Isuzus

Isuzu Amigo 1989-94

This is essentially a shortened Isuzu pickup truck chassis, with a buttoned-down canvas rear roof and a beefed-up off-road suspension. Unfortunately, the greatly improved suspension is much heavier, and the vehicle in general is too heavy for the engines. The two engines offered differ primarily in their towing ability, with the 2.3-liter 96-horsepower engine able to tow 1.43 tons and the 2.6-liter 120-horsepower engine able to tow 1.59 tons. The heavy suspension makes for a stable and easy ride, with acceptable road noise and good braking capabilities. The Amigo has a short wheelbase and high center of gravity, so sharp turns can be dangerous at high speed. The rear seat is hard and narrow, not very comfortable, and the legroom in the back is best suited for pre-adolescents. The dashboard is car-like, but the radio controls are a bit low and difficult for the driver to reach.

Vehicle	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
96 hp I-4 SUV	$5,240	G, A	700 kg	1.64 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
120 hp I-4 SUV	$5.354	G, A	700 kg	1.7 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov	Com Mov	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
96 hp I-4 SUV	169/35	47/9	83	43	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
120 hp I-4 SUV	198/38	55/11	83	53	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

Isuzu Hombre 1996-00

Isuzu negotiated a license for the Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck in the mid-1990s, and from this, produced the Hombre truck. It differs from the S-10 primarily in not having a long bed version, the engines used, and in having a stronger, more robust construction. The cab of the Hombre is roomy and well appointed, and though not as good as the S-10, acceleration is still good. The automatic transmission changes gears smoothly and quickly, without the delays in downshifting that the S-10 sometimes experiences. The engines can get a bit loud, however, especially when stressed. Ride is very car-like, but the rear end can slip in turns or over bumps when the bed is unladen. The I-4 is able to tow 1.25 tons, and the V-6 is able to tow 2.5 tons,

Vehicle	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
110 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup	$5,316	G, A	750 kg	1.42 tons	1+2	1	Headlights	Open
120 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup	$5,364	G, A	750 kg	1.44 tons	1+2	1	Headlights	Open
175 hp V-6 Regular Cab Pickup	$5,636	G, A	750 kg	1.58 tons	1+2	1	Headlights	Open
190 hp V-6 Regular Cab Pickup	$5,716	G, A	750 kg	1.62 tons	1+2	1	Headlights	Open
110 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup	$5,788	G, A	750 kg	1.5 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
120 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup	$5,836	G, A	750 kg	1.52 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
175 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup	$6,108	G, A	750 kg	1.66 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
190 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup	$6,188	G, A	750 kg	1.7 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov*	Com Mov*	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
110 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup	217/42	60/12	70	49	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
120 hp I-4 Regular Cab Pickup	231/44	64/12	70	53	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
175 hp V-6 Regular Cab Pickup	301/58	84/16	70	78	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
190 hp V-6 Regular Cab Pickup	319/62	89/17	70	85	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
110 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup	206/40	57/11	70	49	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
120 hp I-4 Extended Cab Pickup	219/42	61/12	70	53	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
175 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup	286/55	80/15	70	78	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
190 hp V-6 Extended Cab Pickup	303/59	84/16	70	85	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Isuzu Impulse 1988-92

This automobile is an interesting combination: an attractive, Italian-styled body on a humdrum, poor-performing Isuzu chassis. As years went by, the suspension got progressively better, as did the brakes and power train, until Isuzu had a decent, but inexpensive car. There was an optional Sport package, which had an even better suspension designed by Lotus of England (in exchange for the plans to some of Isuzu's higher-end engines), as well as antilock brakes. In 1990, a driver's side airbag was introduced. Four choices of engine were available over the years, and as the Impulse is a lightweight car, performance with any of them is good.

Vehicle	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
110 hp I-4 Coupe	$5,136	G, A	245 kg	1.24 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
130 hp I-4 Coupe	$5,236	G, A	245 kg	1.29 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
140 hp I-4 Coupe	$5,284	G, A	245 kg	1.31 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
160 hp I-4 Coupe	$5,384	G, A	245 kg	1.36 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
110 hp I-4 Hatchback	$5,236	G, A	305 kg	1.16 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
130 hp I-4 Hatchback	$5,336	G, A	305 kg	1.21 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
140 hp I-4 Hatchback	$5,384	G, A	305 kg	1.23 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open
160 hp I-4 Hatchback	$5,484	G, A	305 kg	1.28 tons	1+3	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov	Com Mov	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
110 hp I-4 Coupe	245/24	68/7	50	49	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
130 hp I-4 Coupe	277/27	77/7	50	58	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
140 hp I-4 Coupe	291/28	81/8	50	62	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
160 hp I-4 Coupe	319/31	89/9	50	71	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
110 hp I-4 Hatchback	261/25	72/7	50	49	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
130 hp I-4 Hatchback	294/29	82/8	50	58	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
140 hp I-4 Hatchback	309/30	86/8	50	62	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
160 hp I-4 Hatchback	338/33	94/10	50	71	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

Isuzu Oasis 1996-99

This is basically a Honda Odyssey with less luxuries and accessories for reduced cost and construction time. In this way, Isuzu was able to produce a relatively large amount of the Oasis in a short period of time. It is otherwise identical to the Odyssey. It features fully independent suspension that makes the ride quite smooth, body lean in turns minimal, and handling sure. Braking with the antilock brakes is quick and sure. Engine power is adequate for most purposes, but can be lacking in passing or other circumstances when bursts of power are required. Manual transmission is not available, but the automatic transmission is smooth and without hesitation. Full-power downshifts can produce a forward lunge, however. The Oasis is about 75-125mm narrower than most competing minivans, and this can make cargo loading more difficult, as well as putting a third person in the center seat row of the minivan. The rear doors tend not to open to a full 90 degrees, and this can further limit loading. Towing capacity is 1.29 tons with the 140-horsepower engine and 1.35 tons with the 150-horsepower engine, and the tow package is more common on the Oasis than on the Odyssey.

