1994 Nissan Pickup Base for Sale in Vista, California

The exploding pickup market has left compact trucks in its wake as American light-truck buyers desire bigger trucks with more power, load capacity, comfort and options.

The compact light-truck segment, exploited so successfully by Japanese manufacturers, reached its peak in the '70s and has been dropping steadily since. Volkswagen, Isuzu and

Mitsubishi (also sold as captive imports called Dodge Rams) came into the market late and have largely disappeared. Mazda, through its partnership with Ford has moved up to marketing only midsize trucks built for the U.S. market.