1998 OPEL Frontera Wagon 3.2L V6 24V 5MT AWD (205 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 1998 Opel introduced the second generation of its Frontera SUV with a choice of two bodyworks: sports with three doors and Wagon with five doors.

Despite looking very similar to its predecessor, it was actually a completely new vehicle. It was the German brand version of the Honda Passport or Isuzu Rodeo, albeit the European model was slightly different in terms of engine lineup and options. Moreover, this second generation tried to prove that GM could offer a trustworthy SUV for the Old Continent.

At first glance, it was the same vehicle as before. Yet, the automaker’s designers reshaped the bodywork and gave it a smoother look with rounded corners. At the front, the rectangular headlights were continued on the sides by the corner-mounted blinkers. In addition, the plastic bumper was redesigned to look more aerodynamic and incorporate a wide center air intake. The rear doors featured rounded corners, following the bio-design trend that conquered the automotive design studios at that time.

Inside, the automaker struggled harder to create a friendlier, better-equipped cabin. Gone were the straight angles and corners from its predecessor. On the 1998 Frontera, the curved lines looked like they were drawn for a sedan. Yet, between the front seats, the two sticks for the gearbox and the transfer case reminded customers that this was an actual SUV, built to tackle more than a curb and a sidewalk during a parking maneuver. The rear seats were quite roomy for adult-sized passengers, and the flat-folding bench could expand the trunk area almost to an LCV standard.

Under the smoothed bodywork, Opel installed a chassis with front independent suspension and a live axle in the back. In addition, the carmaker offered the Frontera with a choice of three engines: one turbo-diesel and two with gasoline. Besides the five-speed manual, Opel offered a four-speed automatic as an option for selected versions.