I thought you might be interested in this... um, rather Australian "pickup" comparison done by a "yank" :
PickupTrucks.com: Exclusive 2008 Sh-Ute-Out: Holden VE Ute v Ford Falcon FG Ute

 

You lucky Aussies get all of the cool stuff!!!

 

There's a reason why those died in the US. 2 passenger "truck"/car. Might as well by a regular cab truck...oh...that's right...they're all but dead, too. Why Pontiac is bringing it here is beyond me.

Why are they so popular down under? Is because they've always been in the line-up? What is the allure of them?

 

I think brand image...
A number of reasons... I mean they have been here since the 30's when Ford first produced one in the 32

But to break it down in terms of both production and people

Production:
Because they are both based off a car platform, they are cheap to build and engineer (we don't have the volumes of the American market to sustain a stand alone truck platform)
There is also benefits from this in terms of a servicing/parts point of view (which when in a country as large as this, sparsely populated it is not to be underestimated)

People:
As mentioned, they have been around for a while, but they have all traditionally been working vehicles (the lower spec ones can haul well over a ton)
They are built to handle our conditions, in terms of reliability - which few vehicles are... our market is very demanding (especially in the commercial sector, which these compete in)... and they are a lot more comfortable than the vehicles that they compete against (in price, the Ranger type class)

However, they now have 2 distinct market segments, they are now bought by commercial tradespeople, often in a cab chassis variant (serves probably a similar purpose as your typical F250 reg cab 4x2)... and more and more by younger males (and females) in the higher powered specs as a "practical" sports car.
(in price wise here, they are a bit less than Miata or a standard WRX)


I know to those that probably aren't familiar with them fail to see their point, but a vehicle that is as comfortable as a large sedan to drive, goes faster than ANYTHING for the money, and is still economical (the Ford XR6turbo for example will still get 30mpg highway, and hits 60mph as quick as a 05+ Mustang GT), and yet you can still haul most things you need to, or tow a 5000lb load...

I know I (as a young single male) can't find a vehicle that fits into all those categories as well as what they do.

That answer your question?

 

Yeah...I guess.

With the NA market added 3rd row seats and 6+ passenger seating in virtually everything, I wonder how a two seater trucklette is gonna sell over here. Guess we'll see.

 

I would buy one of those any day of the week over a Mustang, as long as the performance was the same! Who really uses those tiny tiny rear seats of the Mustang anyway? I think it would sell great if marketed and priced right!

 

They have failed here in the USA when they have been tried. They tried full sized in the late 50s, compact (Falcon), mid-sized in the 60s (Fairlane & Chevelle) and sub-compact in the 80s (VW and Subaru Brat). They have now replaced them with 4 doors in the Avalanche and Sport-Trac (as well as the Cadillac version of the Avalance).

I don't think the market for a 2 door car with a large engine and a bed is big enough to justify the vehicle.

 

That's what Lightnings were for

 

send me one!!!!

I don't know what monsta's talking about... i'd love to have one of those in my garage...

it'd be an excuse for the wife and kids to stay home.... sorry no room

 

Ranchero first showed up in '57, El Camino first showed up in '59. Nice light vehicles, both, that could take a bit of a load, had some style and the comfort of a car. Weight distribution and traction wasn't great on either. More of a novelty, both the Ford and Chevy. Always thought they were equal.