Isuzu

First generation with 2.3L 4ZD1 engine producing 96hp and 2.6L 4ZE1 with 120hp. Body-on-frame construction with live axle rear suspension. Available as two-door and four-door SUV. Part-time 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly. Weight 1580kg. Shared platform with Pickup/Amigo. Basic interior with vinyl or cloth seats.

Major redesign with more rounded styling and improved interior. 2.6L 4ZE1 engine continued with 120hp, 3.1L 6VD1 V6 introduced with 175hp. Enhanced 4WD system with optional limited-slip differential. Weight 1680kg. Improved sound insulation and comfort. Available in S, XS, and LS trim levels. Shared with Honda Passport in North America.

Second generation with completely new design and increased dimensions. 2.2L 4ZE2 inline-4 producing 130hp and 3.2L 6VD1 V6 with 205hp. Available as five-door SUV and extended cab pickup. Shift-on-the-fly 4WD with electronic control. Weight 1780kg. Improved safety with dual airbags standard. Last generation before being replaced by Ascender.

Compact SUV version based on Amigo platform. 2.2L 4ZE2 engine with 130hp and 3.2L V6 with 205hp. Two-door configuration with removable rear roof. Sporty styling with round headlights. Weight 1620kg. Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. Popular as affordable recreational vehicle with open-air capability.

First generation with ladder frame chassis and live axles front and rear. 2.0L G200Z gasoline engine producing 90hp and 2.2L C223 diesel with 62hp. Available as two-door wagon with removable fiberglass top. Basic 4WD system with manual locking hubs. Weight 1520kg. Spartan interior focused on utility. Known as Bighorn in Japan.

Second generation with more refined styling and improved comfort. 2.3L 4ZC1 gasoline engine with 110hp and 2.8L 4JB1 diesel with 90hp. Introduction of four-door body style. Improved 4WD system with optional automatic locking hubs. Weight 1680kg. Better interior with more amenities. Increased popularity in North American markets.

Third generation with completely new monocoque body design. 3.2L 6VD1 V6 gasoline engine producing 175hp and 3.1L 4JG2 diesel with 120hp. Sophisticated 4WD system with center differential. Available in short (RS) and long (LS) wheelbase. Weight 1950kg. Luxurious interior options with leather seats. Sold as Acura SLX in North America.

Fourth generation with larger dimensions and more powerful engines. 3.5L 6VE1 V6 gasoline with 215hp and 3.0L 4JX1 turbo-diesel with 130hp. Advanced TOD (Torque-On-Demand) 4WD system. Seven-seat capacity in long wheelbase version. Weight 2100kg. Top-tier luxury trim with all modern amenities. Final generation before being replaced by Axiom and Ascender.

Initial launch with 3.2L 6VD1 V6 producing 215hp. Monocoque construction with integrated roll cage. TOD (Torque-On-Demand) 4WD system with electronic control. Radical styling with black plastic cladding and asymmetrical design. Fox internal bypass shock absorbers. Weight 1880kg. Limited production of 600 units for Japanese market.

US market introduction with 3.5L 6VE1 V6 producing 230hp. Updated interior with Ironman edition trim. Same advanced 4WD system with hill descent control. Distinctive 16-inch alloy wheels with specific tires. Weight 1920kg. Total production of 4,153 units for North America. Cult status for bold design and off-road capability.

Single generation based on Rodeo platform with radical styling. 3.5L 6VE1 V6 engine producing 230hp with variable intake system. Intellilink system with navigation and trip computer. TOD (Torque-On-Demand) 4WD with electronic control. Distinctive D-pillar window design. Weight 1920kg. Polarizing exterior with extensive cladding. Only 27,000 units produced before discontinuation.

Based on GM's GMT360 platform shared with TrailBlazer. 4.2L Vortec 4200 inline-6 producing 275hp and 5.3L Vortec 5300 V8 with 290hp. Available as five-passenger and extended seven-passenger models. Four-wheel independent suspension with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Weight 2100-2250kg. Standard features included dual-zone climate control and premium audio. Sold only in North American markets during Isuzu's phase-out.

