| Isuzu Faster | |
|---|---|
 Second generation Isuzu P'up (U.S.) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Isuzu |
| Also called | Chevrolet LUV |
| Production | 1972–2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Pickup truck |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Front-engine, four-wheel drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Isuzu Wasp Holden WB (for Australia, since 1984) Bedford J0 (Europe) |
| Successor | Isuzu D-Max Isuzu Hombre (North America) |
TheIsuzu Faster is apickup truck that was manufactured and marketed byIsuzu between 1972 and 2002 over three generations. It was sold under myriad nameplates, most commonly they were marketed under their respective model codes:Isuzu KB for the first and second generations,TF for the third. In Japan, the "Faster" name was eventually supplanted byRodeo. It was also marketed under a number of other brands from the General Motors portfolio. The Faster was succeeded worldwide byIsuzu D-Max, except in Japan andNorth America.
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 Chevrolet LUV 2-door pickup (US) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Isuzu Faster (Thailand) Isuzu KB Bedford KB Chevrolet LUV |
| Production | 1972–1980 |
| Assembly | Japan:Fujisawa Plant,Fujisawa, Kanagawa Thailand:Samrong, Samut Prakan Indonesia:Bekasi,West Java Philippines:Dasmariñas (Pilipinas GM) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcab chassis 2-doorpickup truck 4-doorpickup truck |
| Related | Isuzu Florian |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Length |
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| Width |
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| Curb weight | 1,099–1,290 kg (2,423–2,844 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Chevrolet S-10 |
Isuzu of Japan introduced theKB20 /25 series Faster pickup in 1972. The regularwheelbase models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from theIsuzu Florian, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for theIsuzu Wasp, a pickup version of theBellett which preceded the Florian. Both single and twin headlamp front fascia designs were produced.
Due to the exterior dimensions, and engines offered were found to be in compliance withJapanese regulations, the platform was classed in the favorable "compact" designation, and competed with other Japanese made products sold in Japan at the time.
In most export markets, Isuzu rebranded the Faster as the "Isuzu KB".[1] However, the Faster was often distributed throughGeneral Motors (GM) retail channels and sold under theChevrolet brand as the "Chevrolet LUV"—LUV being an acronym forlight utility vehicle.[2]Bedford, the European commercial vehicle subsidiary of GM also offered the vehicle under the "Bedford KB" name.[3]
The Isuzu Faster used a traditional pickup truck chassis with a ladder frame and aleaf springlive axle rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used anindependent configuration. The 2,600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the 1,855 mm (73.0 in) cargo bay. Unlike for the precedingWasp, there was also a long wheelbase version (KB25) which had 2,995 mm (117.9 in) between the axles, which made for a 2,290 mm (90.2 in) bed.[4]
In 1978, afour-wheel drive version became available, with theKB40 chassis code but sold under the "Faster Rodeo" label in Japan. There was also a double cab (on the longer chassis) version. Sales ended in 1980 when the second generation was introduced. The engine used in most markets was a carbureted 1.6-liter (1,584 cc) gasolineSOHC inline-four of 94 PS (69 kW), which was complemented by a 2.0-liter (1,951 cc) diesel four (KBD) which produced 62 PS (46 kW). Top speeds were 145 km/h (90 mph) and 115 km/h (71 mph) for the gasoline and diesel versions respectively.[4] In Japan, an overhead valve engine (G161) was fitted originally; this produces 84 PS (62 kW) for a 135 km/h (84 mph) top speed.[5]
General Motors-Holden imported the Faster into Australia from November 1972 under the name "Chevrolet LUV", renaming it "Isuzu KB" in 1977 before it was replaced in December 1980 by the second generation model (badged "Holden Rodeo").[6][7][8] Holden launched the LUV in Australia with the 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine delivering approximately 50 kW (67 hp) of power and 110 N⋅m (81 lb⋅ft) of torque.[8] Gaining an early reputation for reliability and durability, these original rear-wheel drive models featured a four-speed manual transmission, short-wheelbase construction, and circa 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) payload capacity.[8]
An update in 1978 expanded the LUV range—now comprising the short-wheelbaseKB20 model, the new long-wheelbaseKB25 and the four-wheel driveKB40 short-wheelbase.[8] TheseKB25 andKB40 variants were offered in both cab chassis and utility (pickup) body styles and could be specified with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the newly available 1.95-liter inline-four diesel.[8] The diesel produced 45 kW (60 hp) and 113 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft).[8]
Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed viaChevrolet dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a 1.8-liter (1,817 cc)SOHCinline-four which produced 75 hp (56 kW).
