1998 Isuzu Amigo | Retro Review

[@TAEbot]

I always thought they were good looking. The proportions actually still look good today!

[@mightymouse634]

One of the best 4x4 I have ever driven in the snow. I miss my amigo 😢

[@BIGWEBB88]

90s cars will forever be legendary

[@pratyushbiswas7582]

Really,they ere always built sporty and cool,even the Toyota Corolla which is a boring car today,even tough I am a guy born in 2002.even many 2000s cars were cool but from 2010 everything started sucking

[@Chrispbacon99]

Only a handful are legendary

[@Truck6000]

So will 1980’s vehicles

[@conecrazy]

I wish manufacturers would go back to making vehicles like this and the sidekick.

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

Very nice and beautiful the Isuzu Amigo

[@Acc0rd79]

It still has great looks today! I think it would still sell great 20 years later.

[@FantomLightning]

God I miss Isuzu...

[@trainguy1792]

We owned an Oasis for nearly 20 years and over 200k miles. Very satisfied

[@kirbyswarp]

@@trainguy1792 that's a Honda.

[@MerlinOpeth]

Duramax are made by Isuzu.

[@gabriellopez5778]

I know the feeling dude 🥲!

[@patrickmichaellangan576]

This is probably one of my FAV Isuzus along with the Trooper and VehiCROSS. This Amigo also makes me think of the Slinky-ish TV commercials Isuzu promoted this vehicle with.

[@davidforsberg5675]

One of my dream trucks as a kid......🤗

[@eightosaurusspelunk1598]

David Forsberg Me too! I'd still like to have one.

[@robertl2956]

Me too. Lol. I freehand pinstripe and remember striping a slew a of new ones. Always wanted one, but life and several GTO took over. Until a cupla months ago. Someone traded in a 99 at the carlot i do alot of bodywork for, and its even the blue i wanted! Lmfao. V6, 2wheel drive, what a blast to drive! Looks just like the one shown on the page of this vid score!!!

[@daveschlomer1864]

i had about 300 Mexico surf trips on mine. We would hit Rosarita thru La Fonda every other weekend. Loved it!!!

[@MerlinOpeth]

That's amazing power and torque numbers for that time.

[@unluckyabsol]

I love how it chirped the tires into second for the 0-60 test

[@paulandrebeccak5680]

Still looks good today!

[@benblonder2157]

I drive a 1991 trooper and I saw an amigo on the road the other day. Thought it looked pretty nice👍

[@robertl2956]

Oddly enough, I always thought the amigo to be good looking. When it first came out, I pinstriped a shitload of them. Well wouldn't you know it, when was traded in our car lot that I help run I guess who snagged it. I actually got that Marina blue looking color, Lithonia two wheel drive rear wheel, but as the 3.2 V6. It's actually pretty solid drives great still looks good minor rust along the rear in The Rocker, but being a body man by the time I post this it will be done. It is a blast to drive around town unreal performance not expected. The nearest many squeaks and rattles as I thought it would have pretty solid. That always happens when's dream come true a little too late but that's okay it's is a toy to me. I live in a large lake and is great for bombing around, it's a hell of a lot easier to park than my F-150 LOL neat car

[@ronnieb1635]

I think it’s ridiculously cool!

[@drawingablankesq]

I feel like i'm one of eight people to love Isuzus. I'm glad they are doing well abroad, but really want to get an MU-X or D-Max pickup.

[@mannyrosado9887]

I loved this car and the Rodeo. Lasted for ever.

[@chepeloco23]

i have a Amigo 1994. It's fantastic car.

[@matthewjohnson-trout6121]

I bought my used in absolute terrible condition but I’ve gone through and replaced and restored everything all that’s left is the paint and I really do love my amigo

[@ryanf3636]

@@matthewjohnson-trout6121 I’m doing the exact same thing with my 94. We are doing gods work keeping them on the road. 🤠

[@AFluffyMobius]

Miss this car brand a lot. Parents used to work in HR at Isuzu for a while actually! On the last month when Isuzu had anything in the US, engineer guys kept wanting to make the staff take all the excess stuff because they couldn't get rid of them. Like wheel hubs, spare Trooper seats, and Rodeo fog lamps, etc. Good times.

[@lancewannamaker3422]

Do they have parts still?

