Isuzu Future Models

sdc2

I know the biggest GM gas engine is a 6.0 liter. Guy I know has one, and he says in a contest it would've pulled his old 454 all over the place...

gpm5

I mean this thing about putting SUV production totally in the IN plant; is that possible? They could produce the rodeo and axiom there but what about our beloved trooper--what is the future for it.

http://www.isuzu.com/images/gbx2_large.jpg

Is this the next trooper?

How can Isuzu afford to come out with these concept vehicles--I mean it's expensive to do that, and apparantly they are in tight straights. A GM head honcho just became the VP and I guess he's the one that is clamping down on them.

gpm5

is an American tradition even if it has been made in Japan. Maybe Isuzu can make it in the US make it well and advertise is as such, an American tradition from the old (show them) to the new (show it). Instant sales success! One of my kids said to me, they can't stop making the trooper, I want to buy one when I grow up.

conman2000

I think there is enough capacity to make more trucks but the real question is can it make Four line of trucks(Trooper, Rodeo, Sport, Axiom)? Since the frames are the same, should not be a problem but the logistics of running four lines.........Hmmmm.

Regards,
Con

raydahs

Well Paisan's prediction is correct about the future Troopers.

http://edmunds.yellowbrix.com/pages/edmunds/Story.nsp?story_id=21107899&ID=edmunds&scategory=Auto

gpm5

They said in that above link they would cut SUV lines from 7 to three. What are the three. Axiom, rodeo, and trooper OR will they drop axiom and go with rodeo, amigo, trooper or will they drop trooper and go with rodeo, amigo, axiom??? Amigos and rodeos are selling well. Axioms are not selling.

conman2000

I think it meant 7 platforms to 3 platforms and one of those platforms is the Rodeo/axiom/trooper. They must be reducing the big truck platforms (AKA City vans). And most likely the old pickup(Pup) they still sell over seas. I like the Pup too(owned a 88 myself)

Con

raydahs

The Rodeo/Rodeo sport and the Axiom share the same platform. The Trooper and Vehicross share the same platform, so that makes 2 platforms.

maybe they're talking about these?

http://www.isuzu.com.au/html/range.html

paisan

There are 3 platforms currently sold in the US.

Rodeo/Amigo
Axiom
Trooper/VX

The hombre is a re-badge S10.

-mike

gtroop

I owned a Prelude just before I bought the Trooper, and what did Honda do? They axed the lude. I bought a Trooper and what does Isuzu do? Ax the Trooper.

The Hombre is no longer sold here (USA). The Axiom, Rodeo, Rodeo Sport, and VX are the same platform from what I understand (RS and VX are shortened Rodeo frames). The Trooper is its own platform. Although maybe these are the platforms:

Rodeo/Axiom
Rodeo Sport/VX
Trooper
Trooper (SWB 2dr)
Pickup (sold in other countries)

Heck, I dunno. Check out the ECB website for some example of what Isuzu sells elsewhere.

paisan

I don't think the Trooper is dead yet, although I didn't read the link above.

The Rodeo and Axiom are not the same platform. They are the same frame, but that is about the end of it. A platform is more than the frame.

The VX is the SWB Trooper.
The Rodeo Sport is the SWB Rodeo
and the Axiom is the Axiom

The Axiom is a cross between the Rodeo and the Trooper.

Isuzu is actually doing the re-design of the S10/S15 pickups for GM. ECB does have some pics of non-us Isuzu stuff.

-mike

raydahs

Paisan, what excactly is your interpretation of a platform?

paisan

Is that a platform is the whole chassis, (suspension, frame, driveline, etc.) Although the Rodeo and Axiom share similarities, they are not the same vehicle with a different body skin and interior. For instance, the mazda MX6 and the Ford Probe share a platform, but have different body skins and interiors. I could be totally off base though so feel free to correct me.