1.9L RZ4E diesel 150hp. 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX diesel 190hp. 350Nm torque 1.9L. 450Nm torque 3.0L. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic Aisin. RWD base model. Shift-on-the-fly 4WD. Part-time 4WD system. Selectable 2H 4H 4L. Electronic locking rear differential. Ladder frame chassis. Double wishbone front. Leaf spring rear live axle. 5265mm crew cab length. 3125mm wheelbase. 1880kg curb weight. 3500kg towing capacity. 1000kg+ payload. Hill descent control. Hill start assist. Rear diff lock electronic. Rough terrain mode. Bi-LED headlights. 9in touchscreen. Apple CarPlay. Android Auto. Advanced Driver Assist System. Autonomous Emergency Braking. Adaptive Cruise Control. Turn Assist. Workhouse reliability focus.

D-Max platform based. 1.9L RZ4E diesel 150hp. 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX diesel 190hp. 350Nm torque 1.9L. 450Nm torque 3.0L. 6-speed automatic Aisin. RWD base. Shift-on-the-fly 4WD. Part-time 4WD system. 2H 4H 4L modes. Rear differential lock. Ladder frame construction. Double wishbone front. Five-link rear coil spring. 4850mm length. 2855mm wheelbase. 2070kg curb weight. Seven-seat configuration. Three-row SUV body. 3000kg towing capacity. Hill descent control. Terrain Command system. Rough terrain mode. 9in touchscreen infotainment. Digital instruments. Nappa leather available. Advanced safety suite. Family SUV positioning. Off-road capability retained.

Initial launch with 1.5L G150 gasoline engine producing 72hp. Unitary body construction with independent front suspension. Lightweight design at 910kg curb weight. Available as sedan and wagon. Advanced features for era including flow-through ventilation. 1.6L G161 engine introduced in 1965 with 88hp output.

Performance variant with 1.6L G161 twin-carbureted engine producing 95hp. Sport-tuned suspension with front disc brakes. Distinctive GT badging and instrumentation. Lightweight construction at 920kg. 0-60 mph in 12.5 seconds. Available with four-speed manual transmission. Limited production sports coupe variant.

High-performance homologation special with 1.6L DOHC engine producing 115hp. Twin Mikuni-Solex carburetors and high-compression pistons. Five-speed manual transmission. Lightweight body at 890kg. Racing suspension with upgraded brakes. Only 1,400 units produced. Successful in Japanese touring car racing.

Pioneering diesel passenger car with 1.9L C190 engine producing 51hp. Japan's first mass-produced diesel passenger car. Exceptional fuel economy at 40+ MPG. Heavy-duty construction for diesel vibration. Slow but durable performance. Mainly sold for commercial and taxi use. Established Isuzu's diesel reputation.

Initial launch with 1.6L G161 engine producing 105hp. Giugiaro-designed fastback body with pillarless construction. Luxury interior with wood trim and full instrumentation. Independent front suspension with live axle rear. Weight 1080kg. Limited production with hand-finished bodies. Four-wheel disc brakes standard.

1.8L G181 engine introduced producing 115hp. Updated interior with improved materials. Minor exterior revisions to lighting and trim. Enhanced sound insulation and vibration damping. Weight 1100kg. Continued low-volume production with quality focus. Became popular with enthusiasts for its elegant design.

Final version with fuel injection on some markets. Various special editions and trim levels. Production ended after 13 years with minimal changes. Total production of 8,734 units. Cult classic status for design and rarity. Last examples featured improved emissions equipment.

Initial launch with 1.6L G161 engine producing 95hp. Unitary body construction with four-link rear suspension. Advanced features including flow-through ventilation. Luxury interior with comprehensive instrumentation. Weight 1120kg. Available as sedan and wagon. Popular as taxi and government vehicle.

First facelift with updated front grille and styling. 1.8L G181 engine introduced producing 105hp. Improved interior with better sound insulation. Enhanced safety features including collapsible steering column. Weight increased to 1150kg. Continued popularity in commercial fleets.

Second facelift with rectangular headlights and updated trim. 1.8L G181 engine upgraded to 110hp. Improved emissions control systems. Enhanced corrosion protection with galvanized panels. Weight 1170kg. Remained in production alongside newer models for fleet sales.

Final version with minor updates and special editions. Diesel engine option introduced for commercial markets. Production gradually phased out as newer models introduced. Total production exceeded 300,000 units. Established Isuzu's reputation for durable sedans.

