What the F@#& was chevy thinking?

Back then, early 80's, we had the Ford Courier....same as Mazda B2000 utes. They came out in 1980......and went till about 2008. The last ones had 2.6 petrol or 2.5 turbo diesel.....and the rare 4.0 V6.
My brother-inlaw has a new Ford Ranger....has only had it about 2 months....got the manual.....Dual cab 4x4.