low running costs, with owners reporting 175,000-plus miles. Its collector value has since climbed into the $20,000-$33,000 range, proving the 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. Those trucks offered far better fuel economy and lower running costs, accelerating the shift away from thirsty full-size V8s and reshaping the American truck market for the decade that followed.

Which 1979 pickup had the most powerful engine?

Among mainstream full-sizes, the Ford F-150's optional 400 V8 at 169 hp was the strongest. The International Harvester offered rugged V8s too, but with thinner support. In the compact class, the Dodge D50's 2.6-liter four made 105 hp, clearly ahead of the Toyota, Datsun, and LUV.

Are 1979 square-body Chevrolet trucks collectible?

Yes. The 1979 square-body Chevrolet C/K is highly collectible thanks to clean, iconic styling and the durable 350 V8. Hagerty tracks strong rising values, and clean 4WD K10 examples command significant premiums at auction. Rust-free, unmodified trucks are the ones buyers chase hardest today.

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

Prioritize rust inspection on cab corners, rockers, bed sides, and frame rails. Favor a rust-free body over a perfect engine, since these carbureted drivetrains are simple and cheap to rebuild. Originality and solid sheet metal drive value more than horsepower or options.

Which 1979 compact pickup had the most power?

The Dodge D50, a rebadged Mitsubishi, had the strongest compact engine of 1979. Its 2.6-liter Silent Shaft four produced 105 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, with balance shafts for unusual smoothness. It outpaced the Toyota 20R, Datsun L20B, and Chevrolet LUV on raw output.

Was 4WD available on 1979 pickups?

Yes, widely. Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, and International offered 4WD on full-sizes, while Toyota, Datsun, and the Chevrolet LUV offered it on compacts. Today, 4WD versions almost always command higher collector prices than their 2WD counterparts, especially clean square-body K10s and Hiluxes.

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.

Did 1979 pickups have catalytic converters and unleaded fuel?

Yes. By 1979, most US-market pickups ran catalytic converters and required unleaded fuel, which cut power versus earlier years. This is why 1979 V8 output figures look modest, and why buyers today check that emissions equipment is intact or legally removed depending on their state.

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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