Isuzu Faster

Isuzu Faster
Overview
Manufacturer Isuzu
Production 1972–2002
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Front-engine, four-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor Isuzu Wasp
Successor Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu Hombre

The Isuzu Faster is a pick-up truck that was manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between 1972 and 2002 over three generations. The Faster was succeeded worldwide by Isuzu D-Max worldwide, except in North America.

First generation (1972–1980)

First generation

Chevrolet LUV 2-door pickup (US)
Overview
Also called Isuzu KB
Bedford KB
Chevrolet LUV
Production 1972–1980
Assembly Japan: Fujisawa Plant, Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Chile: Arica
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door cab chassis
2-door pickup truck
4-door pickup truck
Related Isuzu Florian
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,600 mm (102.4 in) (SWB)
  • 2,995 mm (117.9 in) (LWB)
Length
  • 4,405 mm (173.4 in) (SWB)
Width
  • 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
1980 Chevrolet LUV 2-door pickup (Chile)
Double cab (4-door pickup) using Isuzu Florian rear doors

Isuzu of Japan introduced the KB20 / 25 series Faster pickup in 1972. The regular wheelbase models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from the Isuzu Florian, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for the Isuzu Wasp, a pickup version of the Bellett 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 with Japanese 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 through General Motors (GM) retail channels and sold under the Chevrolet brand as the "Chevrolet LUV"—LUV being an acronym for light 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 a leaf spring live axle rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used an independent 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 preceding Wasp, 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 a four-wheel drive version became available, with the KB40 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) gasoline SOHC 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]

Australia

General Motors-Holden's 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-wheelbase KB20 model, the new long-wheelbase KB25 and the four-wheel drive KB40 short-wheelbase.[8] These KB25 and KB40 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 2.0-liter inline-four diesel.[8] The diesel produced 45 kW (60 hp) and 113 N·m (83 lb·ft).[8]

External images
1979 Isuzu KB (KB40), Australia
Bedford KB (KB25), Europe
North America

Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed via Chevrolet dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a 1.8-liter (1,817 cc) SOHC inline-four which produced 75 hp (56 kW).

Sales in the United States began in March 1972 as a response to the Datsun and Toyota pickup trucks, as well as Ford's Mazda-built Courier.[2] To circumvent the 25 percent tariff on light trucks (known as the chicken tax), LUVs were imported in cab 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-speed automatic transmission option and front disc 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 in 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of Motor Trend magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year" award. Sales peaked at 100,192.

Second generation (1980–1988)

Second generation

MY1981–1982 Chevrolet LUV 2-door pickup (US)
Overview
Also called Isuzu Faster-Z (Thailand)
Isuzu KB
Isuzu P'up
Bedford KB
Chevrolet LUV
Holden Rodeo
Production 1980–1988
Assembly Japan: Fujisawa Plant, Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Chile: Arica
Colombia: Bogotá
New Zealand: Trentham
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door cab chassis
2-door pickup truck
2-door pickup truck (Space Cab)
4-door pickup truck (Crew Cab)
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L G161Z I4 (gasoline)
1.6 L 4ZA1 I4 (gasoline)
1.8 L G180Z I4 (gasoline)
1.8 L 4ZB1 I4 (gasoline)
2.0 L G200Z I4 (gasoline)
2.3 L 4ZD1 I4 (gasoline)
2.0 L C190 I4 (diesel)
2.2 L C223 I4 (diesel)

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). Sales in the UK continued as the Bedford KB.

This generation was not shared with the GM North American GMT325 platform, which replaced the North American Chevrolet LUV in 1982.