-mike

raydahs

I just wondered what your opinion was. You read so much these days on shared platforms with all makes, Odyssey/MDX, CR-V/Civic and Camery/RX300/Sienna and so on. It's definitely more cost effective for the assembly process (tooling and fixtures). I know that's how Nissan managed to turn around their downward spiral, so change could be a good thing for Isuzu.

nighter50

It sounds like the auto industry is similiar to the fast food industry - same ingredients repackaged. Consider Taco Bell - you order a taco, burrito, enchirito, or any other crazily named item they come up with and you get all the same ingredients pulled from the same bins just different packages.

gtroop

Platform is just that, the platform on which a car built. Take for instance the CRV which is built on the Civic platform or the Acura TL/CL which are built on the same platform as the Accord. These examples all use different engines and suspension components. The components are systems which are bolted to the platform just as the body is. I agree the Axiom is a cross between a Trooper and a Rodeo - the Rodeo's platform is used while systems from the Trooper are attached to the platform. After a little research I do agree that the VX does use the Trooper SWB platform (actually shorter than the Rodeo Sport). Another good example of platform sharing is the Lincoln LS/Jag S-Type/Ford Thunderbird. They all use the same frame and basic backbone but pull systems for unique sources to end up with cars that are individual.

paisan

IMHO uni-body "platforms" are shared easier than say the non-uni-body. For instance, if the Axiom were built on the Rodeo platform, in my definition, you should be able to bolt the right front fender from a rodeo on an axiom and visa versa. Wheelbase would also need to be close if not the same as well. So what makes the rodeo and axiom share a platform? Just curious.

-mike

gtroop

Your arguement won't hold water for some unibody platform sharing like the CRV and Civic or even Del Sol and Civic. Or look at a body on frame example of platform sharing such as the GM cousins Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada (new body styles 2002). The TB and Envoy might be able to interchange a fender but the Bravada fender won't fit either one. The body is just a system which the auto makers employ to give each offshoot of a platform a personality and some individuality. One thing that helps confirm the Axiom/Rodeo sharing is that the wheel base on both are the same, take a look.

gtroop

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/isuzu/axiom/xs4wd4drsuv35l6cyl4a/specs.html?id=lin0018

gtroop

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2001/isuzu/rodeo/ls4wd4drsuv32l6cyl5m/specs.html?id=lin0018

gtroop

Don't tell me that a probe fender will fit the MX-6.

What about a VX fender on a Trooper?

If you sit in the Axiom and ignore the trim differences and focus on the truck itself it yells at you that it is a reskinned Rodeo.

paisan

I guess I'm just used to a platform that is the same being roughly the same vehicle (suspension, engine, and frame) not just the frame. When I think of platform cars I think of K-cars (arries, reliant) F-body (Camaro, Firebird) 80s Regal/Cutlass/Monte Carlo

The Axiom is much lower than the Rodeo, dash layout, shifter, 4wd unit, etc. so different that It's hard to associate them. Whereas the MX6 and Probe share everything except for body panels and interior. (engine components, suspension, etc.etc.)

-mike

gtroop

Those are minor details that can be changed easily. I see your point about the old style platform sharing but have to point out that the automakers have become smarter because the consumer has. Rebadging and a mild rework of the body won't fool many these days so the manufacturers are being a bit more creative. Just like the Taco Bell comparison, the automakers aren't always going to add new ingredients to make a new product but just manipulate what they already have into something new.

Just an FYI on a new platform share coming up: The new Land Rover will aparently be built on the same platform as the Explorer. Killing icons is what platform sharing is all about. The same thing will probably happen to the Trooper (Trailblazer or Tahoe platform share) since Isuzu has no plans for a replacement after the 2003 model year.

paisan

According to what Isuzu was saying, the new Trooper would be all Isuzu, but that may be changing. Which means I'll have to keep my Trooper in good shape til I can afford a Denali or a TLC.

-mike

gtroop

I do like the TLC, but not the newest body style. A friend of mine road in my Trooper and his brother's TLC(prior body) and said mine was more comfortable and had more legroom in the back seat.

The only thing we need over here is that third row seat. I don't want the non-Isuzu one either, I want the real deal from Isuzu. Why don't you talk to your friends at ECB and see if they can get you some installation instructions for the rear seat on the Aussie model and we can see what modifications can done to ours to accomodate. Then maybe we can get them to drop us a couple in the mail.

gpm5

That could be the kiss of death for the trooper. I'd rather see Isuzu change the GBX thing into the trooper.

paisan

I test drove a Yukon tonight. First impression:

Un-impressed.

It sounded great, nice V8 tone and muffler, but when I put the pedal to the floor, it moved out much slower than my trooper ever did. I guess the extra weight doesn't help. It is a wider vehicle than the trooper, and the front seat has more forward to backward movement. Interior sound was higher than my Trooper, and this was running highway tires. Wind noise was also noticeable higher. Side mirrors approximately sucked even though they were wider than my Trooper ones, they were not properly placed (need a more square one) Also the C pillar is about as big as the B-pillar on the VX, And with the high window sills I couldn't look over my right shoulder and see anything when merging into traffic. The rear door split was also very annoying in the mirror. The leather seats were pretty comfy, but had the same small arm-rests that the Trooper has.

Rear storage room was about on par with the trooper, a bit longer, but no where near as much floor to ceiling room. Forget about removing the 2nd row seats these are pretty complex to remove if you wanted to, although they did fold nicely into the floor. Step-up height was higher, but no extra ground clearance on the truck over the Trooper. It did have full guages which I liked. No moonroof, and nowhere near as much headroom due to ducts and consoles in the roof.

They offered me the Yukon SLT 3rows of leather on a demo unit sold as new for $34K which isn't a bad deal on a top of the line Yukon stickering for around $40K, but I think I'm gonna try to keep my '00 in good shape since the Yukon may very well be the next trooper.

The auto-4wd did seem to engage decently, but unlike the trooper you never know when it's working and when it's not.

I didn't get a chance to drive the denali, which I think has a bigger engine, hopefully that one has more oomph. Next one to test drive will be a Sequoia.

-mike

sdc2

At the time I bought my Trooper, a Yukon would have run me $10K more...I would have liked the extra room, but not THAT much.

gpm5

I liked the sequoia much more--and the moonroof is fantastic. The steering wheel isn't in front of the seat on the GM trucks. They need to narrow the console and move the seat to the right by about 1-2 inches so you're not looking at the pillar.

wheels13

What do you guys think of those Joe Isuzu TV Commercials? My opinion is that if you don't know what Isuzu is you wonder why the guy is laying in the driveway or in a junk yard or in a fur coat. If your selling trucks tell me your selling a truck

gpm5

I haven't seen them.

paisan

10-11pm EST. Come chat with other Isuzu Owners. If you are an owner, or prospective owner, you don't want to miss this opportunity to get in touch live with other's who have real world experience.

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html

-mike

paisan

Well in 2003 the Trooper will be no longer.

Isuzu will introduce a new truck that will have a goofy name to replace the Trooper. It will have a Yukon or Yukon XL chassis, not necessarily the Yukon interior and body though. And may or may not be built at SIA. It will have a V8 Chevy engine and 3 rows of seats.

On the plus side...

1) Duramax Diesel Engine with 5-speed Allison Tranny will be optional
2) GM Aftermarket is huge, so finding parts will not be a problem

That is the latest news from my source @ Isuzu about the upcoming Trooper/Full-size Isuzu. More news as events warrant.

-mike

gpm5

bummer

cwmoser

Good -- makes our Troopers have more mystique than ever. People might now see the merits of the Trooper. I assume you mean no more Trooper world-wide -- including the Jackeroo, the English Insiginia, etc.?????

Looked at the Axiom for the first time today -- pretty nice vehicle but personally I still prefer the Trooper. It takes some time for a radical design change to catch my eye. The simplictic lines of the Trooper is what I find appealing about it.

If anything happens to my Trooper, I hope it happens while Isuzu still has Troopers available.

paisan

The rest of the world will still get our troopers, jackaroos, and big horns. Once again the American Public has been led down the line of sheep to the sheering mill... In a few years people will wind up saying "Wow, is that the new Mercedes SUV?" or "where did you get such a cool SUV, when are they due out?" Already I often get compliments like "wow that's a cool truck is it a new model of RR or TLC?" I say no, it's actually been in the same body style for almost 10 years!

