1990-1992 Isuzu Impulse: Overview
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration (RS)
- Fuel economy
- 4WD traction (RS)
- Antilock brakes (RS)
- Handling
- Airbag
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in late spring of 1990, the new front-drive Impulse replaced Isuzu's previous rear-drive model of the same name. The sporty 2+2 hatchback shared its front-drive chassis, and one of its engines, with the subcompact Isuzu Stylus sedan. At this time, Isuzu was partly owned by General Motors. A similar sport coupe, called the Geo Storm, went to Chevrolet dealers. A driver's airbag was standard on both the base XS and the high-performance RS coupe. Standard equipment in the XS includes a sport suspension tuned by Lotus (the British sports-car maker, also owned by GM), 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and 185/60HR14. The 1.6-liter, dual-overhead-cam XS four-cylinder engine produced 125 horsepower and came with either a 5-speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. A 160-horsepower turbocharged engine went into the RS coupe, which had permanently engaged 4-wheel drive instead of front drive. The RS came only with 5-speed manual shift.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Isuzu Impulse RS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |








