1997 Isuzu Oasis Review
Price Estimate: $473 - $751
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Neato flip-fold third bench seat, tidy size makes it easy to drive
Cons
- Underpowered four-cylinder engine, smaller than many competitors inside, conventional rear doors
What’s new
Cruise control is added to the S model's standard equipment list, and four new colors are available.
For sale near Port Saint Lucie, FL
Vehicle overview
For several years, Honda has been purchasing Rodeo sport utilities from Isuzu, and rebadging them as the Honda Passport. Honda dealers were clamoring for an SUV, and rather than wait for engineers to develop a new model from scratch, the company forged a relationship with Isuzu. Starting last year, Honda also began selling an upscale version of the Isuzu Trooper as the Acura SLX, to capitalize on the booming luxury-SUV market.
To reciprocate the favor, Honda allows Isuzu to rebadge a Japanese-market sedan for sale across the Pacific, and has donated the slow-selling Odyssey minivan to fill a niche in Isuzu's U.S. lineup. The Oasis has a different grille, different wheels, and an Isuzu-embossed steering wheel center hub.
The Oasis is actually a better deal than the Odyssey, mainly because Isuzu offers a more comprehensive warranty, and the few options available are priced by the factory, not individual dealers, which reduces the dealer's ability to rip off the consumer. Powered by a strong 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and featuring four conventional doors, the Oasis scores well in government crash tests, and offers side-impact protection that meets 1998 passenger car standards. Antilock brakes are standard equipment.
The Oasis S can accommodate up to seven passengers, but LS models have center row captain's chairs which reduces capacity to six. The third-row bench seat folds forward, flips backwards for tailgate parties, or folds away into the floor to create a flat load floor. With seats removed and folded, the LS model can hold up to 102.5 cubic feet of cargo.
Despite the distinct lack of V-6 power, we think the Oasis offers solid value as a family wagon. It's roomy, attractive, and well-equipped. Best of all, prices are in line with the new Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable station wagons, as well as the Volkswagen Passat Wagon. Oasis offers more versatility and cargo capacity than any of these competitors, an excellent warranty, and proven Honda mechanicals. What's not to like?
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
$178/mo for Oasis S
Oasis S
vs
$143/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Isuzu Oasis Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
1996 Oasis S model in review
4.63 out of 5 starsrtommy, 03/15/2002
1996 Isuzu Oasis S 4dr Minivan
I love the feeling of being safe. This van has a lot of room to put the kids toys in the back. Truly a very nice van to take long trips in. Its a long term purchase because of the Honda name atttached to almost every thing about it. Highly reccomend for large families.
Excellent Family Vehicle
4.75 out of 5 starsburgessjax, 08/29/2005
1996 Isuzu Oasis LS 4dr Minivan
Our Oasis has provided eight years and 150K+ miles of dependable service. It has been a wonderful vehicle for our family; we have three kids. The Oasis gets much better than average fuel economy for a minivan and has Honda dependability and build quality. I love the fact it has four regular doors and is very easy to drive. One of the engine main seals busted and tires seem to wear … quicker than normal even with proper rotation and balancing. Also have had the SRS light on now for two years and have not had diagnosed. My wife was begging for a minivan and I'm glad we chose the Oasis. The sunroof and "flipping" third row seat added some cool factor to a vehicle segment that is not cool.
96 LS Oasis
4.63 out of 5 starskalokerinos, 11/11/2004
1996 Isuzu Oasis LS 4dr Minivan
We bought this new at better price than the Honda brother due to the name. Izusu gave few more features and better warranty and price. This car has been solid, reliable and convenient. The few problems we had were front allignment, cracked exhaust bracket and a persistent SRS light. Was able to reset the light but came right back on. Will need to take it to dealer for diagnosis, … hopefully it's not the module, I hear it's very expensive. Radiator was replaced at 100K miles. Currently 120K miles and still going strong.
It's really a Honda!
4.88 out of 5 starsJim, 03/15/2006
1996 Isuzu Oasis LS 4dr Minivan
This van is built by Honda for Izusu. It is a great van! Great for a small family of 6. Lots of room.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Isuzu Oasis, so we've included reviews for other years of the Oasis since its last redesign.
1997 Oasis Highlights
S
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $178/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot 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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