Australasia

Holden in Australasia distributed the second generation Isuzu Faster between January 1981 and August 1988 as the first generation or KB series "Holden Rodeo", for which production started in December 1980.[6][10] Early KBs were fitted with circular headlamps and a horizontal four-bar grille, but a 1983 model year facelift in December 1982 brought rectangular lamps with a 12-port grille insert as well as restyled side mirrors.[10][11]

At launch, Holden made the Rodeo available in utility (pickup) and cab chassis body variants in both rear- (LWB) and four-wheel drive (SWB) layouts. All models featured a floor- or column-mounted four-speed synchromesh manual transmission coupled with the 1.6-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engines.[12] The 1983 model year update increased these displacements to 1.8- and 2.2-liters, respectively. At the same time a new upmarket "LS" model was issued (coded KB28), fitted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and five-speed manual.[13] For the 1984 year model, beginning in February 1984, the 2.0-liter became the base gasoline engine.[14]

The 1985 model from July the same year[10] signalled another facelift, the release of the two-door Space 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).[15] 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 optional power steering.[10][16][17]

Versions with unique local specifications were assembled in New Zealand at GM's Trentham assembly plant. These were also badged Holden.

North America

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. The gasoline engine remained the same, but the LUV was now available with an Isuzu C223 diesel engine making 58 hp (43 kW) at 4,300 rpm and 93 lb·ft (126 N·m) at 2,200 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 in the United States in favor of their own S-10 compact pickup, but Isuzu picked up sales in the US that same year under the name "Isuzu P'up" (short for "pickup"). The US market received the same engines as before; either a 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 only available in short wheelbase form,[18] though some 4wd long-wheelbase diesels are known to exist, possibly dealer-installed or aftermarket conversions. Because of shared technology with GM and Isuzu, the diesel was offered with the LUV's replacement until 1985.

South America

As with North America, the Isuzu Faster was issued under the name "Chevrolet LUV" in South America. Manufactured in Chile from Japanese complete knock down (CKD) sets, these models entered production in 1980, continuing on until the release of the TF series in 1988. At the start, the versions assembled were the K-26 and K-28.

Isuzu KB 2-door pickup (Chile) 
1981 Holden Rodeo (KBD26) 2-door cab chassis 
1985 Holden Rodeo (KB) 2-door pickup (New Zealand) 
1982–1985 Holden Rodeo (KB28) LS 2-door pickup 
1988 Chevrolet LUV DLX Crew Cab 

Third generation (TF; 1988–2002)

Third generation

Isuzu TF 4-door pickup (Italy)
Overview
Also called Isuzu Rodeo (Japan,Thailand *4WD only)
Isuzu Faster-Z (Thailand)
Isuzu Dragon Eyes (Thailand)
Isuzu Dragon Power (Thailand)
Isuzu Fuego (Philippines)
Isuzu Invader (Sabah)
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 Aoling T-Series (China)
Jinbei SY10 (China)
JiangLing Baodian (China)
JiangLing Hunter (Philippines)
Production 1988–2002
Assembly Chile: Arica
Colombia: Bogotá
China: Chongqing (Qingling)
Japan: Fujisawa Plant, Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Philippines: Biñan[19]
Philippines: Santa Rosa (Jiangling-DreamCo)[20]
Portugal: Vendas Novas (ITUK)
Thailand: Rayong
Tunisia: Kairouan (IMM)
United States: Lafayette, Indiana
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door pickup truck
2-door pickup truck (Space Cab)
4-door pickup truck (Crew Cab)
Related Isuzu Wizard (first generation)
Powertrain
Engine 2.2 L 115 hp (85 kW) C22NE / 22LE I4
2.3 L 4ZD1 I4
2.6 L 4ZE1 I4
2.5 L 4JA1-T
2.8 L 4JB1-T td I4
3.0 L 4JH1-T
3.1 L 4JG2-T td I4
3.1 L LG6 V6
3.2 L 6VD1 V6
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual

For the third generation (TF), introduced in 1988, the domestic Japanese lineup was divided into two, with the "Faster" label used on rear-wheel drive versions with four-wheel drives now sold as the Isuzu 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 called Isuzu Pickup and Chevrolet LUV. In the United Kingdom, the pickup was called Isuzu TF and also Bedford Brava from 1988 until 1991 when the Bedford brand was dropped and it became the Vauxhall Brava. The Isuzu was also sold in mainland Europe along with the Opel 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 the Isuzu KB name used in South Africa and some other markets. The names Isuzu Faster-Z, Isuzu TFR, and Honda Tourmaster were used in Thailand. A Thai-market SUV based on the TF was sold as the Thairung Adventure, produced in semi-knocked-down by Thai Rung Union Car. Names used in other markets include: Chevrolet T-Series (Egypt), Isuzu Ippon (Israel), Isuzu Fuego (Philippines), and as the Isuzu Invader in the north-eastern parts of Malaysia (Sabah). License built copies have been sold as the Jinbei 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 the 4JB1 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) 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 the D-Max from 2002.

