We Still Miss These 5 Discontinued Trucks From Years Past
Over the last three decades, we’ve lost many car, SUV, and truck models. Some weren’t top sellers but we remember them fondly. Others were simply awesome. These vehicles came from top brands like Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, and Honda. Today’s trucks, in particular, are faster and more powerful, but we still miss five discontinued trucks from years past.
1. Chevrolet S-10
- Produced from 1981 to 2004
When it came to compact, dependable trucks, you couldn’t get a lot better than a Chevy S-10. It was the first compact truck produced by the big three U.S. automakers. Both the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s and the success of smaller Japanese pickup trucks in the ’80s inspired the S-10.
The first generation appeared in 1982. It enjoyed great popularity because it was highly customizable and affordable. When it was discontinued in 2004, the Chevrolet Colorado pickup replaced it.
2. Chevrolet Avalanche
- Produced from 2002 to 2013
Sharing the same long GM wheelbase chassis used in the Suburban and Cadillac’s Escalade EXT, the Chevrolet Avalanche broke from tradition. It was not available as GMC, only as a Chevy. The four-door Avalanche was a great pickup truck that could seat five passengers.
There were two generations produced, and it was one of the first sport-utility pickup trucks available on the market. According to U.S. News, the Avalanche was discontinued because of its price tag and the increased popularity of crew cab pickup trucks.
3. Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
- Produced from 1993 to 2004
The Lightning developed a cult following that still exists today. The performance truck from Ford Special Vehicle Team was based on the F-150, but they modified it greatly. The transmission was the same used in heavy-duty diesel trucks with an enhanced frame and suspension, too. It had a 5.8-liter V8 with a 240 hp output.
The first generation of the popular truck was produced from 1993 to 1995. It came back as a second-generation in 1999 — this time with a supercharged 5.4-liter engine that had 360 hp. The second generation was produced until 2004 and fans still hope for a comeback.
4. Jeep Comanche
- Produced from 1986 to 1992
Jeep enthusiasts love the Cherokee and Wrangler, but they weren’t enough to fill the void left by the Jeep pickup. (And fans can’t be happy about the news that the Jeep pickup revival was skipped in favor of a Jeep Gladiator.)
It’s a shame. Many of those lucky enough to have Jeep Comanches have been able to keep them in good condition, which speaks volumes to the truck’s durability. Some have managed to make it over 300,000 miles.
5. Lincoln Blackwood
- Produced from 2001 to 2003
A product of the Lincoln division of Ford, the Blackwood pickup truck was the first pickup they offered, and it was a strange one from Lincoln. The automaker took the Ford F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck and gave it an upscale interior, new grille, and new body panels.
The Lincoln Blackwood had an early navigation system, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 5.4-liter V8 with 300 hp. It cost a lot more than the SuperCrew at a hefty $53,000. Sales were poor, and it had the shortest shelf life of any vehicle the division produced.