Sales in theUnited States began in March 1972 as a response to theDatsun andToyota pickup trucks, as well asFord'sMazda-builtCourier.[2] To circumvent the 25 percent tariff onlight trucks (known as thechicken tax), LUVs were imported incab chassis configuration, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4 percent tariff.[9] Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.
The LUV's exterior was updated slightly for the 1974 model year, but the first major update came in the 1976 model year, when a three-speedautomatic transmission option and frontdisc brakes were added. Power was up to 80 hp (60 kW) for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a 2,285 mm (90 in) cargo bay option, with longer 2,995 mm (118 in) wheelbase, brought sales up to 71,145 in 1978. The addition of four-wheel drive for 1979 brought the LUV to the attention ofMotor Trend magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year" award. The LUV was the first four-wheel-drive minitruck available and set a new trend.[10] Sales peaked at 100,192.
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 1981–1982 Chevrolet LUV 2-door pickup (US) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1980–1988 1980–1994 (Indonesia and Latin America) |
| Assembly | Japan:Fujisawa Plant,Fujisawa, Kanagawa Colombia:Bogotá Chile:Arica New Zealand:Trentham Thailand:Samrong, Samut Prakan Philippines:Dasmariñas (Pilipinas GM) Indonesia:Bekasi,West Java (until 1994) Surabaya,East Java (Holden Lincah/Raider) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcab chassis 2-doorpickup truck 2-doorpickup truck (Space Cab) 3/5-doorSUV 4-doorpickup truck (Crew Cab) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Length |
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| Curb weight | 1,099–1,450 kg (2,423–3,197 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Holden WB (Australia, since 1984) |
The second generation was more commonly marketed worldwide under the Isuzu label (either as the "Isuzu KB" or just plain "Pick Up"). It continued to use the "Rodeo" suffix for the four-wheel drives. The second generation model was the first Isuzu pickup offered in three cab styles: single cab, double cab and "Space Cab" ("Sports Cab" in some markets). Although it had received a completely new body, its chassis remained the same as its predecessor. Sales in the UK continued as the Bedford KB.
This generation was not shared with the GM North AmericanGMT325 platform, which replaced the North American Chevrolet LUV in 1982.
Holden in Australia distributed the second generation Isuzu Faster between January 1981 and August 1988 as the first generation orKB series "Holden Rodeo", for which production started in December 1980.[6][13] Early KBs were fitted with circularheadlamps and a horizontal four-bargrille, but a 1983 model year facelift in December 1982 brought rectangular lamps with a 12-port grille insert as well as restyledside mirrors.[13][14]
At launch,Holden made the Rodeo available in utility (pickup) andcab chassis body variants in both rear- (LWB) and four-wheel drive (SWB) layouts. All models featured a floor- or column-mounted four-speedsynchromesh manual transmission coupled with the 1.6-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engines.[15] The 1983 model year update increased thesedisplacements to 1.8- and 2.2-liters, respectively. At the same time a new upmarket "LS" model was issued (codedKB28), fitted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and five-speed manual.[16] For the 1984 year model, beginning in February 1984, the 2.0-liter became the base gasoline engine.[17]
With the demise of theHolden WB in 1984, the Rodeo became the only pickup and chassis cab vehicle available from Holden (until the arrival of the car-basedHolden VG Utility in 1990). The 1985 model from July the same year[13] signaled another facelift, the release of the two-doorSpace Cab body style, the debut of a new 2.3-liter gasoline engine, and the deletion of the four-speed manual and column-shift selector (making the floor-mounted five-speed manual standard).[18] From March 1986 (1986 model year), the 2.3-liter became the standard gasoline engine and in April the subsequent year, the 1987 models obtained a final facelift with an open rectangular grille design and optionalpower steering.[13][19][20]
Versions with unique local specifications were assembled in New Zealand at GM'sTrentham assembly plant. These were also badged as Holdens.
