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2000 Isuzu Amigo Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Isuzu Amigo Review:
2000 Isuzu Amigo Review
Optional adjustable shock absorbers, restyled front and rear ends, and larger standard wheels head the list of changes to Isuzu's compact SUV for 2000. Amigo shares its basic design with the Isuzu Rodeo 4-door sport-utility wagon, but has a shorter 2-door body. It comes as a semi-convertible with a folding soft top over the back seat and a pop-up sunroof, or as a hardtop with a pop-up sunroof over the rear seat.
Amigo offers 2- and 4-wheel-drive models powered by either a 4-cylinder or V6 engine. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional with the V6. Like Rodeo's 4WD system, Amigo's isn't for use on dry pavement but has pushbutton shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD, plus separate low-range gearing. Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard.
The 4WD 4-cylinder manual-transmission soft-top model is dropped for 2000, but added is a Ironman package for V6 models equipped with the Preferred Equipment package. It's named for Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition and includes Ironman graphics.
Isuzu calls the adjustable shock absorber system Intelligent Suspension Control. It's optional on V6 models with the Ironman package and allows the driver to choose sport or "comfort" shock damping via a console-mounted switch. In other changes, the standard 15-inch wheels are replaced by previously optional 16-inch wheels, a plastic/vinyl spare tire cover is newly standard, and fender flares are new options. Cruise control, unavailable last year, is now standard with the V6. Finally, the passenger-side front seat "remembers" its preset position after being tilted forward for rear-seat access. For 2000 Isuzu doubles its powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on Amigo, Trooper, and VehiCross.
Amigo offers 2- and 4-wheel-drive models powered by either a 4-cylinder or V6 engine. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional with the V6. Like Rodeo's 4WD system, Amigo's isn't for use on dry pavement but has pushbutton shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD, plus separate low-range gearing. Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard.
The 4WD 4-cylinder manual-transmission soft-top model is dropped for 2000, but added is a Ironman package for V6 models equipped with the Preferred Equipment package. It's named for Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition and includes Ironman graphics.
Isuzu calls the adjustable shock absorber system Intelligent Suspension Control. It's optional on V6 models with the Ironman package and allows the driver to choose sport or "comfort" shock damping via a console-mounted switch. In other changes, the standard 15-inch wheels are replaced by previously optional 16-inch wheels, a plastic/vinyl spare tire cover is newly standard, and fender flares are new options. Cruise control, unavailable last year, is now standard with the V6. Finally, the passenger-side front seat "remembers" its preset position after being tilted forward for rear-seat access. For 2000 Isuzu doubles its powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on Amigo, Trooper, and VehiCross.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. The two current Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Though they don't offer true off-road ability, they mix the best ride, cargo, and comfort characteristics with all-weather traction.
Toyota's RAV4 , which used to be a Best Buy, falls to Recommended based on its noisy engine and cramped rear seating area. Toyota hopes that will change when an all-new RAV arrives in 2001.
As immovable as Mt. Rushmore, the Jeep Wrangler continues as our Budget Buy in this segment. Though it has become a status symbol of late, it's most at home crawling over rocks and fording river beds.
Toyota's RAV4 , which used to be a Best Buy, falls to Recommended based on its noisy engine and cramped rear seating area. Toyota hopes that will change when an all-new RAV arrives in 2001.
As immovable as Mt. Rushmore, the Jeep Wrangler continues as our Budget Buy in this segment. Though it has become a status symbol of late, it's most at home crawling over rocks and fording river beds.
News
Because they have the same basic design DNA, Amigo and Rodeo usually change in tandem. As the 4-door SUV is due to be redesigned for 2003, the 2-door should be as well, though it may go on sale a few months later. Amigo sales have never been huge, however--fewer than 8300 in 1999--so Rodeo's upcoming overhaul again raises the question of whether Isuzu will bother with another Amigo. Though company planners probably haven't decided yet, you can bet their answer will depend on the 2-door's sales performance in the coming year.
2000 Isuzu Amigo Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Acceleration (4-cyl) |
| Acceleration (V6) | Ride |
| Noise | |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Our test 4x4 V6 with manual transmission ran 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The V6 lacks low-end power but has impressive mid-range punch. The 4-cylinder feels lethargic by comparison.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 5 | 2.9 |
Our test 4x4 V6 with manual transmission ran 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The V6 lacks low-end power but has impressive mid-range punch. The 4-cylinder feels lethargic by comparison.
Fuel Economy
We averaged 17.3 mpg in tests of a V6 with manual transmission. Not bad for a compact SUV.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
We averaged 17.3 mpg in tests of a V6 with manual transmission. Not bad for a compact SUV.
