Isuzu Wizard
Encyclopedia
The Isuzu Wizard is a mid-size SUV that was produced by the Japan
-based manufacturer Isuzu
. The five-door Wizard was introduced in 1990 after the three-door Isuzu MU from 1989, both of which ceased production in 2004. Isuzu manufactured several variations to the Wizard/MU for sale in other countries.
The long-wheelbase (five-door) version was available as the Isuzu Wizard in Japan, and as the Isuzu Rodeo and the Honda Passport
in the United States. Opel
/Vauxhall
and Holden
each also sold rebadged versions of the vehicle as the Opel Frontera, Vauxhall Frontera, and Holden Frontera. It was also sold as the Chevrolet Frontera in Egypt, the Isuzu Cameo and Isuzu Vega in Thailand
, the Isuzu Frontier in South America, and as Chevrolet Rodeo in Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia.
The short-wheelbase (three-door) version was sold as the Isuzu MU and Honda Jazz in Japan, with the names Isuzu Amigo and later Isuzu Rodeo Sport used in the United States. Throughout continental Europe, the three-door was called Opel Frontera Sport, with the Vauxhall Frontera Sport title used in the United Kingdom, and Holden Frontera Sport in Australasia.
only. There were very limited options for the early Amigo including air conditioning, seating for two or four, and two trim levels to choose from, S or XS. Some of the model year changes throughout production included: small cosmetic alterations for 1991, the standardization of the 2.6-liter engine for 1992, and the added availability of a four-speed automatic transmission
on the RWD version for 1992 and 1993. No major changes were made for 1993, but for 1994, a high mount rear stop light was added, power steering and mirrors were made standard. The Amigo was dropped by Isuzu in the US market in 1994. A limited number of XS-F editions (with the "F" standing for "Frontera") were produced which had additional options such as power windows and locking, four-wheel anti-lock brakes
(ABS) (inactive in low-range 4WD mode, only active on the rear wheels in 4WD high-range). This version of the Amigo had only 49-state emissions (reasons unknown) and there are no official sales numbers, although most dealers agree there were less than 75 sold. The only badging that shows this model is a sport blue "XS" symbol with a sport-font "F" beside it (also sport blue).
Isuzu introduced the five-door "Isuzu Rodeo" to the United States in 1990 for the 1991 model year. It was available with either a 2.6-liter inline-four engine rated at 89 kW or a 3.1-liter V6 engine
made by General Motors
(GM) which had the same power output as the 2.6, but had more torque. An automatic transmission was available for the V6. The Rodeo, like the Amigo was available in both RWD and 4WD, with the latter featuring manually locking hubs
on the S version and automatically locking hubs on the XS and top-of-the-line LS. Rear-wheel ABS were standard feature on 4WDs. A RWD manual transmission model with a 21.9 US gal (82.9 l) tank was rated at 18 miles per US gallon in city driving by the EPA
, and 22 miles per US gallon on the highway. A 4WD model with the V6 and automatic transmission was rated at 15 miles per US gallon city and 18 miles per US gallon highway.
All Rodeos had a rear seat bottom which folded forward and rear seat back which folded down, extending the 35 cubic feet (991.1 l) cargo area. The vehicle's lug wrench was stored under the seat bottom, concealed by a carpeted Velcro
flap. The jack was located behind a plastic panel in the rear left of the cargo area along with the rear windshield washer fluid reservoir if equipped. The LS was available with privacy glass, velour
upholstery, and split-folding rear seats. A secret locking compartment was fitted in the depths of the center console below a removable cassette storage bin. The vehicle weighed 3490–3820 lb (1,583–1,732.7 kg), depending on engine and options.