The second generation KB was introduced in many European markets, not onlyBritain, as theBedford KB. In subsequent years continental markets saw a switch to Isuzu badging as General Motors stopped using theVauxhall andBedford brands outside of the United Kingdom.[21] It was called by the model code, Specifications and trims varied depending on market needs, but most received the 1.6-literG161Z petrol engine with a twin carburettor and 80 PS (59 kW), or the 2-literC190 diesel inline-four with 54.5 PS (40 kW). Two-wheel-drives were also available on a long wheelbase not offered in combination with four-wheel-drive.[22]
The United States continued to receive the Faster under the "Chevrolet LUV" name for the second generation, introduced in 1980 for the 1981 model year. Thegasoline engine remained the same, but the LUV was now available with an IsuzuC223 diesel engine making 58 hp (43 kW) at 4300 rpm and 93 lb⋅ft (126 N⋅m) at 2200 rpm. This new engine gave the rear-wheel drive diesel LUV a fuel economy rating of 33 mpg‑US (7.1 L/100 km) city / 44 mpg‑US (5.3 L/100 km) highway.
After the 1982 model year, General Motors stopped selling the Chevrolet LUV (although many '82s lingered on forecourts into the next year) in the United States in favor of their ownS-10 compact pickup. Meanwhile, Isuzu had sold their version in parallel with the LUV since their 1981 entry to the US market, under the name "Isuzu P'up" (short for "pickup"). Isuzu's version received another grille and other differences to set it apart from the LUV, not the least of which is the giant "ISUZU" block letters on the tailgate.[10] The P'up received the same engines as the LUV; either an 80 hp (60 kW) 1.8-liter gasoline inline-four (G180Z) or a 2.2-liter diesel version with 58 hp (43 kW) (C223). Four-wheel drive was available with either engine but only in short-wheelbase form,[23] though some 4WD long-wheelbase diesel are known to exist, possibly dealer-installed or aftermarket conversions. Because of technology-sharing agreement between GM and Isuzu, the diesel was also offered with the LUV'sreplacement until 1985. Later, the gasoline engine was upgraded to Isuzu's 1.95-liter four and a turbodiesel version was added, with the turbo standard on diesel-engined 4WD models.[24]
For 1987, the P'up gained a "Spacecab" extended cab model.[24] This was only available in LS or Deluxe trim. Also new was the option of a 2.3-liter gasoline four (standard on 4WDs).[24] Production for the Mexican and Latin American markets did not end until 1994.
As with North America, the Isuzu KB was generally issued under the name "Chevrolet LUV" in South America. Manufactured inColombia from Japanesecomplete knock down (CKD) sets, these models entered production in 1980 to be exported to other South American countries, continuing on until the release of theTF series in 1988. At the start, the versions assembled were theK-26 andK-28. It was offered with a 1584 cc (G161Z) engine.[25] It was also offered a (C190) diesel version of 1951 cc and 62 PS (46 kW).[26] This model of the Isuzu KB only was assembled inChile via CKD kits from Japanese origin.[26]
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| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 Isuzu TF 4-door pickup (Italy) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Isuzu Rodeo (Japan and Thailand; 4WD only) Isuzu Dragon Eyes (Thailand; 1996–2002) Isuzu Dragon Power (Thailand; 2000–2002) Isuzu Fuego (Philippines) Isuzu Invader (Malaysia) Isuzu Ippon (Israel) Isuzu KB (South Africa) Isuzu Pickup (North America) Isuzu TF Isuzu TFR (Thailand) Isuzu TT Fortigo Chevrolet LUV Chevrolet T-Series (Egypt) Holden Rodeo Honda Tourmaster (Thailand) Opel Campo Vauxhall Brava (United Kingdom) Bedford Brava (United Kingdom) Foton SUP (China) Jinbei Jindian SY10 (China) JiangLing Baodian (China) JiangLing Hunter (Philippines) Winnerway ZH6500/ZH1021LU2 (China) Xinkai Century (China) Autorrad Century (China) GMC Dragon (Mexico; 1996–2001) GMC Invader (Mexico; 1998–2002) GMC LUV (Middle East) |
| Production | 1988–2002 1992–2016 (China) |
| Assembly | Chile:GM Chile Arica Plant China:Beijing (Foton),Shenyang (Jinbei),Chongqing (Qingling),Nanchang (Jiangling) Colombia:GM Colmotores Bogotá Plant Japan:Fujisawa Plant,Fujisawa, Kanagawa Philippines:Dasmariñas (1989–1992)Biñan (1992–2005) (IPC)[27] Portugal:Vendas Novas (ITUK) Thailand:Samrong, Samut Prakan Tunisia:Kairouan (IMM) United States:Lafayette, Indiana |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorpickup truck 2-doorpickup truck (Space Cab) 4-doorpickup truck (Crew Cab) |
