Compact pickup trucks are the vehicles that carry Brazil on their backs. They are widely used in heavy duty, especially in the interior, as they combine mechanics that are simple to maintain with load capacity.
This severe use makes them rare over time, as they are not usually preserved as with other models. In addition, many owners prefer not to sell their pickups, as they know that it will be difficult to find a suitable replacement. Here are five examples:
1. Fiat Strada 1.6 16v
The first batch had an engine that gave it sporty temperament (Photo: Fiat | Disclosure)
The first generation of the Fiat Strada was the last member of the Palio family to debut, it only came in 1999. It could come with the veteran 1.5 Fiasa engine, with the 1.6 8v Sevel or with the 1.6 16v Torque.
The latter gave a sporty temperament to the pickup, with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Anyone who has an LX with this engine hardly sells it because it is a fun car that can also carry a motorcycle in the bed, in addition to being a rare configuration.
2. Ford Pampa
It was the first choice for those who used it heavily (Photo: Ford | Disclosure)
The Ford Pampa is the most sought after pickup from the 80s and 90s by those who need one for heavy duty. It has a rear axle with semi-elliptical springs and could come with two reliable engines: the economical 1.6 CHT or the powerful 1.8 AP from Volkswagen.
The Pampa was produced until 1997, with the AP engine already receiving single-point injection in this last phase. The Volkswagen Saveiro used the same mechanics, but the rear suspension with coil springs is not the most recommended for heavy duty.
3. Chevrolet Chevy 500
The Chevy 500 was the only national compact pickup with rear-wheel drive (Photo: Chevrolet | Disclosure)
The Chevrolet Chevy 500 was the only compact pickup truck in Brazil with rear-wheel drive. This characteristic makes it very desirable in places with many steep climbs. In the city of Ouro Preto (MG), for example, it was the official model for gas cylinder deliverers.
The life of the Chevy 500 was short, production was from 1984 to 1995. Its successor was the Corsa Pick-up, which had discreet sales and the appeal was sportier.
4. Fiat Fiorino Pick-up
The Fiorino was so well made that it gave the rear suspension to the Strada (Photo: Fiat | Disclosure)
The Fiat Uno has a reputation for being a warrior, but this robustness is amplified in the Fiorino Pick-up. The compact truck had the highest load capacity at the time, 650 kg, thanks to the rear axle with semi-elliptical springs.
This suspension was reused by the Strada, which became the sales leader and carried even more cargo. Fiorino Pick-up also brought some innovative models, such as the adventurous Trekking, the sporty LX and the curious 1.0 version, the only national pickup truck with an engine of the type.
5. Ford Courier
There is no compact pickup today that beats the Courier’s bed length, load capacity, tank volume and wheelbase (Photo: Ford | Disclosure)
Which compact pickup had the largest bed and the largest load capacity in Brazil? Whoever answered Fiat Strada, the Ford Courier is still the reference in these two aspects.
The wheelbase of 2.83 m is larger than that of the current Chevrolet Montana, the bucket measures 1.81 m in length and can carry up to 750 kg. It has the 1.6 Zetec Rocam engine, which uses metal chain in the timing of the camshaft and was once flex. The icing on the cake is the large 68-liter tank, which allows for a great autonomy.
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