1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- 4WD traction
- Driver seating
- Antilock brakes
Cons
- Acceleration
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in spring of 1989, Isuzu's Japanese-built compact sport-utility vehicle focused more on sport than on the utility end. The Amigo came with 2-wheel or on-demand 4-wheel drive and a choice of engines. A 96-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine went into the 2-wheel-drive S model, but other Amigos got a 120-horsepower, 2.6-liter four. Both engines drove a 5-speed manual transmission. Choices extended further--to two or four seats, an open or enclosed cargo area, and either of two trim levels (S or XS). All versions had two side doors and a side-opening tailgate, which held a full-size spare tire.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Isuzu Amigo XS 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Isuzu Amigo:
Minor cosmetic alterations marked the 1991 model year for Isuzu's pickup-based sport-utility vehicle.
1992 Isuzu Amigo:
A 4-speed automatic transmission became available this year, on all Amigos with the bigger (2.6-liter) engine.
1993 Isuzu Amigo:
Except for a retouched grille, similar to that on the bigger Rodeo, nothing was new on Isuzu's smallest sport-utility.
1994 Isuzu Amigo:
Amigo's smaller engine disappeared after '93. No more automatic transmissions were available, either. A high-mounted rear stoplamp was installed. Power steering now was standard on all models, as were power mirrors and a central console.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Essentially a shortened Isuzu pickup (topped by a button-down canvas roof), the Amigo feels huskier and more stable than some mini 4x4s. Unfortunately, it's too heavy for even the 2.6-liter engine, so both acceleration and fuel economy are mediocre. Road manners are better than many rivals, much like those of a compact 4WD pickup. The ride is firm but comfortable, noise levels fairly reasonable, braking distances acceptable. Handling appears balanced and safely predictable, provided that you respect the Amigo's short wheelbase and high center of gravity. Engaging 4WD is somewhat of a chore, as you must stop and get out to lock the manual hubs. Passenger and cargo space beat most rivals, but the optional rear bench is narrow and hard, not for long-term adult travel. Reclining front seats slide forward to ease access to the back, but getting there still isn't easy. Wide side pillars impair over-the-shoulder visibility, while the tailgate-mounted spare tire tends to block the rearward view. The Amigo's dashboard and instruments are almost carlike, with the exception of a low-mounted radio. Though not easy to erect, the snap-on canvas top is less complex than some.
Value for the Money
Neither the quickest nor the thriftiest small sport utility on the market, Amigo has quite a few virtues. Like its competitors, though, an Amigo is not a good bet for everyday transportation.
Neither the quickest nor the thriftiest small sport utility on the market, Amigo has quite a few virtues. Like its competitors, though, an Amigo is not a good bet for everyday transportation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Isuzu Amigo XS 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Isuzu Amigo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Isuzu Amigo .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air conditioner stops working because the evaporator ices up, requiring replacement of the thermostat on the evaporator. (1990-93)
Doors:
Ice can build up under the front fender and, when the door is opened, the door and fender are damaged. A new fender liner is available to prevent buildup. (1990-94)
Engine mounts:
Vibration at idle (unless caused by engine problems) is corrected with revised motor mounts. (1990-91)
Keys:
The ignition key can be hard to remove because the lens over the shift lever interferes with the shift cable. (1992)
Oil leak:
Oil leak from the distributor shaft on 2.3-liter engine. (1990-93)
Steering noise:
Knocking in the steering column is caused by a defective steering-shaft joint that must be replaced. (1991-92)
Steering noise:
A knocking noise when the steering wheel is turned requires a steering-column repair kit. (1990-94) Lack of grease causes squawks in column. (1993-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $570 |
| Alternator | $305 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $845 |
| Brakes | $280 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $560 |
| Exhaust System | $430 |
| Radiator | $710 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $280 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $100 |
| Universal Joints | $140 |
Our price chart for this generation Isuzu Amigo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Amigo 4WD | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Amigo 4WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Amigo 4WD | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Amigo 4WD | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Amigo 4WD | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Isuzu Amigo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 91.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3615 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 51.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 32.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 19.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only the price-leader Amigo S with 2-wheel drive had a standard 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated 96 horsepower. All others models got the 2.6-liter 4-cylinder, making 120 horsepower. Until 1992, all Amigos had 5-speed manual shift. Four-speed automatic, made optional that year, could be installed on any model except the 2WD S with the smaller engine. Automatic lasted only two seasons on the Amigo's selection sheet. For the Amigo's final season, only the 2.6-liter engine remained, with manual shift.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 120 | 123 | 5-speed manual: 18/21 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.6 / 156 | 120 | 146-150 | 5-speed manual: 18/21 4-speed automatic: 16/20 |
5-speed manual: 14.4 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Isuzu Amigo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1991 Amigo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1994:
Latch in seatbelt buckle could engage only partially, causing tongue to come out during collision or hard braking.
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