1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Isuzu Amigo. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Isuzu Amigo.

1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Review

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.

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.

1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Road Test

Pros	Cons

4WD traction	Acceleration

Driver seating	Fuel economy

Antilock brakes	Rear visibility

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Reliability

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: 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)

Steering noise: Knocking in the steering column is caused by a defective steering-shaft joint that must be replaced. (1991-92)

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

NHTSA Recall History

1994: Latch in seatbelt buckle could engage only partially, causing tongue to come out during collision or hard braking.

1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Amigo 2WD	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100
Amigo 4WD	$1,300-1,700	$800-1,100	$200

1991
Amigo 2WD	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200
Amigo 4WD	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1992
Amigo 2WD	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200
Amigo 4WD	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1993
Amigo 2WD	$1,400-1,900	$900-1,200	$200
Amigo 4WD	$1,900-2,400	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1994
Amigo 2WD	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300
Amigo 4WD	$2,100-2,700	$1,500-1,900	$400-500

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.

1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 Isuzu Amigo Review:

Isuzu Amigo

Isuzu Amigo Road Test

Isuzu Amigo Reliability

Isuzu Amigo Prices

Isuzu Amigo Specs & Safety

Isuzu Amigo Photos

Isuzu Amigo Full Review