[@asajayunknown6290]

We have one with a 2.2 4cyl, 4wd and 5 spd. It's my wife's daily driver :). Tough to get into the back seat but once you're in there it's extremely roomy. Great little truck!!!

[@nathanmcdonald610]

8 seconds to 60mph was pretty solid for a small V6 Powered SUV made over 20 years ago.

[@DDM7406]

I always wanted one of these in high school. Such a cool little sled.

[@pdog123]

I own a 2002 Now called Rodeo sport and it's been the best vehicle ived own..

[@Trance88]

It's a cool looking SUV. I like the shade of blue! I never see these vehicles! I don't remember ever seeing them much when they were newer, either.

[@kgbeezr75]

In the mid 90s the Amigo was everywhere in Texas, they were almost as common as something like a Chevy Cavalier. Haven't seen one in a long time.

[@alexander1485]

does anyone remember the Dodge Raider?

[@Niterider73]

Love those little rigs!

[@Schublez]

I have a 98', finding anything for this vehicle now is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Then, finding a car that might have something similar is a stretch as well. Either way I love my amigo! Even if it's a pain to mod out!

[@jamesf9074]

They never had a lot of aftermarket support, but they are very easy to modify.

[@fieldergainsley2297]

Have you had any luck with finding anything since this post? Asking for a friend…😁

[@jtckentucky3481]

That opening song gets me so pumped for these videos

[@edwardgiver]

Everyone loves Amigo. Excellent marketing advertising. I still remember it.

[@dawge30]

Thanks for sharing. I just love Isuzus! My parents had a 1994 Trooper and a 1995 Trooper LS for years.

[@wallybeegone]

I had a 95 trooper and a 97 Rodeo at one time. Such good cars. The Rodeo was a little more fun to drive and really hauled ass. I miss Isuzu.

[@edwardsflores6110]

Honda should of took over and kept the amigo and bought rights for it, it would have sold like hotcakes today.

[@dcanmore]

in the UK also known as the Vauxhall Frontera

[@joelruiz3152]

And then Opel frontera

[@patrickmartin3322]

And in Japan known as the Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard

[@dcanmore]

@@patrickmartin3322 the best name :)

[@gavinvalentino1313]

In Afrika known as the Gik Clek Nrrp Nub

[@WSNO]

Isuzu makes a lot of really rad stuff. Would love to get my paws on quite a few including this

[@willbill808]

Honda and Toyota never offered anything with a 200hp V6 in their 90s compact SUVs (if you disregard the Passport). That makes this thing really special to me.

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

its because the passport and rodeo were the same

[@jeffreydmclendon]

I had a 2000 and loved it.

[@Asuma492]

I love my Isuzu Amigo

[@michaelguevara8015]

Love isuzu i had a 98 rodeo 3.2 manual 4x4 it was in pristine condition, sold it back in 2014

[@gavinvalentino1313]

You sold it back to Isuzu? That was stupid.

[@Wesley_C]

Best cars of the 90's.

[@drn13355]

I had a 98 Amigo. Thing was amazing.

[@garbage854]

I like it :)

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

Always liked these, but couldn’t tell you the last time I saw one.

[@thetreblerebel]

Really cool suv. When suvs were not cars

[@kippaseo8027]

Wow wasn't it strange how Isuzu just disappeared Into the Night? The roads were littered with Isuzu rodeos, Amigos, Etc but then they just seem to disappear.

[@tenhundredkills]

Kip Paseo At least here in the US, the Cash for Clunkers program swallowed up LOTS of these. Same thing happened with Geo and Suzuki vehicles.

[@hakeemsd70m]

I still see quite a few Rodeos around, but the rest of the Isuzu squad has literally vanished. Interestingly enough though, came across a vehiCROSS on vacation in Ohio last month, yet it's been years since I've seen a Trooper/SLX. We can't forget about the NPR series, even though they're commercial vehicles.

[@lucianmaisel9161]

@@hakeemsd70m Also The frames rusted to death

[@hakeemsd70m]

@@lucianmaisel9161 Wow, you're spot on. I'm surprised at the amount of Roadeos I see because of the rust issues. I still see NPR trucks, and just be the best product Isuzu has ever made.

[@Samspianopage]

This was the Vauxhall Frontera here in Britain. Wasn't the best regarded jeep over here but I agree with others the proportions were quite good for the time.

