1998 Isuzu Hombre Review
Price Estimate: $468 - $734
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Inexpensive price, clean styling, 4-wheel ABS
Cons
- Warmed over Chevy S-10 pickup
What’s new
Four-wheel drive arrives, finally. Also new are a theft-deterrent system and dual airbags housed in a revised instrument panel, with a passenger-side airbag cutoff switch so the kiddies can ride up front.
For sale near Hartford, CT
Vehicle overview
Sporting sheetmetal stamped by General Motors do Brasil, and basic mechanical and structural components of the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma twins, the Hombre is Isuzu's entry in the compact pickup market. Sporting two-wheel drive, a regular cab, and a weak 2.2-liter four cylinder engine upon debut in 1996, the Hombre was not exactly the stuff truck buyers craved.
Last year, Isuzu introduced a Spacecab model that can be equipped with a 4.3-liter V6 engine teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission. While this new model may jump-start Hombre sales, this pickup will not likely take the world by storm. This year, there are more combinations of Hombre to choose from, thanks to 4WD availability in either trim level. Extended Cab models are offered in XS trim only.
At least the Hombre is somewhat of an improvement over the aging Japanese-built pickup the company marketed in 1995. Four-wheel antilock brakes and a dual airbags are standard on all models. Horsepower and torque with the the GM 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is better than the old truck boasted and fuel economy has improved. However, front leg room has diminished slightly, payload is down a couple hundred pounds and the turning circle has widened. This is progress?
Hombre regular cab is available in S and XS trim levels, and options are few. S models are the workhorse Hombres, with vinyl floor covering and options are basically limited to air conditioning, a stereo and a rear step bumper. XS models are better-equipped, offering custom cloth upholstery, carpeted floors and a tachometer.
Isuzu hasn't been selling many pickups in the past several years. As personal use pickup sales skyrocketed, the company stuck with marketing basic trucks more suited for work than play. First impressions indicate that the Hombre will do little to change Isuzu's fortunes in this segment.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Connecticut
$172/mo for Hombre S
Hombre S
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Isuzu Hombre Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
I Love My Hombre
5 out of 5 starswolvesdaddy, 11/30/2002
1998 Isuzu Hombre XS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
After over 3 years, I love This truck.I
have had a few minor problems, but
Isuzu always fixed everything under
warranty.This is my second Isuzu truck,
and I keep going back to Isuzu due to
the warranty that is offered.
Good value - same as chevy S-10
4.75 out of 5 starswowski, 09/20/2002
1998 Isuzu Hombre S 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I have owned this Hombre since it was
new. Have only experienced a few
problems. The front idler arm and
pitman arm needed to be replaced and
there was a small oil leak. It has
plenty of power thanks to the V6. Also
noteworthy is the addition of 4 wheel
disc bakes. This is a terrific vehicle.
Hombre-Good Small Pick-Up
4.63 out of 5 starslawfr, 02/14/2004
1997 Isuzu Hombre S 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
The Hombre "is what it is" and that's
a small utilitarian pick-up truck. It
could use some more power, but on the
highway, once you attain cruising
speed, you move right along no
problem. This is a great well priced
functional small pick-up. No
mechanical problems, very comfortable
seating, and easily accessible
controls, and the air is cold.
Hombre lasted 16 years
5 out of 5 starsAmy Markoff, 09/24/2018
1996 Isuzu Hombre S 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I owned a 1996 izusu hombre metallic green for 16 years. I bought it new and being a 4 cylinder got over 30 mph. Loved this car and took it upstate new york for many trips. Never let me down. Cried a little when I got a new 2012 Wrangler. Amy
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Isuzu Hombre, so we've included reviews for other years of the Hombre since its last redesign.
1998 Hombre Highlights
Regular Cab
S
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $172/month |
rear wheel drive | |
Max Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs. |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – OriginalMarginal
- 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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