Segment:
        
        
            Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) / Lifestyle SUV
        
     
    
        
            Uniqueness:
        
        
            Asymmetrical design, off-road focused styling, limited production luxury SUV.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4 (early models), Nissan Xterra, Land Rover Defender (in spirit).
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Unique asymmetrical body design, large glasshouse, distinctive fender flares, high beltline.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Advanced Torque-On-Demand (TOD) 4WD system with electronically controlled clutch pack for variable torque distribution.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option:
        
        
            Powerful 3.5L V6 engine (6VE1) providing ample torque for off-road and on-road performance.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Robust independent front suspension and solid rear axle designed for off-road capability and durability.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Complete engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, emissions control.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed automatic transmission (4L30-E) repair, maintenance, diagnostics, torque converter, shift control, fluid specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Torque-on-demand (TOD) 4WD system, transfer case, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, CV joints, wheel hubs.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Independent front suspension (double wishbone), solid rear axle with multi-link setup, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front vented disc brakes, rear disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking, body control module (BCM), fuses, relays.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, sealant application, structural components, chassis specifications.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant specifications, diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-ups, tire rotations, spark plug replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts for various systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation.
        
     
    
        
            Repair And Overhaul:
        
        
            Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component repair.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring harness continuity testing.
        
     
    
        
            Calibration And Adjustment:
        
        
            Wheel alignment, idle speed adjustment, headlamp aiming, throttle position sensor (TPS) adjustment.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Displacement:
        
        
            3.5 Liters (3475 cc)
        
     
    
    
        
            Valvetrain:
        
        
            DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            215 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            230 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Tank Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 21.1 Gallons (80 Liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Recommended Oil Grade:
        
        
            5W-30 Synthetic Blend (API Service SG or SH)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity With Filter:
        
        
            Approx. 5.7 Quarts (5.4 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Type:
        
        
            NGK PFR5J-11 (or equivalent, e.g., Denso K20PR-U11)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic Overdrive
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Code:
        
        
            4L30-E
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Availability:
        
        
            No manual transmission option was offered in North America for this model.
        
     
    
    
        
            Drivetrain Control:
        
        
            Electronically controlled Torque-On-Demand (TOD) 4WD system integrated with transmission.
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron III (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron-III H)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 7.9 Quarts (7.5 Liters) for refill, 9.8 Quarts (9.3 Liters) for overhaul.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            169.2 inches (4300 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            71.5 inches (1815 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            66.5 inches (1690 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            103.5 inches (2630 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            8.3 inches (211 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 4,000 - 4,100 lbs (1814 - 1860 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Approx. 5,200 lbs (2359 kg)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
        
        
            Approx. 23.7 cu ft (671 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
        
        
            Approx. 58.2 cu ft (1648 Liters)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Rollover Rating:
        
        
            Not Rated (or not publicly available for these years)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Ratings:
        
        
            Generally good frontal crash test scores for its era.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models or as an option.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags were not standard.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Aftermarket radio often replaced original units. Original units typically featured AM/FM stereo, CD player, and cassette player.
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Analog gauges and basic digital displays for odometer and trip computer.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control system.
        
     
    
        
            Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Not typically offered or standard.
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not available from factory; requires aftermarket installation.
        
     
    
        
            Usb Ports:
        
        
            Not available from factory; requires aftermarket installation.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (using platinum-tipped plugs).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Service:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, including filter replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 24 months.
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            DEXRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 Disc Brake Fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Isuzu Long Life Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
        
     
    
    
        
            Cv Axle Boots:
        
        
            Vulnerability of front CV axle boots to tearing due to suspension travel and off-road use.
        
     
    
        
            Radiator Leaks:
        
        
            Some instances of radiator leaks or deterioration over time.
        
     
    
        
            O2 Sensors:
        
        
            Occasional failure of oxygen sensors affecting fuel mixture and emissions.
        
     
    
        
            Throttle Position Sensor Tps:
        
        
            Potential for TPS failure leading to erratic idle or shifting issues.
        
     
    
        
            Torque On Demand Tod Actuator:
        
        
            Rare issues with the TOD system actuator or control module, though generally robust.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Isuzu Off Road Legacy:
        
        
            Isuzu has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles like the Trooper and the P'UP pickup truck.
        
     
    
    
        
            Concept Origin:
        
        
            Originally conceived as a concept vehicle, the VehiCROSS made it to production with minimal changes, maintaining its bold, futuristic styling.
        
     
    
        
            Generation Years:
        
        
            First generation: 1997 (Japan), 1999-2001 (North America).
        
     
    
        
            North American Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced to the North American market for the 1999 model year.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) plant in Gunma, Japan, under contract for Isuzu.
        
     
    
        
            Production Volume:
        
        
            Relatively low production volume, making it a niche vehicle and a collector's item.