[@mr.boostang2064]

That v6 looks beautiful under the hood

[@hice444]

Had a 99, loved it

[@TurboMan942]

I didn't know that Shia Labeouf reviewed for Motorweek back in the day

[@TheCOZ]

With a heck of a sexy stache no doubt.

[@maddrummerboy8173]

😂

[@nathankoroush7918]

My parents bought the Honda Passport in 1998, very sweet.

[@gavinvalentino1313]

You're trying too hard

[@nathankoroush7918]

@@gavinvalentino1313 What is wrong with that, it makes greatness..

[@TheBluehornz01]

If Isuzu quality was better, this could have been a great SUV.

[@RenoLaringo]

Got a daily 🎉2001 Rodeo with over 300k on the clock. All it ever needed was a new clutch (at 250.000km!) and regular oil change. It never let me down. Most reliable car I ever had.

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

Some small interior updates and this thing would be good to go today!! But compete with a Jeep offroad, NEVER!

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

JJ Justice no no no lol. That is why this is a retro review and not a new one. Lol

[@chestermill1186]

Your right...jeep would leave you stranded..Chrysler garbage

[@RenoLaringo]

You’d be surprised.

[@geolehman]

I did not know that Shia LaBeouf worked for MororWeek over 20 years ago.

[@soldbycebic]

Nice car, shame so many ended up in the crusher for rusted frames.

[@lucasechenique39]

This would make a good college car

[@WitchyWhale]

We need more convertible suvs like this.

[@COYGunners]

Ianna Natasha you can have a Nissan Murano Cabrio now...

[@alekm9795]

Or a land rover

[@TRUCKOCD]

Fernando Mora I think they stopped making those

[@markallen2984]

It was a handsome and fun little truck. I kind of regarded it as rather Wrangler-esque. The Amigo was kind of "midway" between the Samurai and the Wrangler.

[@frankburns8871]

If your only complaint about a vehicle like this is leaning, slightly sloppy handling through the slalom, you're missing the point. Very impressive numbers in every other aspect for a '98 car-based suv.

[@williamb.1582]

Frank Burns it was truck based

[@frankburns8871]

Yeah, I kinda thought it might have been after I posted that. Still ridiculous to criticize its slalom performance.

[@Tool0GT92]

I hope you are a good singer if you buy the base model.

[@JakeFromLateFarm]

Hey MotorWeek, In the next installment of Retro Review, could you guys pleeease post your '99 Honda Civic Si review? Me love you long time!

[@Detah_]

It’s a shame no one ever really saved these things. They look sick as hell and sadly I can barely even find one for sale

[@quentinwooten30]

It damn near did a front flip

[@gavinvalentino1313]

I truly just laughed out loud!

[@hank1556]

Isuzu was the last manufacture to sell carbureted vehicles in the US. were they also the last to sell vehicles without a radio? that 0-60 aint bad

[@mrivera1]

thatallredheadude 1 I believe the Koreans were still selling cars in the early part of this decade without a radio.

[@Moparornocar1989]

Michael Rivera they were the Hyundai Accent

[@BeesonsCars]

You could apparently get a 2012 Altima base without a radio.

[@audiofella5066]

Always wanted an Amigo, hard to find for some reason, just bought my second 5 spd Rodeo, if you know what to look out for they are good little trucks!!!!!

[@vaioskaliakoudas6388]

May I have one to ls swap it please???

[@Skinkow]

I'm guessing she got pregnant ALONE, BY HERSELF or from another dude that isn't you, maybe...? i mean, for you to be referring to her like that...

[@Skinkow]

LOL i'm sorry. I like that camper too. Wish it came with a 5 speed manual. Good for you making sacrifices for your family. Priceless!

[@evansautomotive307]

Maybe a turbo or something, but those ls engines are tiny and make actual torque. Wouldn't mind swapping a 5.3 into my montero

[@wr70beh]

That braking test looked scary, even with 4 wheel ABS.

[@nicholaswildethethird]

You can still find Geo/Chevy trackers bumbling around in Michigan. The only Isuzu that i usually see/ride in is my aunt has a Rodeo that she loves :\ Cool car, just hard to find where i live

[@josueochoa9267]

Just got a rodeo 2001. Are these the same ?

