However, people are talking about the same truck as if it is a truck. And it's a terrible truck for people who need a truck. On the other hand, a lot of other trucks are also terrible at being a truck for the people who need a truck. You have to go into the three-quarter ton or one-ton range to find a decent truck these days, even though a modern half-ton probably has more power and weight carrying capacity than a 30-year-old three-quarter ton truck. The way it's set up means it's not going to work as well as a truck. The 30-year-old truck is going to have a longer bed, which is something that someone who needs a truck is going to want in the truck.
For imports “light trucks” get a nice extra 25% tariff (been around since 1963)
If you own a business and actually use it for work then you a bigger tax brake if it weighs over 6000 pounds.
Also if the vehicle is over 10000 pounds you can just ignore a bunch of crash safety regulations (pedestrian ones just stop applying)