1998 Isuzu Amigo Review
1998 Isuzu Amigo Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
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Pros
- Cool middle ground alternative to Jeep Wrangler and Toyota RAV4.
Cons
- Not a lot of standard equipment on this truck.
What’s new
Isuzu reintroduces its convertible sport-utility after a three-year hiatus. This model comes with a modest four-cylinder engine, but the powerful V6 from the Rodeo is available and turns this 4WD droptop into a screamer.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$338/mo for Amigo S
Amigo S
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The Amigo is Isuzu's reintroduction of a convertible SUV that was discontinued in 1995 due to a lack of sales. The new model shares nothing but a name with the model that it replaces.
Powering the Amigo is a four-cylinder engine or a choice V6. The V6 engine is the same one that is found under the hood of the Rodeo, and makes 205 horsepower for this engaging little drop-top. The four-cylinder engine powers the base two- and four-wheel drive models. It makes 130 horsepower and 144 foot-pounds of torque.
All Amigos are available with a long list of options including four-wheel antilock brakes, air conditioning, skid plates and big alloy wheels. A limited slip differential can be had on four-wheel drive models.
While we have yet to sample one of these trucks, we think that we might like it. We're a sucker for the Jeep Wrangler convertible, and the Amigo looks like it was developed using the same recipe book.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Isuzu Amigo.
5 star(36%)
4 star(36%)
3 star(23%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
22 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.38 out of 5 stars
The Amigo is NO friend of Mine
ETDragons, 03/27/2004
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
I have a 1998 Amigo with 50k miles.
From a truck that is supposed to be fun
and enjoyable, It has given me nothing
but grief. I only wish there was a word
more powerful than horrendous to
describe Isuzu's customer service and
they way they treat their "Valued"
customers. Quick rundown, transmission
went on me exactly 2 months after the 5
yr wrnty expired, no help from … isuzu,
Check engine light on since 30k miles,
pass window wont roll down, ac went,
radio broke, suspension squeaks, rear
seat broke, bumper cracked, intake
gasket went, o2 sensors went, catalytic
converters went. All I can say is the
Amigo, is no friend of mine. Nor is
Isuzu.
4.75 out of 5 stars
The Story of Ryan's Amigo Adventures
Ryan Wilson, 12/15/2002
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
The interior is layed out very well,
as it basic, yet flawless. There is
room for 6 soda cans and plenty of
storage space. The glove box is
generous in size. The seats are very
comfortable, the pedals are sufficient
in size.
The exterior is very nice.
The drivetrain is excellent. I
purchased this amigo with a 130HP I-4
GM-made 2.2L DOHC engine that is …
suffuicient in rural Iowa. It is a
little slow in large city traffic,
such as Dallas or Minneapolis,
however, it is a stick and that gives
the driver enough control that an I-4
is sufficient in this vehicle.
Great off-road with its full underbody
skit plates.
Great SUV
4.63 out of 5 stars
Best Unit beyond a Jeep
Philscbx, 07/23/2008
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
I plow snow for a living, so I need to be out in the worst of it at any moment. This guy cares less what the weather is, it just plows through deep sloppy snow where others are still at the light wondering what just flew by them. I would not trade for anything less. My soft top never rattles at 90 mph. The V6 5 speed will out run anything on the road with comparable V6 in this class. I … also have the GMC Sonoma 4x4, and I get better mileage and pulling power for the snowmobile trailer enclosed with the Amigo. The Amigo can easily out run the 4.3 of the GMC.
4.88 out of 5 stars
50,000 review
gatsby3, 04/03/2002
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
Truck has been a good friend. I have had no problems until 46,000. Timming belt broke due to a problem with the adjuster. Recall was called but after my problem. Isuzu was great they gave me a new engine. Most manufacters would not cover the engine with that many miles. Isuzu states in their powertrain warranty that they do not pay for rentals. They offered I did not even have to ask.
1998 Amigo Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $338/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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