1996-2000 Isuzu Hombre: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Isuzu relied on its direct tie-in with General Motors to create its compact Hombre pickup. Previously, Isuzu had imported a Japanese-built truck. General Motors owned a minor interest in Isuzu. Specifically, Isuzu got the right to use the basic design of the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma, after the Japanese company added some of its own sheetmetal to the pickup truck. Body panels actually were produced by General Motors in Brazil. Fenders, hood, side panels, front fascia, headlamps, and rear bumper caps differed from the GM models. Actually, all three makes were assembled at a GM plant in Louisiana. Only 2-wheel-drive Hombres went on sale initially, in a regular-cab configuration with a 6-foot cargo bed, 4-cylinder engine, and manual shift. GM pickups, in contrast, could get a V6 engine, automatic transmission, the longer (7.3-foot) bed, or an extended cab. Four-wheel antilock braking was standard, along with a driver-side airbag.Two versions were offered: base S and more-costly XS, the latter adding a tachometer and higher-grade interior fabric. Only the XS could get an optional sliding rear window and cassette tape deck. A 3-place bench was the only seating choice, but the XS got a split 60/40 seatback. Rivals included the Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma.