Isuzu P'up
Encyclopedia
The Isuzu Faster is the Japanese market name for a series of pick-up truck
s that were built by Isuzu
between 1972 and 2002. Available over three generations, production of the series ended in late 2002, with the start of production of the Isuzu D-Max
, which has replaced the Faster worldwide, excluding North America.
models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from the Isuzu Florian
, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for the Isuzu Wasp
, a pickup version of the Bellett
which preceded the Florian. Both single and twin headlamp front fascia designs were produced.
In most export markets, Isuzu rebranded the Faster as the "Isuzu KB". However, the Faster was often distributed through General Motors
(GM) retail channels and sold under the Chevrolet
brand as the "Chevrolet LUV
"—LUV being an acronym for light utility vehicle. Bedford
, the European commercial vehicle subsidiary of GM also offered the vehicle under the "Bedford KB" name.
The Isuzu Faster used a traditional pickup truck chassis with a ladder frame and a leaf spring
live axle
rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used an independent configuration
. The 2600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the 1855 mm (73 in) cargo bay. Unlike for the preceding Wasp, there was also a long wheelbase version (KB25) which had 2995 mm (117.9 in) between the axles, which made for a 2290 mm (90.2 in) bed.
In 1978 a four-wheel drive
version became available, with the KB40 chassis code but sold under the "Faster Rodeo" label in Japan. There was also a double cab (on the longer chassis) version. Sales ended in 1980 when the second generation was introduced. The engine used in most markets was a carbureted 1584 cc gasoline SOHC inline-four of 94 PS, which was complemented by a 1951 cc diesel four (KBD) which produced 62 PS. Top speeds were 145 km/h (90 mph) and 115 km/h (71 mph) for the gasoline and diesel versions respectively.
Australia
General Motors-Holden's
imported the Faster into Australia from November 1972 under the name "Chevrolet LUV
", renaming it "Isuzu KB" in 1977 before it was replaced in December 1980 by the second generation model (now badged "Holden Rodeo
"). Holden launched the LUV in Australia with the 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine delivering approximately 50 kW of power and 110 newton metre of torque. Gaining an early reputation for reliability and durability, these original rear-wheel drive models featured a four-speed manual transmission, short-wheelbase construction, and circa 1000 kg (2,204.6 lb) payload capacity.
An update in 1978 expanded the LUV range—now comprising the short-wheelbase KB20 model, the new long-wheelbase KB25 and the four-wheel drive KB40 short-wheelbase. These KB25 and KB40 variants were offered in both cab chassis and utility (pickup) body styles and could be specified with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the newly available 2.0-liter inline-four diesel. The diesel produced 45 kW and 113 newton metre.
North America
Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed via Chevrolet
dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a 1817 cc SOHC inline-four which produced 75 hp.
Sales in the United States began in March 1972 as a response to the Datsun
and Toyota
pickup trucks, as well as Ford's
Mazda
-built Courier
. To circumvent the 25 percent tariff on light trucks (known as the chicken tax
), LUVs were imported in cab chassis configuration, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4 percent tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.
The LUV's exterior was updated slightly for the 1974 model year, but the first major update came in the 1976 model year, when a three-speed automatic transmission
option and front disc brake
s were added. Power was up to 80 hp for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a 2285 mm (90 in) cargo bay option, with longer 2995 mm (117.9 in) wheelbase, brought sales up to 71,145 in 1978. The addition of four-wheel drive in 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of Motor Trend
magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year
" award. Sales peaked at 100,192.
Australasia
Holden
in Australasia distributed the second generation Isuzu Faster between January 1981 and August 1988 as the first generation or KB series "Holden Rodeo
", for which production started in December 1980. Early KBs were fitted with circular headlamp
s and a horizontal four-bar grille
, but a 1983 model year facelift in December 1982 brought rectangular lamps with a 12-port grille insert as well as restyled side mirrors
.
At launch, Holden made the Rodeo available in utility (pickup) and cab chassis body variants in both rear- and four-wheel drive layouts. All models featured a floor- or column-mounted four-speed synchromesh manual transmission coupled with the 1.6-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engines. The 1983 model year update increased these displacements
to 1.8- and 2.2-liters, respectively. At the same time a new upmarket "LS" model was issued (coded KB28), fitted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and five-speed manual. For the 1984 year model, beginning in February 1984, the 2.0-liter became the base gasoline engine.