[@alzaraza]

The 90's were good even on cars

[@peterkavourias286]

Somebody got their information wrong because I had a 1998 Isuzu amigo just like the one they showed the burnt orange actually with the 4 cylinder and it was a 4x4 with a five-speed manual I love that truck I was such an awesome truck I wish I can have one again today but yeah the four cylinder came with the 4x4 too not just the V6 just thought I'd throw that out there

[@PerfectSoundRS]

I miss my amigo

[@blancaw6280]

I remember this truck used to be extremely popular with Mexicans and lesbians!

[@cbnboy34]

Blanca W Wow, guess no wonder Trump wants to rescind DACA

[@gumballguy34]

P Htwr First reply and it's already political

[@Asuma492]

how about both?

[@blancaw6280]

That too!

[@Asuma492]

Blanca W Mexican Lesbians I see where we are going with this ooowiee

[@BrendanMacWade]

I preferred the Isuzu Rodeo / Honda Passport myself. Leave the soft tops to Jeep.

[@anthonyioane4438]

Brendan A. MacWade no

[@willharris7614]

Hmm, this looks very familiar to me. In the UK this was known as the Vauxhall Frontera. Or the Opel Frontera if you’re elsewhere in Europe.

[@Joesire]

I just bought one.

[@Land_Cruiser_40]

Isuzus from the 80's are legendary. By this time Isuzus were just too much GM and hence quality wise no better than the crap Detroit pumped out. Cheers

[@Offshore1977]

I’d buy this new today if they sold it still.

[@emeyer6963]

A young Brian Robinson doing the testing

[@DehnusNorder]

Did the rear differential almost hit that rock in the end :P.

[@Offshore1977]

This vehicle looks good even today. Too bad other than wrangler there are no other vehicles that offer something like this.

[@elonsus9747]

You had the 4Runner which wasn't bad at all. It didn't have the removable roof though. This Amigo Does look good.

[@805NAVE]

Every morning when I drive to school, some jerk has this exact car but it’s black. He either tails me really really aggressively or he cuts me off when peeling out of his driveway. I’ve honked at him several times on different occasions lol. I do admit, I drive a little on the slow side because I have a plush Lexus ES330, but still, this guy is so aggressive.

[@Asuma492]

he's definitely not your Amigo.

[@armandoenriquez1104]

KLCS, PBS SoCal, KLCS Kids, KVPT and PBS Kids in America and ABC 4 Kids Stereo in Australia.

[@georgewkush542]

Never ever seen one of these on the road

[@jakehoran9596]

Ok, I need this lmao

[@mjgillespie91]

Vauxhall frontera?

[@kaiokendo]

I L U V this car

[@kingdaniel3519]

I think the Rodeo was much better. At least it came with a radio.

[@RyanEmeryLovesCars]

I've never heard of this

[@pd3331]

I have the shift knob for one on my desk.

[@davidaubin3902]

I'd take a 96 Toyota RAV4 or a 97 Honda CR-V over this!

[@Asuma492]

you're crazy I love my Amigo

[@endinghunger]

I have one isuzu 1998 limited!

[@edwardsimmons3190]

I miss the Ute's in the US

[@Sanpedranoazul]

You can see when a tv show has been succesful and stable, when the driver has spent 20 years in the making

[@mediachannel8044]

In Europe this car is Opel frontera

[@stupid8911]

I still really like this model. I'd put it at a "2" on the Kinsey Scale, mostly butch but got a little cute to it. I love that the base "stripper" version didn't come with a radio, oy!

[@goclunker]

I want one with Penis wheels like Jeremy Clarkson's Vauxhaul version

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

I want one so bad haha

[@RDChaniago]

indonesia still produced this car under the name isuzu panther

[@Niterider73]

Looks like they hired Shiloh LaBeouf to test out the car

[@adrynnovak3648]

the isuzu panther 2001 - 2004 front facia is very much the same

[@henryovalles1163]

Sold one of these 3 months ago mint cond i sold because no a/c

[@eightosaurusspelunk1598]

Henry Ovalles You'll regret that. These are great cars.

[@officialkevonn]

This is a 2 door Honda Passport

[@tezlaactual6582]

This particular generation were all GM parts, and basically from the steering wheel forewards are almost all interchangable, after the 2000 version which is my daily isuzu decided to merge the amigo and rodeo lines and turn the amigo into the rodeo S