| Related | Isuzu Wizard (first generation) Isuzu Panther |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L4G63I4 (China - Jiangling) 2.2 LI4 (China - Jinbei) 2.2 L 115 hp (85 kW)C22NE / 22LEI4 2.3 L4ZD1 I4 2.4 L I4 (China - Jiangling) 2.5 L4ZE3 I4 (China - Qingling Isuzu) 2.6 L4ZE1 I4 2.5 L4JA1-T 2.1 Ltd I4 (China - Jinbei) 2.2 Ltd I4 (China - Jinbei) 2.4 Ltd I4 (China - Jinbei) 2.8 L4JB1-Ttd I4 3.0 L4HK1-TC1td I4 (China - Qingling Isuzu) 3.0 L4JH1-T 3.1 L4JG2-T td I4 3.1 LLG6V6 3.2 L6VD1V6 "2.5.L 2500 cc Isuzu C240 (Diesel) (China) |
| Transmission | 4-speedautomatic 5-speedmanual |
| Dimensions | |
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| Curb weight | 1,295–1,698 kg (2,855–3,743 lb) |
For the third generation (TF), introduced in 1988, the domestic Japanese lineup was divided into two, with the "Faster" label used onrear-wheel drive versions with four-wheel drives now sold as theIsuzu Rodeo.Rodeo became the name used in most markets for this car, but the profusion of labels for different markets continued. Versions sold in the Americas were calledIsuzu Pickup andChevrolet LUV. In the United Kingdom, the pickup was calledIsuzu TF and alsoBedford Brava from 1988 until 1991 when the Bedford brand was dropped and it became theVauxhall Brava. The Isuzu was also sold in mainland Europe along with theOpel Campo. This Opel branding was also utilized in the Middle East, parts of North Africa and some Asian countries.
Holden Rodeo was the only name used in Australasia, with theIsuzu KB name used in South Africa and some other markets. The namesIsuzu Faster-Z,Isuzu TFR, andHonda Tourmaster were used in Thailand. A Thai-market SUV based on the TF was sold as the Thairung Adventure, produced insemi-knocked-down byThai Rung Union Car. Names used in other markets include:Chevrolet T-Series (Egypt),Isuzu Ippon (Israel),Isuzu Fuego (Philippines), and as theIsuzu Invader in the north-eastern parts of Malaysia (Sabah). License built copies have been sold as theJinbei SY10 series,Foton Aoling T-Series in China, where the car has served as a basis for innumerable local copies, authorized and unauthorized.
In Japan, two-wheel drive versions were called "Isuzu Faster", with the "Rodeo" name reserved for four-wheel drive units. In 1992, an updated version of the4JB1 2.8-litre turbodiesel with direct injection was introduced; while the original 2.8 has 100 PS (74 kW), the direct-injected version offered 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 3,600 rpm and 23.0 kg⋅m (226 N⋅m; 166 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2,300 rpm. Japanese sales ended in 1994 without replacement, although export markets continued to receive the vehicle until replaced by theD-Max from 2002.
Isuzu Japan hadYokohama Motor Sales manufacture from 1990 to 1993 a 4 berth camper on theIsuzu Rodeo TFS55H chassis platform. This was the popular 4WD version which gave offroad accessibility and comfort. This option only came in the 2.8 litre 4JB1T engine option and 5 Speed manual with low/high transferbox. There was no automatic options offered.
The TF series received a facelift in 1997. Styling was changed, with a more rounded look at the front, and a new-look dash similar to that used in the 1995 to 1997 modelIsuzu Wizard. In China, where the TF is still built by Isuzu's local joint venture partnerQingling Motors, it received a second facelift at the beginning of 2015.
Holden introduced theTF series into Australia in 1988, branded as the Holden Rodeo, following on from the name of the previous Isuzu based light truck sold by the brand in Australia. The Holden Rodeo was initially available with a 2.6-liter 88 kW (118 hp) inline-four. A 2.8-liter 74 kW (99 hp)turbodiesel was introduced soon after. Body styles offered were a two-door single cab, a two-doorSpaceCab, with space for two small jump-seats (rarely if ever fitted in Australia) behind the front passengers, and a four-doorCrewcab, with space for the driver and four passengers. Several trim levels were available, which included DX (base model), LX (mid-range RWD, top of the 4WD range) and LT (top of the range, only available as an RWD petrol Crewcab).