The pioneering diesel engine that launched Japan's first mass-produced diesel passenger car. This 1,951cc inline-four featured a cast iron block and cylinder head with five main bearings. The valvetrain used a gear-driven camshaft with pushrods actuating overhead valves via solid lifters. The fuel system employed a Bosch-style inline injection pump with mechanical governor, while ignition used glow plugs for cold starting. With 22.0:1 compression, it produced 51 hp at 4,400 RPM and 76 lb-ft at 2,200 RPM. This engine was notable for its incredibly robust construction and ability to run on low-quality diesel fuel. It established Isuzu's reputation for diesel excellence and demonstrated the viability of diesel power for passenger vehicles in markets where fuel economy and durability were prioritized over refinement.

The economical diesel that brought Isuzu technology to global partners. This 1,817cc inline-four featured a cast iron block and cylinder head with five main bearings. The valvetrain used gear-driven overhead camshaft operating two valves per cylinder via rocker arms. The fuel system employed a Bosch VE-type rotary injection pump, while ignition used quick-glow glow plugs. With 22.0:1 compression, it produced 51 hp at 4,600 RPM and 72 lb-ft at 2,800 RPM. This engine became famous for its incredible fuel economy—achieving up to 50 MPG in compact car applications—and legendary durability. Many examples exceeded 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. The 4FB1 established Isuzu as a leader in small-displacement diesel technology and was licensed to numerous manufacturers worldwide.

The medium-duty diesel that became an industry standard for light trucks. This 3,856cc inline-four featured a heavy-duty cast iron block with five main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The valvetrain used gear-driven overhead camshaft operating two valves per cylinder. The fuel system employed a Bosch-type inline injection pump with mechanical governor, while ignition used quick-glow glow plugs. With 17.5:1 compression, it produced 98 hp at 3,200 RPM and 177 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM. Turbocharged versions produced 135 hp and 240 lb-ft. This engine was renowned for its ability to withstand extreme abuse and operate for thousands of hours between major services. It powered countless delivery trucks, agricultural equipment, and generators worldwide, with many still in service after 30+ years of operation.

The modern turbo diesel that powered Isuzu's SUV global success. This 3,059cc inline-four featured a cast iron block with five main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder head used an overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder—unusual for a diesel of this era. The turbocharger was a Garrett T25 unit with wastegate control. The fuel system employed an electronically controlled VE-type injection pump, while ignition used quick-glow glow plugs. With 21.0:1 compression, it produced 120 hp at 3,600 RPM and 190 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM. This engine provided excellent low-end torque and reasonable refinement for passenger vehicle use while maintaining Isuzu's legendary durability. It became the powerplant of choice for the highly regarded Trooper/Bighorn SUV, known for its exceptional off-road capability and reliability.

The heavy-duty inline-six that established Isuzu in the medium truck market. This 5,785cc inline-six featured a massive cast iron block with seven main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The valvetrain used gear-driven overhead camshaft operating two valves per cylinder. The fuel system employed a Bosch P-type inline injection pump with mechanical governor. With 17.0:1 compression, it produced 145 hp at 2,800 RPM and 280 lb-ft at 1,800 RPM. Turbocharged versions produced 190 hp and 380 lb-ft. This engine was designed for 500,000-mile service life with proper maintenance, featuring replaceable wet cylinder liners and gear-driven accessories. It became the backbone of Isuzu's medium-duty truck lineup worldwide, prized for its simple, robust design that could be repaired in the field with basic tools.

The durable gasoline engine that powered Isuzu's light truck offerings. This 2,559cc inline-four featured a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder head and five main bearings. The cylinder head used a single overhead camshaft with three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust)—an unusual configuration. The fuel system employed electronic fuel injection with a MAP-based air metering system. With 8.6:1 compression, it produced 120 hp at 4,600 RPM and 150 lb-ft at 2,600 RPM. While not particularly powerful or efficient, this engine was renowned for its tractor-like durability and ability to withstand abuse. It became a favorite in developing markets where reliability and serviceability were more important than performance or refinement, with many examples exceeding 300,000 miles of hard use.