The 1985 model from July the same year signalled another facelift, the release of the two-door Space Cab body style, the debut of a new 2.3-liter gasoline engine, and the deletion of the four-speed manual and column-shift selector (making the floor-mounted five-speed manual standard). From March 1986 (1986 model year), the 2.3-liter became the standard gasoline engine and in April the subsequent year, the 1987 models obtained a final facelift with an open rectangular grille design and optional power steering
.
North America
The United States continued to receive the Faster under the "Chevrolet LUV" name for the second generation, introduced in 1980 for the 1981 model year. The gasoline engine remained the same, but the LUV was now available with an Isuzu C223 diesel engine making 58 hp at 4,300 rpm and 93 lbft at 2,200 rpm. This new engine gave the rear-wheel drive diesel LUV a fuel economy rating of 33 miles per US gallon city / 44 miles per US gallon highway.
After the 1982 model year, General Motors stopped selling the Chevrolet LUV in the United States in favor of their own S-10
compact pickup, but Isuzu picked up sales in the US that same year under the name "Isuzu P'up" (short for "pickup"). The US market received the same engines as before; either a 80 hp 1.8-liter gasoline inline-four (G180Z) or a 2.3-liter diesel version with 58 hp (C223). Four-wheel drive was only available in short wheelbase form.
South America
As with North America, the Isuzu Faster was issued under the name "Chevrolet LUV" in South America. Manufactured in Chile
from Japanese complete knock down (CKD) sets, these models entered production in 1980, continuing on until the release of the TF series in 1988. At the start, the versions assembled were the K-26 and K-28.
Holden Rodeo was the only name used in Australasia, with the Isuzu KB name used in South Africa and some other markets. The names Isuzu Faster-Z, Isuzu TFR, Isuzu Dragon Eyes, Isuzu Dragon Power, and Honda Tourmaster were used in Thailand. Names used in other markets include: Chevrolet T-Series (Egypt), Isuzu Ippon (Israel), Isuzu Fuego (Philippines), and as the Jinbei SY10 series, Foton Aoling T-Series in China, and Isuzu Invader in the north-eastern parts of Malaysia (Sabah).
Japanese sales ended in 1994 without replacement, although export markets continued to receive the vehicle until replaced by the D-Max
from 2002.
The TF series received a facelift in 1997. Styling was changed, with a more rounded look at the front, and a new-look dash similar to that used in the 1995 to 1997 model Isuzu Wizard
.
Australia
Holden introduced the TF series into Australia in 1988, branded as the Holden Rodeo, following on from the name of the previous Isuzu based light truck sold by the brand in Australia. The Holden Rodeo was initially available with a 2.6-liter 88 kW inline-four. A 2.8-liter 74 kW turbodiesel
was introduced soon after. Body styles offered were a two-door single cab, a two-door SpaceCab, with space for two small jump-seats (rarely if ever fitted in Australia) behind the front passengers, and a four-door Crewcab, with space for the driver and four passengers. Several trim levels were available, which included DX (base model), LX (mid-range) and LT (top of range, only available as a Crewcab).
The facelifted 1997 (1998 model year) Holden Rodeo came with a new trim level, LT Sport, available as a four-wheel Crewcab only. Airbags for the driver and front passenger also became an option. By 1998 the 2.6-liter engine was discontinued and a new engine was offered, a 3.2-liter 140 kW V6. This engine was available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive. The rear-wheel drive version had the same chassis, and thus ride-height as the four-wheel-drive, but without the transfer case and front axle. The 3.2-liter V6 was the most powerful engine in a pickup truck
in Australia until it was replaced in 2003 by the new look Rodeo based on the Isuzu D-Max
. Accordingly, this engine was the most popular engine in the Rodeo, and the Rodeo sold very well overall, nearing the sales numbers of the Toyota Hilux
, traditionally the best-selling commercial vehicle in Australia.
The Holden Rodeo was updated once again in 2001 for the 2002 model year, with a new diesel engine, a 3.0-liter 96 kW direct injection intercooled turbodiesel
. The update was also accompanied by minor styling changes, such as clear indicator lenses, and a different grille.
North America
In North America, the TF series appeared in 1987 as simply the "Isuzu Pickup". Produced at Lafayette, Indiana
, Isuzu continued on with the TF until 1996 when it was finally replaced with the Hombre
(a badged-engineered Chevrolet S-10
). The only engines available were the 2.3-liter 4ZD1, and the 2.6-liter 4ZE1 on four-wheel drive models. This truck holds the distinction of becoming the last carburated
passenger vehicle sold in the United States (1993 model year).
