1998 Isuzu Amigo Review

A whole lot of young drivers might learn how to work a manual transmission now that Isuzu's sexy, affordable new Amigo sport/utility vehicle has arrived.

To keep prices down, Isuzu is selling the approximately $15,000-$19,000 Amigo only with a five-speed manual transmission. An automatic won't be offered until 1999 models debut this fall.

Isuzu doesn't seem worried about the lack of an automatic, though. The last Amigo sold--a 1994 model--was a hit with young drivers even though it only came with a manual.

The 1994 Amigo had lazy performance because it was powered by only a 120-horsepower four-cylinder engine and weighed a hefty 3,615 pounds. But it looked cute and generally was fun to drive if you could put up with the stiff ride and high noise level.

The solidly built, trendy new Amigo is more refined, although it looks tough. The old model was based on a shortened Isuzu pickup truck chassis, but the new one is derived from the revamped, roomier new Isuzu Rodeo hardtop sport/utility.

Still, the new Amigo remains very much a ``profile'' vehicle, in that it is something that younger drivers will want to be seen in.

The 1998 model looks racier and heftier than rivals such as the four-cylinder Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage--and easily outpowers them with the available 205-horsepower V-6 with dual overhead camshafts and 24 valves. A closer rival is the Jeep Wrangler, which can be had with a 181-horsepower in-line, pushrod six-cylinder.

The 1998 Amigo has a base 130-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder or the sweet V-6, which makes it a hot rod sport/ute with a 0-60 m.p.h. time of only eight seconds. You can't get there any faster with any low-priced sport/utility.

The four-cylinder model weighs 280 pounds less than the 1994 Amigo and has 10 more horsepower, but its performance falls considerably short of the V-6 model because the four-cylinder, rear-drive Amigo still checks in at a fairly hefty 3,335 pounds.

However, the 16-valve four-cylinder delivers an estimated 20 m.p.g. in the city and 24 on highways, compared to 18 and 21 for the V-6.

The Amigo lists at $14,995 with rear-wheel drive and a four-cylinder and at $17,500 with four-wheel drive and the same engine. The V-6 model has a $19,350 base price.

Cost-cutting is shown by items such as an old-fashioned manual hood prop. But all Amigos are fairly well-equipped, with even the lowest-priced model having standard items such as anti-lock brakes, power ``speed-sensing'' steering, AM/FM stereo cassette, front console, full instrumentation and folding rear bench seat.

The $2,300 Preferred Equipment Package for the V-6 model is desirable, containing everything from air conditioning and power windows and locks to a remote keyless entry system.

The V-6 model is the best of the lot. It comes only with four-wheel drive, which can be engaged with the push of a dashboard button. But Isuzu figures from 50-60 percent of the Amigo buyers will opt for the four-cylinder versions because of their lower prices.

Like the old Amigo, the new model has sort of a 1990s rumble-seat design. It has a two-door body with a manual-folding soft top that covers the rear seats.

Standard is a tilt/removable sunroof over the front seats. A hard top has been announced for the rear-seat area but won't arrive until this fall.

The Amigo is the same as the smooth Rodeo four-door from the windshield forward and has the Rodeo's engines, dashboard, steering, chassis and some other components.

But the Amigo is a full 15 inches shorter, with a wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) chopped to 96.9 inches from the Rodeo's 106.4 inches. It thus has sportier handling and better maneuverability than the Rodeo.

The Amigo's ride is pretty good, although its shorter wheelbase doesn't provide as smooth a ride as the Rodeo's.

The short wheelbase and a fairly soft suspension allow the Amigo to rock a bit when a driver quickly shifts gears during fast acceleration, but it has excellent off-road abilities with the four-wheel-drive setup.

Although it generally feels almost too soft, the Rodeo doesn't act as if it will turn on you if pushed hard within reasonable limits and is surprisingly fun to drive. Weight distribution is good, thanks partly to an engine set way back in the engine compartment. The V-6 is so compact it almost looks lost in there.

The shifter is notchy, but works with a light clutch. And fifth gear even can be used for acceptable 65-75 m.p.h. passing maneuvers. Downshifting to fourth or third gear allows the Amigo to blast past other vehicles on highways.

The steering is decent, but feels rather loose and vague with the bigger $500 alloy wheels and tires, which must be ordered with $200 fender flares. However, the brakes deliver good stopping power and their pedal is easily modulated.

Four 6-footers easily fit in the Amigo. The front seats are especially supportive, but tall drivers will wish that their seat slid back farther. And some will find all seats too firm.

The interior is generally quiet, despite the soft-top rear section. But rear-seat headrests and the outside-mounted spare tire partly block rear visibility.

The soft top's plastic windows have outside zippers, which is something thieves might notice. Isuzu said such zippers are needed to easily fold the soft top.

The tailgate conveniently swings away from the curb to allow easier loading from a sidewalk. The cargo area is only moderately large, but the entire rear seat folds forward to significantly increase cargo room. However, one must work both rear seatback release controls simultaneously while awkwardly hovering over the backseat.

The Amigo is aimed at the young and young-at-heart. But it offers refinement and a good combination of versatility and driving fun to those of any age.