For the 1993 model year, Isuzu replaced the GM V6 engine with their own 3.2-liter 24-valve SOHC V6 which was rated at 130 kW. Manually-locking hubs were eliminated, but the floor-mounted transfer case
shifter remained. The 1993 Rodeo featured a recalibrated suspension system, softened spring rates and softened shock valving. The Rodeo now weighed between 3536–4120 lb (1,603.9–1,868.8 kg) and the EPA rating was 18 miles per US gallon city and 21 miles per US gallon highway. Also for 1993, a Family II 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine from Holden
was introduced, and the Rodeo gained a third brake light above the rear window and a more refined center console. The "V6" badge on V6 models was moved behind the front wheels. Midway through 1995, the Rodeo received an updated dashboard and steering wheel, both of which added airbags. The "ISUZU" badge on the front grille also shrunk in size. For 1996 Isuzu increased the power of their 3.2-liter V6 up to 145 kW and 262 newton metre of torque, and the top level trim "LS" received the same 16-inch aluminium wheels as the Trooper, and was available in two-tone exterior colors.
Isuzu sold 24,612 Rodeos in 1991 and 45,257 Rodeos in 1992. US models were manufactured at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. (now, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
) in Lafayette, Indiana
. The vehicle was still considered an import, as 75 percent of its parts were made overseas.
as the "Vauxhall Frontera" and in Europe
as the "Opel Frontera". It was originally built at the former Bedford Vehicles
factory in Luton
, UK; it would become known as the IBC factory (Isuzu Bedford Company). In the 1980s the plant had come under joint control between Isuzu and General Motors, with the Frontera being built alongside a number of other commercial vehicle models. The Australian and New Zealand version of the Wizard model range was known as the Holden Frontera
.
The early cars (to 1995) had a choice of engines, with the LWB available with either a 2.4-liter petrol (C24NE) engine (developed in the Opel Manta 400) or the 2.3-liter diesel engine originally fitted in the Bedford CF van & Vauxhall Carlton. The Frontera sport (Isuzu Amigo) was available with the 2.0-liter petrol Vauxhall Cavalier engine (C20NE).
In 1995 the model went through a facelift and the Frontera received rear coil springs and a new line up of engines. The SWB gained a new 2.0-liter petrol (X20 series) engine, updated trim, and also the first diesel engine available for the SWB, the 2.8-liter (4JB1-TC). The LWB also had new engines, with the 2.2-liter petrol (X22XE) and the 2.8 diesel 4JB1-TC being made available.
In the 1996–1997 models interior trim, including the dashboard, was changed, and a new 2.5-liter diesel (VM41) engine was fitted. This engine was also used in the Range Rover Classic and Jeep Cherokee in the UK.
Corporation Limited) Landwind in China produces a copy of the Isuzu Rodeo for the Chinese market. It is the first SUV to fail the EuroNCAP
crash tests. The Landwind is based on the first generation Rodeo although there was no collaboration between JMC and Isuzu or GM. While the Landwind looks like the Rodeo it is not an Isuzu vehicle.
with rear wheel drive only. The accessory is the same as the TF
and the only body style available is a five door wagon.
In 1999, Isuzu decided to have a major change for Cameo and gave it new name "Vega", equipped with four-wheel drive only. Exterior differences from Cameo including the new frontal design, Xenon Headlights, 15-inch wheels came with 265/70R15 tires and the spare wheel on the back door. It introduced with 2.8-liter 4JB1-T and the brand new 3.0-liter 4JH1-T turbo diesel, producing 120 PS at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque at 24.5 kgm at 2,000 rpm, because of the development of the CCI (ISUZU Computer Controlled Injection) and HPI (ISUZU High Pressure Fuel Injection). In addition, it connected with a choice of 5-speed manual
and "Technomatics" 4-speed automatic
controlled by the TCM system (Transmission Control Module). The driver can manually choose style of driving by "Normal mode" and "Power mode"
The Amigo made a comeback in the US for 1998 with the second generation model. Both the Amigo and Rodeo were built in the assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana
. Amigo came standard with a soft top. Exterior differences in the Amigo and Rodeo other than the wheelbase includes a rear mounted spare tire, 16-inch wheels, and larger fender flares. Standard features on the Amigo included split folding rear seats, tilt steering, dual power ports, power windows, mirrors and door locks, keyless entry and AM/FM CD players. The second series Amigo seats four people comfortably, however it can seat up to five. Amigos with the GM-sourced, 130 hp 2.2-liter X22SE (Vortec) inline-four engine are few and far between, mainly because previous owners complained to Isuzu that a V6 needed to be standard. Although a small SUV, it still weighed 4250 pounds (1,927.8 kg), needing a lot of horsepower for everyday driving. Isuzu’s answer to this was the 3.2-liter, 205 hp 6VD1 V6
that carried 214 lbft of torque at 3,000-rpm which is the same motor that the Rodeo carried. Fuel consumption is an estimated 22 miles per US gallon highway. From a technical prospective, the Amigo is built with a rigid frame that has eight crossmembers. Front suspension has independent lower and upper arms, with a solid rear axle. Riding in the Amigo can feel much like a full-size truck, feeling a lot of bumps in the road. All units came with pink airbags and side impact door beams, as well as ABS. The Amigo came standard with Isuzu’s 10-bolt rear axle and a push button four-wheel drive button. Amigo also has a traditional floor mounted lever for switching from high- to low-range. The Amigo was renamed in 2001 to the "Rodeo Sport" to compliment the more successful five-door Rodeo. The Amigo series was produced until 2003, while the Rodeo was dropped in 2004.
For the five-door Rodeo, adjustable shock absorbers were new this year and 16-inch tires replaced all 15-inch versions, as Isuzu redesigned the front and rear fascias of this midsize SUV. Standard on the LSE and optional on LS, the new Intelligent Suspension Control featured a dashboard button to adjust shock damping between sport and normal settings. Honda Passports did not get the adjustable-shock system. A new Ironman package debuted for the LS, marking Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition. The package included white or black paint over grey lower body panels, crossbars for the roof rack, and special graphics. Cruise control now was standard on V6 Rodeos, and an automatic transmission became standard on the LSE edition.
In 2004, Isuzu dropped the inline-four engine and added the optional 3.5-liter V6
gasoline direct injection
(GDI) engine with 250 hp and 246 lbft of torque. Isuzu was the first to offer (GDI) in a vehicle priced under US$100,000. The Rodeo weighs in at a little over 3800 pounds (1,723.7 kg), with an EPA estimated gas mileage for 2007 of 16 miles per US gallon city and 22 miles per US gallon highway for the two wheel drive model, and 15 miles per US gallon city and 20 miles per US gallon highway for the four wheel drive model.
In October 2010, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) recalled 1998-2002 Rodeos, 2002 Isuzu Axioms
, and 1998-2002 Honda Passports
due to corrosion of the vehicle's frame in the vicinity of the rear suspension. Vehicles without corrosion in the affected area would be treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Vehicles with more severe corrosion would have a reinforcement bracket installed. In some cases, corrosion was so severe that repairs could not be made, resulting in Isuzu and Honda purchasing vehicles from the owners.
After General Motors took full control over the IBC Vehicles factory in 1998, the Frontera production line was planned to be transferred to General Motors' Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port
. However with the closure of the Vauxhall Luton plant the decision to move was reversed. In 1998 the new model series was introduced with a choice of 2.2- petrol, 2.2-liter diesel (X22DTH) and 3.2-liter V6 petrol engines. Further modifications were carried out on the diesel engine post-2001, with the final version to be fitted in the marque being the 2.2-liter (Y22) version. This model met the Euro 4 Emissions standard.
The Frontera was discontinued from production at IBC Luton in 2004 (the final models in the UK were produced in Olympus trim). In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Frontera was replaced by a Holden badged version of the Chevrolet Captiva
model range.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
-based manufacturer Isuzu
Isuzu
, is a Japanese car, commercial vehicle and heavy truck manufacturing company, headquartered in Tokyo. In 2005, Isuzu became the world's largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks. It has assembly and manufacturing plants in the Japanese city of Fujisawa, as well as in the prefectures...
. The five-door Wizard was introduced in 1990 after the three-door Isuzu MU from 1989, both of which ceased production in 2004. Isuzu manufactured several variations to the Wizard/MU for sale in other countries.
The long-wheelbase (five-door) version was available as the Isuzu Wizard in Japan, and as the Isuzu Rodeo and the Honda Passport
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport was a compact SUV produced by Isuzu, released in 1994, as Honda's first entry in the truck market for the United States. Built and designed solely by Isuzu, who sold it as the Rodeo, it was seen as a "quick fix" entry into the growing SUV market in the United States...
in the United States. Opel
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
/Vauxhall
Vauxhall Motors
Vauxhall Motors is a British automotive company owned by General Motors and headquartered in Luton. It was founded in 1857 as a pump and marine engine manufacturer, began manufacturing cars in 1903 and was acquired by GM in 1925. It has been the second-largest selling car brand in the UK for...
and Holden
Holden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
each also sold rebadged versions of the vehicle as the Opel Frontera, Vauxhall Frontera, and Holden Frontera. It was also sold as the Chevrolet Frontera in Egypt, the Isuzu Cameo and Isuzu Vega in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, the Isuzu Frontier in South America, and as Chevrolet Rodeo in Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia.
The short-wheelbase (three-door) version was sold as the Isuzu MU and Honda Jazz in Japan, with the names Isuzu Amigo and later Isuzu Rodeo Sport used in the United States. Throughout continental Europe, the three-door was called Opel Frontera Sport, with the Vauxhall Frontera Sport title used in the United Kingdom, and Holden Frontera Sport in Australasia.
First generation (1989–1998)
The three-door Isuzu MU made its debut in Japan during 1989, with the five-door Isuzu Wizard introduced the following year. Based on the Isuzu Faster (TF) pickup truck of 1988, both the three- and five-door models shared bodywork and most internal components from the front doors forwards. Like the Faster pickup, the MU and Wizard featured rear- and four-wheel drive layout configurations.North America
Sales of the three-door began in the United States during the second quarter of 1989 under the "Isuzu Amigo" name. A 2.3-liter 4ZD1 inline-four engine, producing 76 kW came standard with the RWD while the 4WD was offered with the 2.6-liter 4ZE1 engine. The transmission was initially manualManual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
only. There were very limited options for the early Amigo including air conditioning, seating for two or four, and two trim levels to choose from, S or XS. Some of the model year changes throughout production included: small cosmetic alterations for 1991, the standardization of the 2.6-liter engine for 1992, and the added availability of a four-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
on the RWD version for 1992 and 1993. No major changes were made for 1993, but for 1994, a high mount rear stop light was added, power steering and mirrors were made standard. The Amigo was dropped by Isuzu in the US market in 1994. A limited number of XS-F editions (with the "F" standing for "Frontera") were produced which had additional options such as power windows and locking, four-wheel anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS) (inactive in low-range 4WD mode, only active on the rear wheels in 4WD high-range). This version of the Amigo had only 49-state emissions (reasons unknown) and there are no official sales numbers, although most dealers agree there were less than 75 sold. The only badging that shows this model is a sport blue "XS" symbol with a sport-font "F" beside it (also sport blue).
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
made by General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
(GM) which had the same power output as the 2.6, but had more torque. An automatic transmission was available for the V6. The Rodeo, like the Amigo was available in both RWD and 4WD, with the latter featuring manually locking hubs
Locking hubs
Locking hubs, also known as free wheeling hubs are an accessory fitted to many four-wheel drive vehicles, allowing the front wheels to be manually disconnected from the front half shafts....
on the S version and automatically locking hubs on the XS and top-of-the-line LS. Rear-wheel ABS were standard feature on 4WDs. A RWD manual transmission model with a 21.9 US gal (82.9 l) tank was rated at 18 miles per US gallon in city driving by the EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
, and 22 miles per US gallon on the highway. A 4WD model with the V6 and automatic transmission was rated at 15 miles per US gallon city and 18 miles per US gallon highway.
All Rodeos had a rear seat bottom which folded forward and rear seat back which folded down, extending the 35 cubic feet (991.1 l) cargo area. The vehicle's lug wrench was stored under the seat bottom, concealed by a carpeted Velcro
Velcro
Velcro is the brand name of the first commercially marketed fabric hook-and-loop fastener, invented in 1948 by the Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral...
flap. The jack was located behind a plastic panel in the rear left of the cargo area along with the rear windshield washer fluid reservoir if equipped. The LS was available with privacy glass, velour
Velour
Velour or velours is a plush, knitted fabric or textile. It is usually made from cotton but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester. Velour is used in a wide variety of applications, including clothing and upholstery....
upholstery, and split-folding rear seats. A secret locking compartment was fitted in the depths of the center console below a removable cassette storage bin. The vehicle weighed 3490–3820 lb (1,583–1,732.7 kg), depending on engine and options.
For the 1993 model year, Isuzu replaced the GM V6 engine with their own 3.2-liter 24-valve SOHC V6 which was rated at 130 kW. Manually-locking hubs were eliminated, but the floor-mounted transfer case
Transfer case
A transfer case is a part of a four-wheel-drive system found in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts...
shifter remained. The 1993 Rodeo featured a recalibrated suspension system, softened spring rates and softened shock valving. The Rodeo now weighed between 3536–4120 lb (1,603.9–1,868.8 kg) and the EPA rating was 18 miles per US gallon city and 21 miles per US gallon highway. Also for 1993, a Family II 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine from Holden
Holden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
was introduced, and the Rodeo gained a third brake light above the rear window and a more refined center console. The "V6" badge on V6 models was moved behind the front wheels. Midway through 1995, the Rodeo received an updated dashboard and steering wheel, both of which added airbags. The "ISUZU" badge on the front grille also shrunk in size. For 1996 Isuzu increased the power of their 3.2-liter V6 up to 145 kW and 262 newton metre of torque, and the top level trim "LS" received the same 16-inch aluminium wheels as the Trooper, and was available in two-tone exterior colors.
Isuzu sold 24,612 Rodeos in 1991 and 45,257 Rodeos in 1992. US models were manufactured at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. (now, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is an automobile assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana which began as a joint venture between Fuji Heavy Industries and Isuzu Motors Ltd...
) in Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
. The vehicle was still considered an import, as 75 percent of its parts were made overseas.
Europe
The Wizard was known in the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
as the "Vauxhall Frontera" and in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
as the "Opel Frontera". It was originally built at the former Bedford Vehicles
Bedford Vehicles
Bedford Vehicles, usually shortened to just Bedford, was a subsidiary of Vauxhall Motors, itself the British subsidiary of General Motors , established in 1930; and constructing commercial vehicles. Bedford Vehicles was a leading international truck manufacturer, with substantial export sales of...
factory in Luton
Luton
Luton is a large town and unitary authority of Bedfordshire, England, 30 miles north of London. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 250,000....
, UK; it would become known as the IBC factory (Isuzu Bedford Company). In the 1980s the plant had come under joint control between Isuzu and General Motors, with the Frontera being built alongside a number of other commercial vehicle models. The Australian and New Zealand version of the Wizard model range was known as the Holden Frontera
Holden Frontera
The Holden Frontera is a sport utility vehicle that was sold in Australia and New Zealand by Holden, a General Motors subsidiary, between 1995 and 2003.The Frontera is an Isuzu design, two generations of which were imported by Holden:...
.
The early cars (to 1995) had a choice of engines, with the LWB available with either a 2.4-liter petrol (C24NE) engine (developed in the Opel Manta 400) or the 2.3-liter diesel engine originally fitted in the Bedford CF van & Vauxhall Carlton. The Frontera sport (Isuzu Amigo) was available with the 2.0-liter petrol Vauxhall Cavalier engine (C20NE).
In 1995 the model went through a facelift and the Frontera received rear coil springs and a new line up of engines. The SWB gained a new 2.0-liter petrol (X20 series) engine, updated trim, and also the first diesel engine available for the SWB, the 2.8-liter (4JB1-TC). The LWB also had new engines, with the 2.2-liter petrol (X22XE) and the 2.8 diesel 4JB1-TC being made available.
In the 1996–1997 models interior trim, including the dashboard, was changed, and a new 2.5-liter diesel (VM41) engine was fitted. This engine was also used in the Range Rover Classic and Jeep Cherokee in the UK.
China
Jiangling (Jiangling MotorsJiangling Motors
The Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited , abbreviated JMC, is a Chinese automobile manufacturer that is also known by the Landwind brand name in a number of markets...
Corporation Limited) Landwind in China produces a copy of the Isuzu Rodeo for the Chinese market. It is the first SUV to fail the EuroNCAP
EuroNCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme is a European car safety performance assessment programme based in Brussels and founded in 1997 by the Transport Research Laboratory for the UK Department for Transport and backed by several European governments.-History and activities:Euro NCAP is a...
crash tests. The Landwind is based on the first generation Rodeo although there was no collaboration between JMC and Isuzu or GM. While the Landwind looks like the Rodeo it is not an Isuzu vehicle.
Thailand
The Wizard was sold as the "Isuzu Cameo" (1993-1996) and "Isuzu Vega" (1999-2004) in Thailand. The Cameo using a 2.5-liter 4JA1 diesel direct injection engine, producing 90 PS at 3,900 rpm and the maximum torque at 17.8 kgm at 1,800 rpm came standard. The transmission was 5-speed manualManual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
with rear wheel drive only. The accessory is the same as the TF
Isuzu TF
The Isuzu Rodeo is an automotive nameplate that was used by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu between 1988 and 2004. Isuzu has utilized the "Rodeo" name on two different vehicles—a compact pickup truck sold in Japan—and a compact SUV offered in North America.Prior to its establishment as a...
and the only body style available is a five door wagon.
In 1999, Isuzu decided to have a major change for Cameo and gave it new name "Vega", equipped with four-wheel drive only. Exterior differences from Cameo including the new frontal design, Xenon Headlights, 15-inch wheels came with 265/70R15 tires and the spare wheel on the back door. It introduced with 2.8-liter 4JB1-T and the brand new 3.0-liter 4JH1-T turbo diesel, producing 120 PS at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque at 24.5 kgm at 2,000 rpm, because of the development of the CCI (ISUZU Computer Controlled Injection) and HPI (ISUZU High Pressure Fuel Injection). In addition, it connected with a choice of 5-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
and "Technomatics" 4-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
controlled by the TCM system (Transmission Control Module). The driver can manually choose style of driving by "Normal mode" and "Power mode"
North America
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
. Amigo came standard with a soft top. Exterior differences in the Amigo and Rodeo other than the wheelbase includes a rear mounted spare tire, 16-inch wheels, and larger fender flares. Standard features on the Amigo included split folding rear seats, tilt steering, dual power ports, power windows, mirrors and door locks, keyless entry and AM/FM CD players. The second series Amigo seats four people comfortably, however it can seat up to five. Amigos with the GM-sourced, 130 hp 2.2-liter X22SE (Vortec) inline-four engine are few and far between, mainly because previous owners complained to Isuzu that a V6 needed to be standard. Although a small SUV, it still weighed 4250 pounds (1,927.8 kg), needing a lot of horsepower for everyday driving. Isuzu’s answer to this was the 3.2-liter, 205 hp 6VD1 V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
that carried 214 lbft of torque at 3,000-rpm which is the same motor that the Rodeo carried. Fuel consumption is an estimated 22 miles per US gallon highway. From a technical prospective, the Amigo is built with a rigid frame that has eight crossmembers. Front suspension has independent lower and upper arms, with a solid rear axle. Riding in the Amigo can feel much like a full-size truck, feeling a lot of bumps in the road. All units came with pink airbags and side impact door beams, as well as ABS. The Amigo came standard with Isuzu’s 10-bolt rear axle and a push button four-wheel drive button. Amigo also has a traditional floor mounted lever for switching from high- to low-range. The Amigo was renamed in 2001 to the "Rodeo Sport" to compliment the more successful five-door Rodeo. The Amigo series was produced until 2003, while the Rodeo was dropped in 2004.
