1999 4x4 of the Year Models: Isuzu Amigo

Isuzu Amigo

Likes
•Peppy engine
•Surprising amount of rear legroom
•Fun to drive

Dislikes
•Not a five-speed
•No limited slip
•Blind spots

"This should be a fun vehicle off road," squealed one driver after noting how the Isuzu "squirted" through city traffic quickly. Others likened it to a sports car rather than a truck. And it did not take long for the rest of us to figure out that the Amigo is fun for a girl and a boy.

Although this stubby Rodeo has been in absentia for a couple of years now, it made a triumphant return with a 3.2L V-6 that hauled in acceleration runs. However, the optional four-speed auto tranny with overdrive was pooh-poohed not only for not being the five-speed but also for its complete lack of compression braking-a trait that didn't win it any group hugs on steep off-road descents.

On pavement, though, it grabbed corners, stopped well, and was the picture of stability. It did offer a challenge we chose not to accept-limited visibility courtesy of the B-pillars. Once it scurried onto the dirt, no one was fond of the multiple steps it took to get it into 4-Lo, but once it was in, the Amigo wasn't bouncy or jarring on fire roads and it scooted all over the sand. Its good approach and departure angles made it an OK rockcrawler, but more ground clearance and a traction device would have made it a true friend off road.

Besides being labeled "cute," it was appreciated for having a clean underhood, servicability, the illusion of tons of elbowroom, and cargo space. Its interior left most voters speechless-there was really nothing to complain or rave about. Having dual sunroofs for the front and rear occupants was a commendable idea, although the covers were awkward to remove without knocking the noggin. No one even dared to try and remove the rear hardtop; it looked too intimidating and complicated. And no cruise control in this day and age seemed darn near inconvenient.

In many categories, the Isuzu Amigo fared slightly better than middle of the pack-after all, it's cheap (relative nowadays), gets good mileage, has tons of energy, and is a fun little runabout.

Bottom line
Good commuter that can handle light-duty four-wheeling.

Specifications