South America
As with the previous KB series generation, South American markets again received the TF models under the "Chevrolet LUV
" name. Chilean assembly commenced in 1988, reaching 40 percent domestic parts content, with a successful export program beginning in 1993 to Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, and Venezuela. In total, more than 220,000 units were produced. From 1999 and to little success, Thai Rung Union Car
supplied the Chevrolet plant in Arica
, Chile with the unique body panels from their "Isuzu Grand Adventure" model to make the "Chevrolet LUV Wagon" and the "Chevrolet Grand LUV". The Grand Adventure was a wagon version of the TF series pickup.
By the late 1980s, supplementary assembly began in Bogotá
, Colombia by Colmotores, and in Quito
, Ecuador by Omnibus BB Transportes (now General Motors Ecuador) with a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, making 80 hp.
October 2005 marked the cessation of Chilean manufacture, replaced by a new generation of LUV based on the Faster's replacement, the Isuzu D-Max
.
Pick-Up Truck
"Pick-Up Truck" is a song written and recorded by Belgian acid house musician Praga Khan. It is the third single from Praga's eighth studio album, Soundscraper....
s that were built by Isuzu
Isuzu
, is a Japanese car, commercial vehicle and heavy truck manufacturing company, headquartered in Tokyo. In 2005, Isuzu became the world's largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks. It has assembly and manufacturing plants in the Japanese city of Fujisawa, as well as in the prefectures...
between 1972 and 2002. Available over three generations, production of the series ended in late 2002, with the start of production of the Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck made by Isuzu. It shares the same platform with several General Motors mid-size trucks in the United States. These being the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series. The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in the Middle...
, which has replaced the Faster worldwide, excluding North America.
First generation (1972–1980)
Isuzu of Japan introduced the KB20 / 25 series Faster pickup in 1972. The regular wheelbaseWheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from the Isuzu Florian
Isuzu Florian
The Isuzu Florian was an intermediate car manufactured by Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Japan from 1967 to 1983. The Florian's body remained essentially the same through its unusually long life cycle, being afforded only two moderate facelifts...
, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for the Isuzu Wasp
Isuzu Bellett
-Video games:The 1969 Bellett GT-R is a playable car in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran Turismo 4 for the PlayStation 2. In simulation mode, it is available as a used car only and comes in three colors: white, gold and orange.It can also be played in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran...
, a pickup version of the Bellett
Isuzu Bellett
-Video games:The 1969 Bellett GT-R is a playable car in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran Turismo 4 for the PlayStation 2. In simulation mode, it is available as a used car only and comes in three colors: white, gold and orange.It can also be played in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran...
which preceded the Florian. Both single and twin headlamp front fascia designs were produced.
In most export markets, Isuzu rebranded the Faster as the "Isuzu KB". However, the Faster was often distributed through General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
(GM) retail channels and sold under the Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
brand as the "Chevrolet LUV
Chevrolet LUV
The Chevrolet LUV is a pickup truck marketed in the Americas since 1972 by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors . All generations of the LUV pickup have been Japanese Isuzu designs...
"—LUV being an acronym for light utility vehicle. Bedford
Bedford Vehicles
Bedford Vehicles, usually shortened to just Bedford, was a subsidiary of Vauxhall Motors, itself the British subsidiary of General Motors , established in 1930; and constructing commercial vehicles. Bedford Vehicles was a leading international truck manufacturer, with substantial export sales of...
, the European commercial vehicle subsidiary of GM also offered the vehicle under the "Bedford KB" name.
1980 Chevrolet LUV, Chile |
Double cab using Isuzu Florian Isuzu Florian The Isuzu Florian was an intermediate car manufactured by Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Japan from 1967 to 1983. The Florian's body remained essentially the same through its unusually long life cycle, being afforded only two moderate facelifts... rear doors |
The Isuzu Faster used a traditional pickup truck chassis with a ladder frame and a leaf spring
Leaf spring
Originally called laminated or carriage spring, a leaf spring is a simple form of spring, commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles...
live axle
Live axle
A live axle, sometimes called a solid axle, is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit....
rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used an independent configuration
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
. The 2600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the 1855 mm (73 in) cargo bay. Unlike for the preceding Wasp, there was also a long wheelbase version (KB25) which had 2995 mm (117.9 in) between the axles, which made for a 2290 mm (90.2 in) bed.