-mike

gpm5

It does make our troopers classics, but so would a new style trooper--too bad they won't be available here.

boxtrooper

poison,

Please let your Isuzu contacts know that the diesel Trooper would have a great itch in the US. It would be the only fuel efficient SUB, or as I prefer simply V. It would be awesome for towing and off goading and get great MPG. In the UK it was 31MPG highway and 21MPG around town and 25MPG combined. The biodiesel folks would be interested too.

I received a reply from Isuzu to an mail asking for the diesel in the US about a year ago. They said just wait a year or two. Well it has been one year already, any more info available?

Please encourage Isuzu to at least try the diesel in the USA.
Thank You
Robert

paisan

The new trooper will have the Isuzu Duramax Diesel Engine (570lbs Torque @ 1800rpms) available as an option. It currently is sold in the GMC/Chevy 2500HD trucks and gets about 25-26mpg in them.

-mike

cwmoser

I know folks in the past have imported European versions of high-end cars and wonder if makes economic sense to import a Diesel-based Trooper.

Years ago, the US Government had a policy whereby an individual could just once in a lifetime import a foreign vehicle bypassing the EPA safety and emissions standards. I distinctly remember this as it was based on one's Social Security number. In any case, I've seen European versions of Mercedes cars that were brought up to US EPA safety and emissions after importing into the states.

Course, may not want the Japanese, Australian, nor the English right-hand drive versions.

paisan

That's an interesting idea... Import the engine and install it in a US trooper.
Especially if you live in a state w/o emissions testing.

-mike

boxtrooper

Since the Duramax is two of the Isuzu 3L 4cyl engines assembled in a vee, they should be able to share a lot of parts. Including, if the Duramax is approved in the USA for emissions the 3L 4Cyl. ought to be good enough on emissions too. Or is the emissions issue the reason that the Duramax is only in huge trucks that have no EPA MPG assigned and therefore less emissions regulations than passenger vehicles.

paisan

The GVWR of the upcoming trooper with the Duramax will likely exempt it from the restrictions. Although that is a WAG on my part.

-mike

paisan

10-11pm EST. Come chat with other Isuzu Owners. If you are an owner, or prospective owner, you don't want to miss this opportunity to get in touch live with other's who have real world experience.

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html

-mike

emiura

Just came back from a short trip to Japan. While browsing Japanese offroading/4x4 magazines in a bookstore, I came across an article about Isuzu’s announcement of minor spec. change to Bighorn. This is not a major model change but rather minor update to the existing model. The new model has multiple electrical outlets. In addition to the original cigarette lighter location, there are two more: one in the luggage area and one just below the original location. The cup holders in front is bigger for larger cups & bottles but without the lid. The rear center armrest has built-in cup holders (2), also. Program for the engine is updated for better/cleaner combustion (? - I didn’t understand this part well). The two-door, short wheelbase model was discontinued. According to the article, Isuzu has introduced the changes on 6/21, and the new model will be available from July. I don't know if/how soon these changes will be made to the USA models.

paisan

Or if they'll make it here. I doubt they will. Perhaps on the 2002 models though. Cause that will be the last year for Japanese Troopers. They will continue to make the Bighorn and Jackaroo for non-North American markets in Japan.

-mike

paisan

10pm tonight Chat! Come tell us about your trucks, or if you are a potential owner, we'll be chatting up our trucks. I'll give an overview of Uwharrie!

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html

-mike

arktrooper1

when i was talking to the AIM rep in california yesterday i also asked about the Trooper...he didnt get into specifics except that it will be made in the US so i guess the "yuhoe" rumors are true...i cant believe ive wanted a Trooper since the change in 1992 and now in all probability it will be my first and last:(...i really hate GM!...oh well, when i had mine in for the 15K yesterday i sat in (didnt drive) an Axiom...i didnt like it as well as my Trooper but it was really nice and seemed well built...now i just have to psyche myself up for a "change" in a few years, but the way it looks now i may keep the Trooper even when or if i do get an Axiom someday...dave

mhiggins2000

Will this be made in US too?

http://www.edmunds.com/news/conceptcarspotlight/articles/46876/article.html

boxtrooper

paison,

Ask Isuzu how many prepaid orders for the GBX are needed to cause them to build it. Maybe a fantasy but an interesting number anyway.