2000 Isuzu Hombre: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Stronger V6 engines and a greater number of Spacecab variations highlight changes to Isuzu's version of the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma compact pickup truck. Hombre wears distinct front-end sheetmetal, but is otherwise virtually identical to its General Motors' cousins. Model choices are expanded for 2000 to include V6 Spacecabs (extended-cabs) in base S trim. Spacecabs were previously offered only in pricier XS guise. However, Hombre still lacks some combinations available in the GM models, such as V6 regular cabs and 2WD V6 extended-cabs with manual transmission. It also has fewer options.
Hombre comes in regular-cab and Spacecab models, the latter offering an optional driver-side third door. Both have a 6-foot long cargo bed; the 7.3-foot bed available on the GM versions is not offered. Engines are GM's 2.2-liter 4-cylinder or 4.3-liter V6 with manual or automatic transmission. For 2000, the V6 gains 5 horsepower in 2WD applications, 10 in 4WD models.
Four-wheel-drive versions have GM's shift-on-the-fly, slippery surfaces-only 4WD system. Antilock brakes are standard, and 4WD models add rear discs. Also, the heavy-duty suspension previously optional on 2WD regular-cab S models is now standard across the line. Hombre's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped S-10s and Sonomas.

COMPETITION

Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out. The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda B-Series). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.
Among the Recommended choices we really like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma for their drivability and comfort. General Motors' compacts (the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma) are getting a bit long in the tooth. But they still offer class-leading ride quality and a strong V6 engine.