In 1978 a four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
version became available, with the KB40 chassis code but sold under the "Faster Rodeo" label in Japan. There was also a double cab (on the longer chassis) version. Sales ended in 1980 when the second generation was introduced. The engine used in most markets was a carbureted 1584 cc gasoline SOHC inline-four of 94 PS, which was complemented by a 1951 cc diesel four (KBD) which produced 62 PS. Top speeds were 145 km/h (90 mph) and 115 km/h (71 mph) for the gasoline and diesel versions respectively.
Australia
General Motors-Holden's
Holden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
imported the Faster into Australia from November 1972 under the name "Chevrolet LUV
Chevrolet LUV
The Chevrolet LUV is a pickup truck marketed in the Americas since 1972 by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors . All generations of the LUV pickup have been Japanese Isuzu designs...
", renaming it "Isuzu KB" in 1977 before it was replaced in December 1980 by the second generation model (now badged "Holden Rodeo
Holden Rodeo
The Holden Rodeo is a utility vehicle that was sold in Australasia by Holden, a General Motors subsidiary...
"). Holden launched the LUV in Australia with the 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine delivering approximately 50 kW of power and 110 newton metre of torque. Gaining an early reputation for reliability and durability, these original rear-wheel drive models featured a four-speed manual transmission, short-wheelbase construction, and circa 1000 kg (2,204.6 lb) payload capacity.
An update in 1978 expanded the LUV range—now comprising the short-wheelbase KB20 model, the new long-wheelbase KB25 and the four-wheel drive KB40 short-wheelbase. These KB25 and KB40 variants were offered in both cab chassis and utility (pickup) body styles and could be specified with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the newly available 2.0-liter inline-four diesel. The diesel produced 45 kW and 113 newton metre.
North America
Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed via Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a 1817 cc SOHC inline-four which produced 75 hp.
Sales in the United States began in March 1972 as a response to the Datsun
Datsun Truck
The popular and economical Datsun/Nissan compact pickup truck was produced in Japan from 1955 and imported to the United States, Australia, Finland, the Middle East, South Africa, and various European countries...
and Toyota
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is a series of compact pickup trucks produced and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. Most countries used the Hilux name for the entire life of the series but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck...
pickup trucks, as well as Ford's
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
-built Courier
Mazda B-Series
The Mazda B-Series is a pickup truck, first manufactured in 1961 by Mazda Motor Corporation. From the first B-Series, Mazda has used the engine displacement to determine the name. Thus, the B1500 had a 1.5 L engine and the B2600 had a 2.6 L engine...
. To circumvent the 25 percent tariff on light trucks (known as the chicken tax
Chicken tax
The Chicken tax was a 25% tariff on potato starch, dextrin, brandy, and light trucks imposed in 1963 by the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson as a response to tariffs placed by France and West Germany on importation of U.S. chicken...
), LUVs were imported in cab chassis configuration, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4 percent tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.
The LUV's exterior was updated slightly for the 1974 model year, but the first major update came in the 1976 model year, when a three-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
option and front disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s were added. Power was up to 80 hp for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a 2285 mm (90 in) cargo bay option, with longer 2995 mm (117.9 in) wheelbase, brought sales up to 71,145 in 1978. The addition of four-wheel drive in 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year
Motor Trend Car of the Year
The Motor Trend Car of the Year is an award given by Motor Trend magazine, an American monthly that is published since 1949.- Background :...
" award. Sales peaked at 100,192.
Second generation (KB; 1980–1988)
The second generation, also known by the model code KB, was more commonly marketed worldwide under the Isuzu label (either as the Isuzu KB or just plain "Pick Up"). It continued to use the "Rodeo" suffix for the four-wheel drives. The second generation model was the first Isuzu pickup offered in three cab styles: single cab, double cab and "Space Cab" ("Sports Cab" in some markets).Australasia
Holden
Holden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
in Australasia distributed the second generation Isuzu Faster between January 1981 and August 1988 as the first generation or KB series "Holden Rodeo
Holden Rodeo
The Holden Rodeo is a utility vehicle that was sold in Australasia by Holden, a General Motors subsidiary...
", for which production started in December 1980. Early KBs were fitted with circular headlamp
Headlamp
A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by...
s and a horizontal four-bar grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
, but a 1983 model year facelift in December 1982 brought rectangular lamps with a 12-port grille insert as well as restyled side mirrors
Wing mirror
A wing mirror is a mirror found on the exterior of motor vehicles for the purposes of helping the driver see areas behind and to the sides of the vehicle, outside of the driver's peripheral vision .Although almost all modern cars mount their side mirrors on the doors, normally at the "A" pillar,...
.
