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.