Ride Quality
We haven't had the opportunity to test the new Intelligent Suspension Control. The standard suspension absorbs small bumps well, but bounces over rough pavement.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 2.7 |
We haven't had the opportunity to test the new Intelligent Suspension Control. The standard suspension absorbs small bumps well, but bounces over rough pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Bumpy corners can make the tail skitter a bit, but handling is otherwise okay, enhanced by fairly precise steering.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Bumpy corners can make the tail skitter a bit, but handling is otherwise okay, enhanced by fairly precise steering.
Quietness
Road and engine noise are low, and Amigo is quieter overall than a Jeep Wrangler.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2.4 |
Road and engine noise are low, and Amigo is quieter overall than a Jeep Wrangler.
Controls
High-mounted audio and climate controls are fairly easy to reach, but the radio buttons are small and the manual shifter blocks the CD slot.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
High-mounted audio and climate controls are fairly easy to reach, but the radio buttons are small and the manual shifter blocks the CD slot.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Even large adults fare well but sit low to the floor. Entry/exit suffers from a high step-up.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Even large adults fare well but sit low to the floor. Entry/exit suffers from a high step-up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Limited leg and head room, and the seat is too narrow for three adults. Access is difficult even with the passenger-side slide-forward seat.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 2.9 |
Limited leg and head room, and the seat is too narrow for three adults. Access is difficult even with the passenger-side slide-forward seat.
Cargo Room
Enough room behind the rear seat for a few bags of groceries, but the side-hinged tailgate takes an extra step to release, and the seatback is awkward to fold down.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Enough room behind the rear seat for a few bags of groceries, but the side-hinged tailgate takes an extra step to release, and the seatback is awkward to fold down.
Value within Class
Amigo is far from perfect, though it is more substantial than some other small SUVs, and more refined than a Jeep Wrangler.
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Amigo is far from perfect, though it is more substantial than some other small SUVs, and more refined than a Jeep Wrangler.
Total Score
| S wgn | S V6 conv 4WD w/Ironman Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 36 | 40 | 38.4 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 38 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2000 Isuzu Amigo Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/24/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD S 4-cylinder 2-door convertible, 5-speed | $15,730 | $14,943 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD S 4-cylinder 2-door wagon, 5-speed | $15,730 | $14,943 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD S V6 2-door convertible, automatic | $18,215 | $16,758 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD S V6 2-door wagon, automatic | $18,215 | $16,758 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD S V6 2-door convertible, 5-speed | $19,695 | $18,120 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD S V6 2-door convertible, automatic | $20,495 | $18,856 | $495 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD S V6 2-door wagon, automatic | $20,495 | $18,856 | $495 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S 4-cylinder convertible
Powertrain
2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, cloth upholstery, front reclining bucket seats, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, manual front sunroof, visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear folding top, dual outside mirrors.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 7-wire trailer harness, front and rear tow hooks, 245/70R16 tires.
S 4-cylinder wagon adds to S 4-cylinder convertible:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Manual rear sunroof, rear defogger, rear intermittent wiper/washer.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: rear folding top.
S V6 adds to S 4-cylinder convertible and S 4-cylinder wagon:
Powertrain
3.2-liter dohc V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential (automatic), 4-wheel disc brakes.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Equipment Pkg. 2
|
||
|
V6
|
$2,110
|
$1,842
|
|
Air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, variable intermittent wipers, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, center armrest pad, courtesy lights, cargo net, floormats, theft-deterrent system.
|
||
|
Ironman Pkg.
|
||
|
V6
|
$962
|
$856
|
|
Adjustable shock absorbers, unique floormats, Ironman Triathlon graphics, fender flares. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 2.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
Limited-slip differential
|
||
|
4WD
|
$250
|
$223
|
|
Std. 4WD convertible.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Air conditioning
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$950
|
$845
|
|
CD player
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$500
|
$395
|
|
Cargo cover
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$180
|
$142
|
|
Cargo mat
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$60
|
$47
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible
|
$50
|
$40
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
4WD V6
|
$70
|
$56
|
|
Requires Preferred Pkg. and alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Fender flares
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$225
|
$200
|
|
Require alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Sport side steps
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$355
|
$281
|
|
Taillight guard
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$84
|
$66
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Trailer hitch
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$253
|
$200
|
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
S 4-cylinder convertible, S 4-cylinder wagon, S V6
|
$400
|
$356
|
|
|
||
2000 Isuzu Amigo Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Isuzu Amigo 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3329 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 62.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.2 /134 | 3.2 /193 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 130 @ 5200 | 205 @ 5400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 144 @ 4000 | 214 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 21/24 | 18/21 |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 17/21 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Isuzu Amigo 2-door convertible |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/120,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1/12,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Isuzu Amigo Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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