Best Car Reviews - 1989 Nissan Truck 2WD

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Introduction

The 1989 Nissan Truck 2WD, widely known as the D21 Hardbody, is a compact rear-wheel-drive pickup aimed at drivers who value simplicity, useful cargo space, and straightforward mechanical ownership. Its square-shouldered cab, separate cargo bed, and durable truck chassis gave it a tougher appearance than the earlier Nissan 720. For buyers seeking an inexpensive classic work truck, a light-duty project vehicle, or an analog daily driver, this Nissan remains appealing.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1989 Nissan Truck 2WD carries the D21 Hardbody generation’s clean, upright design. A standard-cab version is approximately 180 inches long, with a short wheelbase that helps it feel manageable in town and on narrow work sites. Larger rectangular headlamps, broad fenders, a simple grille, and a squared cargo bed distinguish it from the older 720-generation pickup. The design was not substantially redesigned for 1989, but it remained purposeful, easy to repair, and recognizably Nissan.

Compact, square-body D21 Hardbody styling with a practical separate pickup bed.
Rear-wheel-drive layout suited to light hauling and paved-road use.
Standard-cab and extended-cab body styles were available in the wider 1989 range.
Steel wheels, tinted glass, and a sliding rear window were available depending on trim.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is basic by modern standards, with hard-wearing plastics, durable cloth upholstery, simple gauges, and a dash designed around function rather than luxury. Standard-cab models prioritize cargo-bed utility over passenger space, while extended-cab versions add occasional storage or compact rear seating. Visibility is generally good thanks to the upright windshield and simple body shape. Comfort depends heavily on condition, as seat padding, door seals, air conditioning, and suspension components may now be more than three decades old.

Simple instrument panel with clear analog gauges.
Cloth bench or bucket-seat configurations depending on trim.
Hydraulic power steering and power brakes were available on equipped models.
Optional air conditioning improved warm-weather usability.

Performance and Handling

This configuration uses Nissan’s 2.4-litre, four-cylinder Z24i gasoline engine with rear-wheel drive and a four-speed manual transmission. Period specifications identify the engine as a 146-cubic-inch, four-cylinder unit with fuel injection; commonly published Z24i output is about 106 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque, although equipment and market specifications should be confirmed by VIN. It is built for low-speed utility rather than quick acceleration, and no dependable 0–60 mph figure is established for this exact four-speed variant. The 1989 fuel-economy guide lists the four-speed manual at 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, equivalent to roughly 11.2, 9.8, and 10.7 L/100 km. The supplied 14.8755 L/100 km figure is therefore best treated as an unverified real-world or dataset value rather than the period combined estimate.

2.4-litre Z24i four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Four-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
Useful low-rpm torque for light loads and everyday errands.
Compact dimensions make parking and low-speed maneuvering easy.
Ride quality is truck-like when unloaded, especially on rough pavement.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is deliberately minimal. Depending on trim, the Nissan could include an AM/FM radio, cassette player, clock, tachometer, and intermittent wipers. It has no factory navigation, Bluetooth, USB ports, smartphone integration, reversing camera, or modern driver-assistance technology. This simplicity can be an advantage for owners who prefer easy diagnostics and fewer electronic modules, but an aftermarket audio system is needed for current connectivity.

AM/FM radio, with cassette equipment available on some trims.
Analog clock and tachometer on equipped models.
No factory smartphone connectivity or navigation.
No lane assistance, automatic emergency braking, or parking sensors.

Safety Features

Safety equipment reflects the era. Basic occupant restraints and a strong body-on-frame pickup structure are the primary protections, while modern active-safety equipment is absent. Trim data does not list driver or passenger airbags, anti-lock braking, side airbags, stability control, or traction control. A comparable modern NHTSA or IIHS crash-test rating is not available for this 1989 pickup, so buyers should not assume modern crash protection.

Front seat belts provide the core occupant-restraint system.
Power brakes were fitted to some versions.
No listed driver or passenger airbag.
No listed ABS, stability control, or traction control.
Condition of tires, brakes, steering, frame, and seat belts is crucial to real-world safety.

Pricing and Variants

A period listed MSRP for the 1989 Nissan Truck 2WD standard cab was $8,824 USD, while better-equipped or extended-cab versions could cost more; one Special extended-cab listing shows $9,824 USD. The range included standard and Special trims, standard and extended cabs, four-cylinder and V6 power, and manual or automatic transmissions. Against compact rivals such as the Toyota Pickup, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, GMC S-15, Dodge Ram 50, and Mazda B-series, the Nissan competed on compact dimensions, a durable layout, and a straightforward ownership experience. Current values vary far more by rust, maintenance history, originality, and local demand than by original trim price.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Compact dimensions are easy to park and place on tight roads.
Simple mechanical design suits hands-on maintenance.
Rear-wheel drive and a usable bed make it practical for light work.
Period four-speed fuel economy is respectable for an older pickup.
Hardbody styling has lasting classic-truck appeal.

Cons

Acceleration and highway refinement are modest.
The four-speed transmission lacks the relaxed cruising of a five-speed.
No modern airbags, ABS, stability control, or driver assistance.
Cab space and ride comfort are limited, particularly in standard-cab models.
Age-related rust and deferred repairs can overwhelm a cheap purchase price.

Maintenance and Common Issues

No reliable, model-specific annual maintenance-cost figure can be confirmed because a 1989 truck’s condition, corrosion exposure, mileage, and prior repairs now matter more than a standard schedule. A well-maintained example can be inexpensive to service, but a neglected one may need major catch-up work. Common owner-reported concerns for Z24i-equipped D21 trucks include the following.

Timing-chain, guide, or tensioner wear, often signaled by rattling or poor timing behavior.
Head-gasket, cooling-system, or overheating problems on poorly maintained engines.
Throttle-body injection, vacuum-leak, idle, or starting faults.
Rust in the frame, bed, cab corners, floors, and brake or fuel lines.
Worn suspension, steering, clutch, brake, and weather-seal components due to age.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.8/10. Design: 7.5/10 for its enduring Hardbody proportions and usable layout. Comfort: 5.5/10 because the cabin is compact and work-focused. Performance: 6.5/10 for honest low-speed usefulness rather than speed. Technology: 2.5/10 due to its near-total lack of modern connectivity and assistance systems. Safety: 3.5/10 because modern crash protection and active safety features are absent.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the Nissan Truck’s honest utility, compact size, and repairable mechanical layout. Enthusiasts often appreciate the styling and the ability to keep a good example running with regular maintenance, while buyers warn that rust, old wiring, cooling issues, and neglected service can turn an inexpensive truck into a lengthy restoration.

Owners often value the compact bed-and-cab layout for home projects and light work.
Many appreciate the uncomplicated manual-transmission driving experience.
Long-term satisfaction is strongly linked to a documented maintenance history.
Rust inspection is repeatedly viewed as essential before purchase.
Drivers generally describe it as durable but not especially quiet, fast, or comfortable on long trips.

Best Cars in This Category

1989 Toyota Pickup 2WD
1989 Ford Ranger Pickup 2WD
1989 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 2WD
1989 GMC S-15 Pickup 2WD
1989 Mazda B2200 Pickup 2WD

Summary

The 1989 Nissan Truck 2WD is best suited to classic-pickup enthusiasts, do-it-yourself owners, and drivers who need a compact light-duty truck rather than modern comfort or safety technology. Its appeal comes from its uncomplicated rear-wheel-drive layout, useful cargo bed, recognizable Hardbody design, and attainable ownership potential. A rust-free, well-serviced example with a quiet timing system, healthy cooling system, and sound fuel-injection operation can still offer genuine value; a neglected example should be bought only with a realistic repair budget.