1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS Review
1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Innovative Torque-On-Demand system, impressive engine, distinctive styling.
Cons
- Funky styling may not appeal to some.
What’s new
Isuzu imports its unique-looking SUV to the U.S. in 1999.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS 2dr SUV 4WD 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$284/mo for VehiCROSS Base
VehiCROSS Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Isuzu's VehiCROSS began as an innovative concept vehicle that garnered loads of attention back in 1993 and then entered limited production for the Japanese market. Because of its excellent reception in Japan, the continued popularity of sport-utility vehicles here in the States, and the company's need for an image vehicle in the U.S., Isuzu decided to bring the VehiCROSS across the pond this year.
Powered by a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter, direct-injection, DOHC V6, the VehiCROSS comes with a four-speed automatic transmission with winter and power modes. It also boasts technical innovations like an advanced Torque-On-Demand (TOD) four-wheel-drive system, limited slip differential and four-wheel ABS. Isuzu's TOD system (the same one found on the Trooper) senses driving conditions and adjusts the torque balance between the front and rear wheels, changing from 100-percent rear drive to 50/50 four-wheel drive in a matter of milliseconds.
Isuzu's front double-wishbone torsion bar and rear four-link coil suspension are enhanced by an industry first: an extruded aluminum shock absorber with attached expansion chamber, which makes for greater endurance and superior shock cooling. On rough roads, the truck's 16-inch alloy wheels and modified P245/70R16 steel-belted radial tires are stopped by ventilated 11-inch front and 12.3-inch rear disc brakes.
The truck's capabilities as a trailblazer seem solid, but what most people first notice about the vehicle is its unconventional, techno-styling. The VehiCROSS has an expansive windshield, composite bumpers, underbody moldings, roof-end spoiler, integrated headlamps with marker lights, and unpainted polypropylene covering the lower section of the truck's body. An Isuzu spokesperson said that the truck is meant to appeal to consumers who "want to be different." We'd have to agree.
Inside, the vehicle seats four and provides a sports car atmosphere complete with red and black leather-trimmed seating. With tinted glass, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, and collapsible, heated side mirrors, the VehiCROSS mixes ruggedness with luxury. Features include a matte-black panel inset in the hood to reduce glare, roof rail system, aircraft-type fuel filler door, and a side-hinged tailgate that carries the spare tire securely inside the cargo door.
The $995 special edition "Ironman" option, available only in white, gets you leather-trimmed front seats embossed with the "Ironman Triathlon" label, a special hood insert and a few more decals on the tailgate and beneath the C-pillar. Isuzu plans to make 20 percent of its 1999 VehiCROSS production units Ironman editions.
Available in only three colors: Ebony Black, Astral Silver Metallic and Victory White, Isuzu believes the VehiCROSS is in a category all its own. Not quite a mini-sport-ute or a big SUV, the 1999 VehiCROSS is a contemporary vehicle that isn't quite like any other. Whether you want to buy one or not, this truck will be hard to miss.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS.
5 star(68%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
16 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
After owning one...
carlymac, 01/16/2004
1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS 2dr SUV 4WD
The Vehicross is a bulldog on and off
the road. It's 3.5L engine provides the
pep to overtake traffic with ease. It's
TOD (torque on demand) system allows
the truck to automatically go from 2H
to 4H. However theres a transfer lever
for 4L. The exterior is superbly
engineered. The dash is a bit Blagh.
However the leather Recaro racing seats
and faux carbon fiber panels … make up
for the interior shortcomings.
Visibility is a real issue. The rear
window is practically useless and the c-
pillars hide cars. The past 3 years
spent in this little truck have been
priceless, and the future is
certian...I will never sell this little
truck called the VehiCROSS.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Fun For All
10/26/2002
1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS 2dr SUV 4WD
After having had this truck for a year,
I can honestly say I am still enamored
with it. Stylish, fun, powerful and
fast, it also carries groceries and
pets to anywhere. There are just two
things I would change about this truck,
one being rear seat accessability, and
the other being rear door opening
options. Currently, the only way to
open the rear hatch is with the … key,
but this can be modified by buying and
installing a solenoid that works with
the other button on the remote keyless
entry.
Recurring problems include window
binding and hood insert cracking.
Engine-wise, I have had no problems in
50K miles.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love our VX!!!
cwillyrun, 01/19/2009
1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS 2dr SUV 4WD
We bought a 1999 VX to replace an old 4runner. We had seen them when they first came out but had forgotten about them. When we ran into one at a car show, we realized THIS is the car we've been looking for! It has character, drives like a sports car, is extremely comfortable, and is a great 4x4 (& in snow). Minor drawbacks: rear view (easy fix: get a back up camera and learn to turn … your head!), cup holders (replacing 6-disk CD changer with one), head room (due to sunroof; okay with seats leaned back slightly), and front passenger toe room under dash. And to think, the design is 9 years old! We love our V-CROSS!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great in Sno
Woody, 04/06/2010
1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS 2dr SUV 4WD
My VehiCross has over 140K miles and I have driven it 102K over the last 4.5 years with no reliability issues and it is still running strong. This vehicle is the best in snow I have ever experienced and I live at 10,000 ft in the Colorado Rockies. It handles like a sports car, corners very well and climbs without hesitation. The seats are Recaro racing seats providing extreme comfort and … support on long drives. Ground clearance is excellent as well. I think this is the most reliable vehicle I have owned. Isuzu engineering was excellent. It's too bad they are gone. I own 3 Isuzu SUVs currently and the ruggedness and reliability has been excellent.
1999 VehiCROSS Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $284/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four 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 – Original0
- 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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