Vehicle	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
140 hp I-4 Minivan	$6,556	G, A	915 kg	1.58 tons	1+6	1	Headlights	Open
150 hp I-4 Minivan	$6,608	G, A	915 kg	1.61 tons	1+6	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov	Com Mov	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
140 hp I-4 Minivan	244/24	68/7	65	62	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
150 hp I-4 Minivan	258/25	71/7	65	67	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

Isuzu Rodeo 1991-97

This is a mid-sized Isuzu SUV. The base 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines are drastically underpowered, but the more powerful and common 190-horsepower engine provides adequate power. Towing capacity is 1.53 tons with the base 4-cylinder engine, 1.6 tons with the base 6-cylinder engine, and 1.71 tons with the 175-horsepower or 190-horsepower V-6. The Rodeo's automatic transmission actually works well with any of the supplied engines, shifting smoothly, barely affecting power, and shifting smoothly. The ride is smooth and forgiving, and braking is fast, though 2-wheel-drive models tend to lock up on the front wheels on models before 1994. Noise is high at high speeds and RPMs. The interior is spacious, even for large adults, though the back doors only open about 70 degrees and large people might have trouble getting in the back in the first place. There are too many buttons controlling the various options for the wipers and lights, which may be confusing. The biggest handicap in the Rodeo is that the vehicle must be stopped to engage the 4-wheel drive, and then stopped again and backed up to disengage it.

Vehicle	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
120 hp I-4 or V-6 SUV	$5,854	G, A	820 kg	1.61 tons	1+5	1	Headlights	Open
175 hp V-6 SUV	$6,126	G, A	820 kg	1.75 tons	1+5	1	Headlights	Open
190 hp V-6 SUV	$6,206	G, A	820 kg	1.79 tons	1+5	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov*	Com Mov*	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
120 hp I-4 or V-6 SUV	213/40	58/11	83	53	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
175 hp V-6 SUV	274/53	76/15	83	78	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
190 hp V-6 SUV	291/56	81/16	83	85	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Isuzu Stylus 1991-93

This was one of the last automobiles that Isuzu built; after the 1993 model year, Isuzu decided to concentrate its production lines on light trucks and SUVs. It replaced the I-Mark in production, adding some length, interior room, and 2 doors. Most of the increase in interior room went into the front seats, and the back seats are very tight for adults. The driving position is a bit low, with high sides, and visibility can be a problem.

Vehicle	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
90 hp I-4 Sedan	$5,226	G, A	260 kg	1.04 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
95 hp I-4 Sedan	$5,254	G, A	260 kg	1.05 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
130 hp I-4 Sedan	$5,426	G, A	260 kg	1.14 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
140 hp I-4 Sedan	$5,474	G, A	260 kg	1.16 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov	Com Mov	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
90 hp I-4 Sedan	239/23	66/6	45	40	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
95 hp I-4 Sedan	250/24	70/7	45	42	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
130 hp I-4 Sedan	310/30	86/8	45	58	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
140 hp I-4 Sedan	326/31	91/9	45	62	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

Isuzu Trooper 1992-00

This is a large, "upscale" SUV, with many luxury amenities and good off-road performance. It was hawked in the US by a funny character called Joe Isuzu, who later went on to help the war effort with many pro-US, morale-boosting public service announcements using the same character. The engines used are not the most powerful in their class, but generally give good performance similar to its competitors. Unfortunately, the omission of on-the-fly 4-wheel drive shifting was a handicap to sales compared to other vehicles of its class. The engines are quiet, even when taxed, and the OHC 175 and 190-horsepower V-6 is able to tow 1.86 tons, the 3.2L DOHC 190-horsepower V-6 is able to tow 1.9 tons, and the 3.5L DOHC 215-horsepower V-6 is able to tow 2.05 tons. (The lack of a V-8 option was also a handicap to sales.) The automatic transmission version tends to shift gears a lot in city driving, but these gear changes are barely noticeable since it shifts so smoothly. The suspension is good on most surfaces, but does not do so well with big bumps, bouncing too much. Wind noise is high, but tire and engine noise low. Braking is above average. The Trooper is one of the roomiest SUVs of its class, with excellent visibility and a well laid out dashboard and controls.

Vehicles	Price	Fuel Type	Load	Veh Wt	Crew	Mnt	Night Vision	Radiological
175 hp V-6 2-Door SUV	$6,506	G, A	850 kg	1.84 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
190 hp V-6 2-Door SUV	$6,586	G, A	850 kg	1.88 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
215 hp V-6 2-Door SUV	$6,706	G, A	850 kg	1.94 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
175 hp V-6 4-Door SUV	$6,696	G, A	980 kg	1.91 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
190 hp V-6 4-Door SUV	$6,776	G, A	980 kg	1.95 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open
215 hp V-6 4-Door SUV	$6,896	G, A	980 kg	2.01 tons	1+4	1	Headlights	Open

Vehicle	Tr Mov*	Com Mov*	Fuel Cap	Fuel Cons	Config	Susp	Armor
175 hp V-6 2-Door SUV	261/50	73/14	85	78	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
190 hp V-6 2-Door SUV	278/54	77/15	85	85	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
215 hp V-6 2-Door SUV	302/58	84/16	85	96	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
175 hp V-6 4-Door SUV	253/48	71/14	85	78	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
190 hp V-6 4-Door SUV	269/52	75/15	85	85	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1
215 hp V-6 4-Door SUV	293/56	81/16	85	96	Stnd	W(2)	HF1 HS1 HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.