1997 Isuzu Amigo Cabrio 2.2L 5MT RWD (132 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After a three-year gap, Isuzu introduced the second generation of the Amigo in 1997 as a 1998 model year, competing in the compact body-on-frame SUV segment.

While many automakers started to shift their SUV production towards unibody platforms, Isuzu kept the body-on-frame solution for the Amigo. Furthermore, unlike the Toyota Rav4 or the Honda CR-V, the Amigo also had a two-speed transfer box, allowing it to tackle more serious offroad trails than these contenders in the segment. Isuzu made the 1998 Amigo on an evolved platform from the previous generation. Its chassis was sturdier, the suspension was improved, and it even featured a shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system that didn’t require the car to be fully stopped when shifting from 2WD into 4WD mode. That and the independent front suspension made it more comfortable than the segment’s leader, the Jeep Wrangler.

With its bold and fresh styling, the 1998 Isuzu Amigo was a serious contender in the segment. Its front fascia showed a pair of rectangular headlights continued on their outer sides by the corner-mounted blinkers. The black and egg-crate-styled grille between them sported the chromed Isuzu badge, while on the lower side, a plastic wrapped-around bumper completed the image of a sporty-looking vehicle. Furthermore, the SUVs flared front fenders looked muscular.

Right off the bat, the 1998 Isuzu Amigo was available as a two-door vehicle with a canvas top for the rear seats. Above the front seats, the automaker placed a hard roof with a removable sunroof that could be safely stored in the trunk. The raked windshield and the triangular-shaped B-post tilted forward were stylish and fresh. In addition, Isuzu used plastic molds for the wheel arches to make the SUV look more rugged. The curved door panels had black, rectangular door handles flush with the bodywork. Isuzu’s design team was even bolder and made the rear quarter panels flared above the wheels, emphasizing the vehicle’s muscular look. At the back, the automaker placed the spare wheel outside, behind the rear door, on a cradle.

Inside, the dashboard had curved lines, and fronting the driver was a rounded instrument cluster featuring large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, which were flanked by the coolant temperature and the fuel level gauges. On the center stack, the 1998 Isuzu Amigo had the stereo and the HVAC control panel. The bolstered front seats were separated by a narrow center console that housed the gear stick and the lever for the transfer box. In the back, the bench seat could accommodate two passengers, albeit with minimal legroom. However, those seated there could enjoy the feeling of driving under the clear sky, thanks to the removable canopy.

Under the hood, the base version was powered by a Holden-built 2.2-liter inline-four engine. In addition, Isuzu offered a more potent 3.2-liter V6 powerhouse. The former was available in a 4×2 configuration, while the latter was only for the four-wheel drive models. Both versions were launched with a five-speed manual transmission, while later, a four-speed automatic was added to the options list.