Service Cars

2000 Isuzu Hombre Review

Introduction

The first Isuzu offered for sale in the U.S. was the LUV pickup truck, sold by Chevrolet dealers from 1972 to 1981. Now the tables have turned: Isuzus compact pickup is a version of the Chevrolet S10, and is built in the same Shreveport, Louisiana, factory.


The most important difference between the two is in equipment—while the GM product boasts an extensive array of optional equipment, the Hombre is offered in a small model range with a modest selection of equipment packages. In fact, when the Hombre was introduced in 1996 it was a very basic compact truck. The Spacecab extended cab, V6 power and 4WD have all been added over the last three years.

2000 Isuzu Hombre

Stronger V6 engines went under Hombre hoods. The V6 gained 5 horsepower in 2WD models, and 10 in 4WD Hombres. Four-cylinder models now were available with dual-fuel capability. Spacecab Hombres became available in a greater number of variations, including a V6 with base S trim. Previously optional on 2WD regular-cab S models, the Performance Package heavy-duty suspension became standard across the board. Also, 4x4 models got slightly taller tires this year.

Isuzus entry in the compact-pickup market, the Hombre, is built using sheetmetal stamped by General Motors with basic mechanical and structural components donated from the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma twins. When it debuted in 1996, the Hombre came with two-wheel drive, a regular cab and a weak, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine -- not exactly the tough stuff truck buyers craved.

Built in the United States, Hombres are currently available in a variety of cab and powertrain configurations, ranging from a standard-cab, 2WD model with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine to a 4WD, 4.3-liter V6 Space Cab model featuring an optional third door.

Isuzu introduced the Space Cab extended-cab model, a 4.3-liter V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission in 1997, adding four-wheel drive in 1998. Last year, Hombres received a new bumper design and a third-door option. For 2000, Isuzu ups the ante, making the heavy-duty suspension standard, bumping the 4WD V6 models horsepower by 10 (2WD models get five) and the 2.2-liter four cylinder becomes a dual-fuel engine, burning E85 alcohol and gasoline.

The regular-cab versions are available in S and XS trim levels, and options are few. S models are the workhorses, with vinyl floor covering and limited options that include air conditioning, stereo and rear step bumper. Hombre XS models are better equipped, offering custom cloth upholstery, carpeted floors and a tachometer.

Overall Review

The ride is very comfortable, steering is precise, brakes are excellent but the 4 cylinder engine could have just a touch more power. The ride height is perfect. Entering and exiting the truck is very easy. The third door makes using the extra space easier. Overall, Id say an excellent bargain for the price.

Extended-cab models are now offered in S and XS trim, providing vinyl folding jump seats in the rear and easy-entry seats in the front. If ordered with the optional third door, the truck comes equipped with only one jump seat. Four-wheel antilock brakes, battery-rundown protection, auto on/off headlamps and a theft-deterrent system are standard on all models. As before, 4WD Hombre buyers will enjoy standard alloy wheels and will benefit from a midyear tire upgrade to an aggressive 235/75R15 size.

Favorite Features

What can i say besides it being an Isuzu. Fun to drive! Great aircondition. I also like that i can put things in the back. Interior Nice.


Kelley Blue Book Price $4,825 - $6,375