Part of the fun of owning a classic car or truck is that you rarely see others like it on the road. Unfortunately, some classics are so common that you don't blink twice. A ’65 Mustang - opens in new window or tab. is a fun and historically significant vehicle, but there are a few of them at every local Cars and Coffee event.
That’s why this 1991 Isuzu pickup recently offered on eBay piqued our interest. Go to any 4x4 gathering, and you’ll see boatloads of Tacomas - opens in new window or tab. and Jeeps - opens in new window or tab.. Roll up in an Isuzu and you’ll be the only one.
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Compact Truckin’
In the 1970s and 1980s, compact pickups became a cultural phenomenon. Most came from Japan, where they were designed to navigate narrow mountain roads and urban alleyways. Soon, fuel-efficient and dependable trucks proved useful to countless Americans too.
Datsuns and Toyotas were the most popular. Manufacturers who depended on a partnership with Detroit rebadged their pickups.
- Plymouth Arrow - opens in new window or tab. truck is actually a Mitsubishi.
- Ford Courier - opens in new window or tab. is a Mazda.
- Chevy LUV - opens in new window or tab. is an Isuzu.
By 1982, Isuzu established a dealership network and US marketing team. Who could forget the antics of Joe Isuzu? Consumers got a kick out of the brand’s comedic, over-promising spokesperson in a three-piece suit.
The earliest Isuzu-branded trucks went by the clever name P’up, short for pick up. It wasn’t uncommon for Japanese manufacturers to call their compact pickups something simple. Toyota and Datsun literally called theirs “Truck.” As time passed, they went with actual names like Tacoma and Hardbody. Isuzu went in the opposite direction, dropping the P’up moniker for plain old Isuzu Pickup.
This 4X4 Isuzu Pickup Is Lightly Upgraded for All-Terrain Fun
The Isuzu Pickup for sale, in Tampa, Fla., was built on the chassis that underpinned popular 1990s Isuzus like the Amigo - opens in new window or tab. and Rodeo - opens in new window or tab.. The General Motors 3.1-liter V-6 - opens in new window or tab. makes the same 120 horsepower. Mated to a five-speed transmission, it offers an engaging driving experience. The example for sale has four-wheel drive and was outfitted with overlanding gear. A safari rack - opens in new window or tab. on the roof holds auxiliary off-road lights - opens in new window or tab. and a foldable canopy, while a brush guard - opens in new window or tab. in front adds fog lamps - opens in new window or tab..
Purists will want to source original front and rear bumpers. The front bumper should be interchangeable with a Rodeo or Amigo from the same era. With the originals installed, the Isuzu Pickup is quite handsome. The stripes and hood decal are also add-ons, should the owner want to return the vehicle to stock form. However, the stripes on the tailgate are factory.
Most importantly, the body and interior are in decent condition. Finding parts for a rare truck like this can be challenging, so it’s good to start with a solid base. The interior shows wear on the steering wheel and dash. Fortunately, there don’t appear to be any damaged pieces.
With 113,000 miles, the asking price of $14,999 might not seem like a bargain. But these Isuzu Pickups are difficult to find in good condition. They’re far less common than Toyota or Nissan trucks of this vintage. Plus, they were built as workhorses and driven hard. So if the thought of owning a unique and honest work truck appeals to you, this could be your ticket.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.