For the five-door Rodeo, adjustable shock absorbers were new this year and 16-inch tires replaced all 15-inch versions, as Isuzu redesigned the front and rear fascias of this midsize SUV. Standard on the LSE and optional on LS, the new Intelligent Suspension Control featured a dashboard button to adjust shock damping between sport and normal settings. Honda Passports did not get the adjustable-shock system. A new Ironman package debuted for the LS, marking Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition. The package included white or black paint over grey lower body panels, crossbars for the roof rack, and special graphics. Cruise control now was standard on V6 Rodeos, and an automatic transmission became standard on the LSE edition.
- 2001: in celebration of Isuzu's 85th year, an Anniversary Edition was added, along with a revised Ironman Package for 2001. In addition, the Rodeo receives a new grille.
- 2002: last model year for Rodeo sales in Canada, replaced by the Saturn VueSaturn VUEThe Saturn Vue is a compact crossover SUV that was sold by General Motors' Saturn marque, and at one time was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform when it was introduced in 2002. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model as a...
as a result of Isuzu withdrawing from CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
after the 2002 model year. Isuzu dealerships in Canada also sold Saturns and SaabsSaab AutomobileSaab Automobile AB, better known as Saab , is a Swedish car manufacturer owned by Dutch automobile manufacturer Swedish Automobile NV, formerly Spyker Cars NV. It is the exclusive automobile Royal Warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden...
. - 2003: no significant changes for 2003.
- 2004: the Rodeo loses its three-door model and four-cylinder engine for 2004, but gains a new optional 3.5-liter 250 hp engine. Added midyear was a standard tire-pressure monitor. In addition, the SUV received its final facelift.
In 2004, Isuzu dropped the inline-four engine and added the optional 3.5-liter V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
gasoline direct injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
(GDI) engine with 250 hp and 246 lbft of torque. Isuzu was the first to offer (GDI) in a vehicle priced under US$100,000. The Rodeo weighs in at a little over 3800 pounds (1,723.7 kg), with an EPA estimated gas mileage for 2007 of 16 miles per US gallon city and 22 miles per US gallon highway for the two wheel drive model, and 15 miles per US gallon city and 20 miles per US gallon highway for the four wheel drive model.
In October 2010, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
(NHTSA) recalled 1998-2002 Rodeos, 2002 Isuzu Axioms
Isuzu Axiom
The Isuzu Axiom is an SUV designed in Japan using a "knife blade" theme for its car-like styling. Built in Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. plant on the Rodeo platform. It jointly replaced the Trooper, but was itself replaced by the Isuzu Ascender for the 2005...
, and 1998-2002 Honda Passports
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport was a compact SUV produced by Isuzu, released in 1994, as Honda's first entry in the truck market for the United States. Built and designed solely by Isuzu, who sold it as the Rodeo, it was seen as a "quick fix" entry into the growing SUV market in the United States...
due to corrosion of the vehicle's frame in the vicinity of the rear suspension. Vehicles without corrosion in the affected area would be treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Vehicles with more severe corrosion would have a reinforcement bracket installed. In some cases, corrosion was so severe that repairs could not be made, resulting in Isuzu and Honda purchasing vehicles from the owners.
Europe
Ellesmere Port
Ellesmere Port is a large industrial town and port in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is situated on the south border of the Wirral Peninsula on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, which in turn gives access to the River...
. However with the closure of the Vauxhall Luton plant the decision to move was reversed. In 1998 the new model series was introduced with a choice of 2.2- petrol, 2.2-liter diesel (X22DTH) and 3.2-liter V6 petrol engines. Further modifications were carried out on the diesel engine post-2001, with the final version to be fitted in the marque being the 2.2-liter (Y22) version. This model met the Euro 4 Emissions standard.
The Frontera was discontinued from production at IBC Luton in 2004 (the final models in the UK were produced in Olympus trim). In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Frontera was replaced by a Holden badged version of the Chevrolet Captiva
Chevrolet Captiva
- 2006–2011 :Designated C100 by Daewoo and CG in Holden's terminology, the Captiva was launched in 2006. Styling of the Captiva was inspired by the 2004 Chevrolet S3X concept car. The S3X concept was developed by GM Daewoo's design center in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon and is based on the GM Theta...
model range.