The facelifted 1997 (1998 model year) Holden Rodeo came with a new trim level, LT Sport, available as a four-wheelCrewcab only. Airbags for the driver and front passenger also became an option. By 1998 the 2.6-liter engine was discontinued and a new engine was offered, a 3.2-liter 140 kW (188 hp) V6. This engine was available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive. The rear-wheel-drive version had the same chassis, and thus ride-height as the four-wheel-drive, but without the transfer case and front axle. The 3.2-liter V6 was the most powerful engine in apickup truck in Australia until it was replaced in 2003 by the new look Rodeo based on theIsuzu D-Max. Accordingly, this engine was the most popular engine in the Rodeo, and the Rodeo sold very well overall, near the sales numbers of theToyota Hilux, traditionally the best-selling commercial vehicle in Australia.
The Holden Rodeo was updated once again in 2001 for the 2002 model year, with a new diesel engine, a 3.1-liter 96 kW (129 hp)direct injectionintercooledturbodiesel. The update was also accompanied by minor styling changes, such as clear indicator lenses, and a different grille.
In Europe, the Isuzu was sold as the TF alongside the rebadged "Opel Campo". It was also sold as the "Isuzu Campo." In the United Kingdom "Bedford Brava" badging was used rather than Opel. When the Bedford brand was retired, it was rebadged as a Vauxhall. These received the same updates as did the Isuzu TF in general markets, and a variety of body styles were available, usually coupled with diesel engines.
In North America, theTF series appeared in 1988 as simply the "Isuzu Pickup". Produced atLafayette, Indiana, Isuzu continued on with the TF until 1996 when it was finally replaced with theHombre (a badged-engineeredChevrolet S-10). The only engines available were the 96 hp (72 kW) 2.3-liter4ZD1, the 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) 2.6-liter4ZE1 and the GM 3.1-liter V-6 (designation LG6) producing 120 hp (89 kW) and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) for the 1991–1994 model years.[29] The 2.3-liter version holds the distinction of becoming the lastcarbureted passenger vehicle sold new in the United States (1994 model year). There was also a heavier, work oriented one-tonne model available.[30] The truck continued to be sold in Mexico, and Latin America until production ended in 2016.
As with the previousKB series generation, South American markets again received theTF models under the "Chevrolet LUV" name. The Chilean assembling works began in 1982,[26] meanwhile in Colombia commenced in 1989,[31] In the assembling process, the local parts usage percentage was high and important for the LUV manufacturing process. In Chile it has to reach 40% percent domestic parts content, meanwhile in Colombia exceeded 70%.[32]
A successful export program beginning in Chile in 1980s to theAndean Community countries:Bolivia,Ecuador andVenezuela; and in 1993 began the exports from Chilean assembled units (in the SpaceCab model only) to Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, and Venezuela.[26] In total, more than 220,000 units were produced only in Chile, and more than 300.000 in Colombia. From 1999 and to little success,Thai Rung Union Car supplied the Chevrolet plant inArica, Chile with the unique body panels from their "Isuzu Grand Adventure" model to make theChevrolet Grand Adventure and the "Chevrolet Grand LUV". The Grand Adventure was a wagon version of theTF series pickup.
By the late 1980s, supplementary assembly began inQuito, Ecuador byOmnibus BB Transportes (now General Motors Ecuador) with a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, making 80 hp (60 kW).
In October 2005; was ceased the Isuzu Faster Chilean manufacture. In Colombia, the Isuzu Faster has ceased its production in 2010. The last Faster rolled off the assembly line on May 8, 2010. In both countries, the Isuzu Faster was replaced by theIsuzu D-Max, these firsts units were assembled only in Ecuador and later from vehicles coming from Thailand (2014 onwards).
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| KB Rodeo | Released |
|---|---|
| Initial release | Jan-81 |
| 1983 upgrade | Dec-82 |
| 1984 upgrade | Feb-84 |
| 1985 upgrade | Jul-85 |
| 1986 upgrade | Mar-86 |
| 1987 upgrade | Apr-87 |
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