The heavy-duty turbo diesel that powers Isuzu's largest trucks. This 7,790cc inline-six featured a heavy-duty cast iron block with seven main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder head used an overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder and replaceable valve seats. The turbocharger was a large Holset unit with wastegate control and air-to-air intercooler. The fuel system employed an electronically controlled unit injection system, while ignition used quick-glow glow plugs. With 17.5:1 compression, it produced 285 hp at 2,200 RPM and 780 lb-ft at 1,400 RPM. This engine was designed for 750,000-mile service intervals with proper maintenance, featuring gear-driven accessories and a massive oil cooling system. It became the powerplant for Isuzu's heavy-duty Giga series trucks, known for their reliability in construction and long-haul applications.

The modern common-rail diesel that meets global emissions standards. This 5,193cc inline-four featured a compacted graphite iron block with five main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder head used dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and variable geometry turbocharger. The fuel system employed common-rail injection operating at 26,000 psi with piezoelectric injectors. With 17.0:1 compression, it produced 215 hp at 2,500 RPM and 452 lb-ft at 1,500 RPM. The engine featured exhaust gas recirculation, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction to meet EPA 2010 and Euro V emissions standards. Despite the complex emissions equipment, this engine maintained Isuzu's reputation for durability, with many examples achieving 300,000+ miles in demanding urban delivery applications.

The massive inline-six developed for extreme-duty applications. This 9,839cc inline-six featured a heavy-duty cast iron block with seven main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder head used an overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder and replaceable wet liners. The turbocharging system employed sequential turbochargers with intercooling, while the fuel system used unit injection with electronic control. With 17.5:1 compression, it produced 360 hp at 2,000 RPM and 1,150 lb-ft at 1,100 RPM. This engine was designed for mining, construction, and heavy hauling applications where maximum torque at low RPM was essential. It featured a massive cooling system, gear-driven accessories, and could operate at maximum output for extended periods without overheating. Service intervals of 1,000 hours were common in industrial applications.

The modern common-rail diesel that powers Isuzu's global pickup truck. This 2,999cc inline-four featured a compacted graphite iron block with five main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder head used dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and variable geometry turbocharger. The fuel system employed common-rail injection operating at 26,000 psi with solenoid injectors. With 17.5:1 compression, it produced 177 hp at 3,600 RPM and 332 lb-ft at 1,800 RPM. The engine featured exhaust gas recirculation with cooling and diesel oxidation catalyst to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. This powerplant maintained Isuzu's reputation for durability while providing modern levels of refinement and performance, achieving 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds while returning 30+ MPG in real-world use.

The industrial-grade diesel developed for generator and marine applications. This 8,980cc inline-six featured an extremely heavy-duty cast iron block with seven main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder head used an overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder and replaceable wet liners. The turbocharging system employed a single large turbocharger with wastegate control, while the fuel system used mechanical unit injection for maximum reliability. With 17.0:1 compression, it produced 300 hp at 2,200 RPM and 900 lb-ft at 1,400 RPM in industrial configurations. This engine was designed for continuous operation at 80% load for 20,000+ hours between major overhauls. It became popular for standby generator sets, marine propulsion, and industrial power units where absolute reliability was more important than emissions compliance or fuel efficiency.

The joint-venture V8 that combined Isuzu diesel expertise with GM manufacturing. This 6,599cc 90° V8 featured a compacted graphite iron block with four-bolt main bearings and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder—Isuzu's signature multi-valve diesel technology. The turbocharger was a Garrett variable geometry unit, while the fuel system used Bosch common-rail injection operating at 26,000+ psi. With 16.8:1 compression, initial versions produced 300 hp at 3,100 RPM and 520 lb-ft at 1,800 RPM, growing to over 400 hp and 900 lb-ft in later iterations. This engine combined Isuzu's advanced diesel combustion technology with GM's manufacturing scale and refinement, creating one of the most successful diesel engines in North American truck history and demonstrating Isuzu's continued leadership in diesel innovation.

A robust and widely-respected 5-speed automatic transmission used in the first-generation Isuzu D-Max and MU-7 SUV. Sourced from the renowned Japanese manufacturer Aisin, this transmission was known for its exceptional durability and smooth shift quality under load. It featured adaptive electronic controls that would adjust shift points based on driving style and load conditions. The torque converter utilized a lock-up clutch in multiple gears to improve fuel efficiency. Its design was simple and overbuilt, making it capable of handling the high torque of Isuzu's 4JJ1-TC diesel engine and repeated heavy towing without issue. This transmission's reputation for near-indestructibility was a key factor in the D-Max's global reputation for reliability.

The heavy-duty 6-speed manual gearbox found in global market D-Max and MU-X models. This transmission is engineered for truck use, with a focus on strength and precise, if not particularly light, shift action. It features a robust cast-iron casing and helical-cut gears for strength and reduced gear whine. The synchronizers are designed for positive engagement, even with the high inertia of a diesel engine. The gear ratios are strategically chosen, with a very low first gear for crawling with heavy loads or off-road, closely spaced intermediate gears for work site maneuvering, and an overdrive top gear for fuel-efficient highway cruising. The clutch is a heavy-duty single-plate unit designed for long life and high torque capacity, perfectly matching the character of Isuzu's diesel engines.

A smooth and modern 6-speed automatic transmission used in the second-generation D-Max and MU-X in various markets. This electronically controlled transmission provided a significant step up in refinement from the older 5-speed, with a wider ratio spread for better performance and efficiency. It featured clutch-to-clutch operation and a torque converter that could lock up in multiple gears. The transmission control module was calibrated specifically for Isuzu's diesel engines, providing shift patterns that made good use of the engine's flat torque curve. It included both a Normal and a Power mode, with the latter holding gears longer for improved acceleration response. While more complex than its predecessor, it maintained a focus on durability suitable for Isuzu's demanding use cases.

The legendary Allison 1000 series 6-speed automatic used in Isuzu's medium-duty NPR and NQR commercial trucks, particularly those equipped with the Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engine. This transmission is the industry benchmark for commercial automatic transmissions, renowned for its immense strength and sophisticated electronic controls. It features a deep first gear for moving heavy loads from a standstill, a closely spaced set of intermediate gears, and two overdrive gears for highway efficiency. Its key feature is the Driver Information Center, which provides transmission fluid temperature and life monitoring. The transmission includes a proprietary tow/haul mode and grade braking logic that automatically selects the optimal gear for descents, reducing brake wear. Its hydraulic system and cooling capacity are massive, designed for a long service life under constant full-load conditions.

The classic, rugged 5-speed manual transmission used in Isuzu's iconic 1980s and 1990s SUVs and trucks like the Trooper, Amigo, and Rodeo. This transmission was known for its tractor-like durability and straightforward, mechanical operation. The shift throw was long but precise, and the gearbox was capable of handling significant off-road abuse. It often featured a 'granny low' first gear that was extremely short, intended for crawling over obstacles or descending steep grades with maximum engine braking. The case was heavily ribbed for strength, and the internal components were built to last. Paired with a robust transfer case, this transmission was a cornerstone of Isuzu's reputation for building some of the most durable and capable 4x4s of its era.

The latest-generation Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission featured in the current global D-Max and MU-X. This transmission represents a significant upgrade in both technology and refinement. It features a wider gear spread and more intelligent electronic controls that are fully integrated with the vehicle's drive mode system (which includes settings for Normal, Eco, Snow, and Sand/Mud). The torque converter lock-up strategy is more aggressive for improved fuel economy. Shift quality has been calibrated to be exceptionally smooth for a workhorse vehicle, while still providing crisp, decisive shifts when needed for overtaking or climbing grades. Its thermal management is also improved, with a larger capacity cooler to ensure consistent performance and longevity during sustained high-load activities like desert running or heavy towing.

Founded in 1916 as Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding before adopting the Isuzu name in 1934—taken from a Japanese river—the company established early focus on diesel engines that guided its evolution into commercial vehicle specialization. Isuzu built excellence in truck manufacturing and bus production while achieving global success with pickup trucks backed by diesel technology leadership. Historic GM partnerships resulted in platform sharing, with the Isuzu D-Max sold as Chevrolet Colorado globally and Holden Colorado in Australia. Thailand emerged as a crucial manufacturing hub supporting Isuzu's global pickup presence and strength in emerging markets, where the brand's workhorse vehicle positioning and strong reliability reputation resonate with commercial users. Isuzu's extensive after-sales service network and excellent parts availability focus on total cost of ownership rather than initial purchase price—an approach that builds loyalty in commercial applications where downtime costs money. Today, Isuzu stands as an industrial vehicle manufacturer that eschewed passenger car glamour to dominate commercial and utility segments through engineering excellence, diesel expertise, and understanding that reliability and service matter more than styling when vehicles earn their keep rather than serve as status symbols.