At launch, Holden made the Rodeo available in utility (pickup) and cab chassis body variants in both rear- and four-wheel drive layouts. All models featured a floor- or column-mounted four-speed synchromesh manual transmission coupled with the 1.6-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engines. The 1983 model year update increased these displacements
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
to 1.8- and 2.2-liters, respectively. At the same time a new upmarket "LS" model was issued (coded KB28), fitted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and five-speed manual. For the 1984 year model, beginning in February 1984, the 2.0-liter became the base gasoline engine.
The 1985 model from July the same year signalled another facelift, the release of the two-door Space Cab body style, the debut of a new 2.3-liter gasoline engine, and the deletion of the four-speed manual and column-shift selector (making the floor-mounted five-speed manual standard). From March 1986 (1986 model year), the 2.3-liter became the standard gasoline engine and in April the subsequent year, the 1987 models obtained a final facelift with an open rectangular grille design and optional power steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
.
North America
The United States continued to receive the Faster under the "Chevrolet LUV" name for the second generation, introduced in 1980 for the 1981 model year. The gasoline engine remained the same, but the LUV was now available with an Isuzu C223 diesel engine making 58 hp at 4,300 rpm and 93 lbft at 2,200 rpm. This new engine gave the rear-wheel drive diesel LUV a fuel economy rating of 33 miles per US gallon city / 44 miles per US gallon highway.
After the 1982 model year, General Motors stopped selling the Chevrolet LUV in the United States in favor of their own S-10
Chevrolet S-10
The first compact pickup from General Motors was the rebadged Isuzu KB sold since 1972 as the Chevrolet LUV. The 1973 Arab oil embargo forced GM to consider designing a domestically-produced compact pickup truck. As usual, parts from other GM chassis lines were incorporated. The first S-series...
compact pickup, but Isuzu picked up sales in the US that same year under the name "Isuzu P'up" (short for "pickup"). The US market received the same engines as before; either a 80 hp 1.8-liter gasoline inline-four (G180Z) or a 2.3-liter diesel version with 58 hp (C223). Four-wheel drive was only available in short wheelbase form.
South America
As with North America, the Isuzu Faster was issued under the name "Chevrolet LUV" in South America. Manufactured in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
from Japanese complete knock down (CKD) sets, these models entered production in 1980, continuing on until the release of the TF series in 1988. At the start, the versions assembled were the K-26 and K-28.
Third generation (TF; 1988–2002)
For the third generation (TF), introduced in 1988, the domestic Japanese lineup was divided into two, with the "Faster" label used on rear-wheel drive versions with four-wheel drives now sold as the Isuzu Rodeo. Rodeo became the name used in most markets for this car, but the profusion of labels for different markets continued. Versions sold in the Americas were called Isuzu Pickup and Chevrolet LUV. In the United Kingdom, the pickup was called Isuzu TF and Vauxhall Brava, with the former also retailing in mainland Europe along with the Opel Campo. This Opel branding was also utilized in the Middle East, parts of North Africa and some Asian countries.Holden Rodeo was the only name used in Australasia, with the Isuzu KB name used in South Africa and some other markets. The names Isuzu Faster-Z, Isuzu TFR, Isuzu Dragon Eyes, Isuzu Dragon Power, and Honda Tourmaster were used in Thailand. Names used in other markets include: Chevrolet T-Series (Egypt), Isuzu Ippon (Israel), Isuzu Fuego (Philippines), and as the Jinbei SY10 series, Foton Aoling T-Series in China, and Isuzu Invader in the north-eastern parts of Malaysia (Sabah).
Japanese sales ended in 1994 without replacement, although export markets continued to receive the vehicle until replaced by the D-Max
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck made by Isuzu. It shares the same platform with several General Motors mid-size trucks in the United States. These being the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series. The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in the Middle...
from 2002.
The TF series received a facelift in 1997. Styling was changed, with a more rounded look at the front, and a new-look dash similar to that used in the 1995 to 1997 model Isuzu Wizard
Isuzu Wizard
The Isuzu Wizard is a mid-size SUV that was produced by the Japan-based manufacturer Isuzu. The five-door Wizard was introduced in 1990 after the three-door Isuzu MU from 1989, both of which ceased production in 2004...
.
