Used 1998 Isuzu Amigo SUV Consumer Reviews
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The Amigo is NO friend of Mine
ETDragons, 03/27/2004
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
The Story of Ryan's Amigo Adventures
Ryan Wilson, 12/15/2002
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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
50,000 review
gatsby3, 04/03/2002
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Unit beyond a Jeep
Philscbx, 07/23/2008
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Was the most fun I have ever had driving
My former friend, 07/26/2010
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
First off, I loved my amigo. Even through having to replace the starter once, alternator 3 times (kept getting bad rebuilt parts), and a bad piston ruining the engine at 136,000 miles. It was the most fun I have ever had driving, and I have had 14 cars and 2 motorcycles. It was a tank, and with the gray bumpers and the spare tire on the back I avoided any visible bumps from other cars and such. The 4 cyl sucks gas like a hummer, but is very very secure. You never feel like you are losing control. I am trying to find another amigo to buy, because I miss my old one. It just costs more to replace an engine than to buy another vehicle.
Pass on the Amigo!
wuggles13, 11/13/2004
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Inferior dealer service and poor Isuzu warranty! After 8 months the red paint started to fade bad, dealer would not correct. At 20K engine had bad intake leak, continuous stalling any the alarm was now going off when ever it wanted. Switch for heated mirrors was also replaced 3x. At 30K, 4wd would not engage when it was cold out(when you need it most), dealer couldn't fix. Over-acting ABS, no good in the rain. At 50K I had to have it repainted, out of my pocket because the truck was now pink! At 60K the engine developed a major oil leak. Will never buy a Isuzu/GM product again...
I luv my Amigo
ray1939, 04/04/2012
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had a 1998 Amigo for a few years; my daughter drove it to college. Never a moments trouble. At 265,000 miles, I had a re-manufactured engine installed along with it's first clutch replacement. Yes, Amigo likes a taste of oil; about a quart every 3500 miles. The front end is tight; the body has no rattles. also replaced the shocke; 3rd set. All-in-all, I luv my 1998 Amgo, I hope it goes another 265,000 miles.
Best Car to Date
cathy Bailey, 01/23/2008
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 185,000 miles This car has given me no problems. Just now it is in need of the basics. Battery (just changed the original), brakes, couple of fuses. I love this vehicle. If Isuzu was to make them again I would purchase again. Knock on wood it will last another 185,000 mile.
totoal pricing for a trade-in
usher, 10/28/2002
updated 01/10/2003
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far, so good. Great performance and very exiting to drive. Got into 2 accidents with it. 1 minor, the other not so minor. Few replacements on it but all that just added to greater perfomance. Very good with gas and very effective for long distance trips.
Be ready for repairs
Fatness, 11/18/2002
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 90,000 miles I've rebuilt the transmission(2 times), and replaced the clutch(4 times), the catlytic converter, and the entire engine. Also, small interior parts, like the seat levers, sunshade brackets, the accelerator pedal, and little peices I find under the seat but can't figure what they go to, fall off constantly.
'98 Isuzu Amigo
scd1, 09/04/2003
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been bulletproof to 55,000 miles.No major mech prob,int/ext body hardware is holding up well.Plastic windows getting worn.Only work done other than Isuzu recalls and service bulletins was: new batt,frnt brake pads @ 50K mi, and tires @ 55K.Under warr the windsheild washer pump and radio were rpl.The dealer I purchased the vehicle from,Pitre Isuzu in Scottsdale was and still is horrible.I have been completely satisfied with Chapman Isuzu in Tempe since then.The ride qual is what you should expect from a short wheelbase utility vehicle.Performance from the 4-cyl is adequate until the a/c is turned on,then pretty tepid.
Amigo
jballer, 03/03/2003
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great SUV to date. The timing belt snapped at 56,000 miles, but that was due to the adjuster. Isuzu replaced the engine for free, so can't complain there. Looking forward to driving this truck for many years to come. Great all weather handling; recently got to test it out driving through 2ft of snow, handled like a charm.
Isuzu Amigo what a fun ride
Jonnnn, 01/02/2004
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely a blast of a convertible SUV to drive. More room than a Jeep and very sturdy contruction.
'98 Amigo
Amigo, 04/01/2004
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best value in its class. More visibility than the RAV or Honda's model. Very fun to drive and does well in the snow!
Summer and winter fun
scooter49442, 06/06/2004
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my Amigo in June of 98. Since then, the only major problem was the timing belt breaking, ruining the little 4 cylinder. This was at 65,000 miles. Guess what? Isuzu replace it for FREE due to a tensioner recall. The only other issue is the radio volume button is stripped or something. Other than that, it's been a fun summer drop top and a great winter vehicle with the 4X4. The 5 speed works great witht he little engine. Just row through the gears and have a blast in the sand and snow.
broken 98 Amigo
Mike, 01/24/2005
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really, really want to like this vehicle, but I am so upset at my dealer for the nagging little warranty issues that have plagued my Isuzu since we took delivery of it in 2002. Namely the transfer case won't stay in 4wd. I can't keep a set of front tires on it to save my life, little plastic interior parts love to fall off (i just gave up on this), the water pump gave up at 41000 miles, the timing belt tensioner, around the same time. Oh yes, and did I mention that Isuzu changed the name to Rodeo Sport? That just knocked about 3000 bucks off my trade-in, or it would have been gone long ago. The only thing I like is the body style. It's getting a vortec 350/auto trans this winter...
Got my money's worth
James, 05/22/2005
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Paid only $13,300 new for basic version of this SUV; 4 cylinder 5 speed. Clutch went early at only 29K miles and that with mostly freeway driving after rush hour. I spilled oil on engine and due to design soaked plugs. Overall though been good vehicle and inexpensive to maintain.
Never been happy
roxanne, 04/04/2003
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased in '98, very happy with the price and the dealership. I loved my Amigo at first, however, the problems started about 6 weeks after I purchased it. The starter and ignition have been replaced so many times that I cant remember. Constant humming noise, and misc. parts have been unresolved since I drove off the lot with only 3 miles. The starting problem has never been fixed correctly although I have brought it to 4 different Isuzu Dealerships. Overall, I loved the look of the vehicle but I don't like the headaches caused by being stranded too many times
Burns Oil worse than any car I've owned
desono, 04/05/2003
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While I bought this car because it was one of the few convertible SUV's, I should have waited to see what the long term problems would be. The worst problem is that it burns a quart of oil every thousand miles. That's 3 quarts between oil Changes! If you forget to check the oil between oil changes (and who does) you can be nearly out of oil. Worse yet, the dealer claims this is NORMAL! I've owned 10 other cars over the years from VW's to Oldsmobiles, BMW's, Hondas and others and NONE blew out oil like this car, except my 1975 rabbit that the dealer finally rebuilt the engine on since it was an engineering defect (soft valve guides).
Say hello to my little Amigo
Krazy Kid, 03/06/2008
1998 Isuzu Amigo S V6 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my '98 amigo for about a year, and I have had an absolutely great time driving it. I have driven it through deep mud and snow and the only way to get it stuck is to bury it up to the axles. I am 18, and this car handles young driver abuse very well. Parts can be pretty cheap if bought online, but the SUV is so compact it makes it hard to work on. It does burn about a quart every 1000 miles or so, but it has superior gas milage to any other SUV of its class. All this means is you might have to check your oil more often and the gas savings more than cover the oil cost. It is very easy to install a new radio and speakers by yourself. The soft top is very cool, and girls love the car.
Not Bad for the Buck
Sean, 12/10/2007
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Amigo is a pretty fun car to drive as far as simplicity and tightness. The 4 cylinder lacks some power, but can take off when necessary. I have the most basic model, but I like how it's readily made for the V6 and 4WD, but the hard suspension made for this type is a little too hard for a smooth ride. I don't like how the engine taps loudly when it's cold, over 2000 rpms sound horrible at cold, but sounds fine after heating up. The weathering from typical New England cause the soft top to harden and very difficult to use. The 2WD model is bad in the snow and slides very easily (except I like to slide, its fun). Overall, it's fun to start with, but a little embarrasing for school.
Love my Amigo
TiGuy V, 09/23/2008
1998 Isuzu Amigo S 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought 13 Nov 1998. Today is 23 Sep 2008. Someone asked to buy, but I refused. Total mileage is now over 115K. Yokohama tires reduced the small vibration from the Good Year tires. In 2004, I had the clutch rebuilt for $1000. In spring 2007, the geardrive oddly out of oil got noisy, and Ford-WPB fixed for $1500. Then, the engine overheated at idle; for $600, Ford changed the oxygen sensor, and diagnostics tests for loss of power and A/C not cooling. I declined the $1500 A/C work; Tires-Plus reconnected the radiator return hose in the overflow, for the $20 check test; They recharged the A/C which is now fine! Soft top needs refreshed, no longer in overnight garage since 2003.