1992 OPEL Monterey RS 3.2L V6 24V 5MT (177 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Developed together with Honda and Isuzu, the Opel Monterey was GM’s attempt to get a piece of the Land Rover Discovery market on the European continent.

By the time Opel launched the Monterey, GM already had over 32 percent of the Isuzu’s stakes. Both companies agreed that since the Japanese brand was almost unknown in Europe, Opel should take the badge and sell the Trooper. Moreover, GM considered that a three-door version, named RS, could be a very good chance to enter the hard-core off-road segment. Things didn’t go that well since the big SUV proved to be unstable on swift lane changes.

Unlike the Discovery, which was already a well-known product built by a well-known off-road carmaker, the Monterey was completely new on the market. Its soft lines might have looked better for those trying to find a vehicle for their families. It had big windows and even a C-pillar behind the rear seats, like the 3-door Discovery. But the boxy style was not that attractive anymore, and a few rounded edges didn’t make the car sell well.

Inside, it was a vehicle well equipped. It featured all the comfort features a 1992 vehicle could have, such as the air-conditioning, power mirrors, windows and sunroof. Even though the three-door version had a shorter wheelbase, there was still plenty of room for three in the back and a large trunk good to carry all the needs for a weekend in the woods.

Under the hood, GM dropped a 3.2-liter V-gasoline engine built in Australia and a 3.1-liter turbo-diesel inline-four built in Japan. They were both paired to a five-speed manual and sent power in all corners via a transfer case with a low-range gear. A four-speed automatic was on the options list.