Australia
Holden introduced the TF series into Australia in 1988, branded as the Holden Rodeo, following on from the name of the previous Isuzu based light truck sold by the brand in Australia. The Holden Rodeo was initially available with a 2.6-liter 88 kW inline-four. A 2.8-liter 74 kW turbodiesel
Turbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
was introduced soon after. Body styles offered were a two-door single cab, a two-door SpaceCab, with space for two small jump-seats (rarely if ever fitted in Australia) behind the front passengers, and a four-door Crewcab, with space for the driver and four passengers. Several trim levels were available, which included DX (base model), LX (mid-range) and LT (top of range, only available as a Crewcab).
The facelifted 1997 (1998 model year) Holden Rodeo came with a new trim level, LT Sport, available as a four-wheel Crewcab only. Airbags for the driver and front passenger also became an option. By 1998 the 2.6-liter engine was discontinued and a new engine was offered, a 3.2-liter 140 kW V6. This engine was available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive. The rear-wheel drive version had the same chassis, and thus ride-height as the four-wheel-drive, but without the transfer case and front axle. The 3.2-liter V6 was the most powerful engine in a pickup truck
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
in Australia until it was replaced in 2003 by the new look Rodeo based on the Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck made by Isuzu. It shares the same platform with several General Motors mid-size trucks in the United States. These being the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series. The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in the Middle...
. Accordingly, this engine was the most popular engine in the Rodeo, and the Rodeo sold very well overall, nearing the sales numbers of the Toyota Hilux
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is a series of compact pickup trucks produced and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. Most countries used the Hilux name for the entire life of the series but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck...
, traditionally the best-selling commercial vehicle in Australia.
The Holden Rodeo was updated once again in 2001 for the 2002 model year, with a new diesel engine, a 3.0-liter 96 kW direct injection intercooled turbodiesel
Turbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
. The update was also accompanied by minor styling changes, such as clear indicator lenses, and a different grille.
North America
In North America, the TF series appeared in 1987 as simply the "Isuzu Pickup". Produced at Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
, Isuzu continued on with the TF until 1996 when it was finally replaced with the Hombre
Isuzu Hombre
The Isuzu Hombre was Isuzu's pickup introduced in 1996 as a rebadged Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma. It replaced the Indiana-built Isuzu Pick Up. The most important difference between the two is in equipment — while the S-10/Sonoma boasted an extensive array of optional equipment, the Hombre was...
(a badged-engineered Chevrolet S-10
Chevrolet S-10
The first compact pickup from General Motors was the rebadged Isuzu KB sold since 1972 as the Chevrolet LUV. The 1973 Arab oil embargo forced GM to consider designing a domestically-produced compact pickup truck. As usual, parts from other GM chassis lines were incorporated. The first S-series...
). The only engines available were the 2.3-liter 4ZD1, and the 2.6-liter 4ZE1 on four-wheel drive models. This truck holds the distinction of becoming the last carburated
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
passenger vehicle sold in the United States (1993 model year).
South America
As with the previous KB series generation, South American markets again received the TF models under the "Chevrolet LUV
Chevrolet LUV
The Chevrolet LUV is a pickup truck marketed in the Americas since 1972 by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors . All generations of the LUV pickup have been Japanese Isuzu designs...
" name. Chilean assembly commenced in 1988, reaching 40 percent domestic parts content, with a successful export program beginning in 1993 to Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, and Venezuela. In total, more than 220,000 units were produced. From 1999 and to little success, Thai Rung Union Car
Thai Rung Union Car
ThaiRung is the only Thai-based automobile manufacturer, established in 1967, assembling Isuzu, Nissan, and Chevrolet vehicles. In addition to assembly business, TRU manufacture its own brand car, under the name Thairung , based on other small and medium truck platform...
supplied the Chevrolet plant in Arica
Arica
Arica is a city in northern Chile. "Arica" may also refer to:Places* Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile* Arica Airport , Chile* Arica, Amazonas, town in Colombia* Rio Aricá-açu, tributary of the Cuiabá River south of Cuiabá, BrazilOther...
, Chile with the unique body panels from their "Isuzu Grand Adventure" model to make the "Chevrolet LUV Wagon" and the "Chevrolet Grand LUV". The Grand Adventure was a wagon version of the TF series pickup.
By the late 1980s, supplementary assembly began in Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
, Colombia by Colmotores, and in Quito
Quito
San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito , is the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America. It is located in north-central Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains...
, Ecuador by Omnibus BB Transportes (now General Motors Ecuador) with a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, making 80 hp.
October 2005 marked the cessation of Chilean manufacture, replaced by a new generation of LUV based on the Faster's replacement, the Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck made by Isuzu. It shares the same platform with several General Motors mid-size trucks in the United States. These being the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series. The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in the Middle...
.