From 1989 to 1994 and again from 1998 to 2000, the Isuzu Amigo was the entry-level member of the Isuzu triple-threat sport/utility team. As the leadoff hitter for the Isuzu team, the Amigo has always emphasized "sport" rather than "utility," courting the "wind in your hair" image that befits a 2-door soft-top vehicle.
The Amigo's most distinctive feature was its removable canvas top, which was used to be partially or fully retracted.
Positioned at the inexpensive end of the compact sport/utility market, the Isuzu Amigo was designed to attract value-conscious younger buyers who wanted a sport-ute that projected an image of fun and spirit, but was also counted on to provide dependable, no-nonsense operation. Key competitors for the soft-top Amigo included the Geo Tracker, the Jeep Wrangler and the Suzuki Sidekick.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
Differentiated by interior upholstery and exterior accents, the Amigo was available in a pair of trim levels: S and XS, in 2-wheel- or 4-wheel-drive versions.
1992[]
The S Softtop was upgraded from 96 to 120 hp like the other models.
1993[]
Isuzu simplified the Amigo's powertrain by dropping one engine and the optional automatic transmission.
1994[]
The Amigo continued to rely on a single engine-transmission combination: a 2.6-liter inline 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 4-wheel-drive system featured a 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever and manual locking hubs.
After production ended in late 1994 with the last vehicles sold in early 1995, the Amigo was spiritually succeeded by the Suzuki X-90 from 1995 through 1997.
1998[]
The Amigo returned to the United States market, again as a 2-door soft-top, after the X-90's demise. A new V6 engine was introduced this model year.
1999[]
A new hardtop body style was added to the lineup in 1999. The name "Amigo" was discontinued after 2000.
Retail prices[]
- $14,999 (1994 Isuzu Amigo S 4x2)
- $15,649 (1994 Isuzu Amigo XS 4x2)
- $16,949 (1994 Isuzu Amigo S 4x4)
- $17,349 (1994 Isuzu Amigo XS 4x4)
Gallery[]