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 model Isuzu Wizard.

Australia

Holden introduced the TF 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 kilowatts (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-door SpaceCab, with space for two small jump-seats (rarely if ever fitted in Australia) behind the front passengers, and a four-door Crewcab, with space for the driver and four passengers. Several trim levels were available, which included DX (base model), LX (mid-range RWD, top of 4WD range) and LT (top of range, only available as a RWD petrol Crewcab).

The facelifted 1997 (1998 model year) Holden Rodeo came with a new trim level, LT Sport, available as a four-wheel Crewcab 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 a pickup truck in Australia until it was replaced in 2003 by the new look Rodeo based on the Isuzu D-Max. Accordingly, this engine was the most popular engine in the Rodeo, and the Rodeo sold very well overall, nearing the sales numbers of the Toyota 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 injection intercooled turbodiesel. The update was also accompanied by minor styling changes, such as clear indicator lenses, and a different grille.

Europe

In Europe the Isuzu was sold as the TF alongside the rebadged "Opel Campo". In the United Kingdom "Vauxhall Brava" badging was used rather than Opel. These received the same updates as did the Isuzu TF in general markets, and a variety of bodystyles were available, usually coupled with diesel engines.

North America

In North America, the TF series appeared in 1987 as simply the "Isuzu Pickup". Produced at Lafayette, Indiana, Isuzu continued on with the TF until 1996 when it was finally replaced with the Hombre (a badged-engineered Chevrolet S-10). The only engines available were the 96 hp (72 kW) 2.3-liter 4ZD1, the 120 PS (88 kW) 2.6-liter 4ZE1 and the GM 3.1-liter V-6 (designation LG6) producing 120 hp (89 kW) and 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) for the '91–'94 model years.[21] This truck holds the distinction of becoming the last carbureted passenger vehicle sold new in the United States (1994 model year).

South America

As with the previous KB series generation, South American markets again received the TF models under the "Chevrolet LUV" name. Chilean assembly commenced in 1988, reaching 40 percent domestic parts content, with a successful export program beginning in 1993 to Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, and Venezuela. In total, more than 220,000 units were produced. From 1999 and to little success, Thai Rung Union Car supplied the Chevrolet plant in Arica, Chile with the unique body panels from their "Isuzu Grand Adventure" model to make the "Chevrolet LUV Wagon" and the "Chevrolet Grand LUV". The Grand Adventure was a wagon version of the TF series pickup.

By the late 1980s, supplementary assembly began in Bogotá, Colombia by Colmotores, and in Quito, Ecuador by Omnibus BB Transportes (now General Motors Ecuador) with a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, making 80 horsepower (60 kW).

October 2005 marked the cessation of Chilean manufacture. It was replaced by a new generation LUV, based on the Faster's replacement the Isuzu D-Max.

1990 Isuzu Pickup regular cab, United States 
1988–1990 Holden Rodeo 2-door cab chassis 
1991–1992 Holden Rodeo DLX 2-door cab chassis 
2001–2003 Holden Rodeo LX 2-door cab chassis 
1996 Opel Campo Crew Cab (TFS54) 
2000 Chevrolet LUV LS 
2003 Chevrolet Grand LUV wagon 
2004 Chevrolet LUV Cargo 
2005 Chevrolet LUV 

References

  1. ↑ Ruiz (1986), p. 131.
  2. 1 2 "Chevrolet Colorado History". Edmunds. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
  3. ↑ "Bedford KB (KB25) brochure (Europe, left-hand drive)". Bedford Vehicles. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
  4. 1 2 The Isuzu KB pick-up. More than ever, Your kind of pick-up. For your kind of work, Tokyo: Isuzu Motors Limited, December 1977, p. 8, E781-KB/KBD
  5. ↑ "自動車ガイドブック" [Japanese motor vehicles guide book] (in Japanese). 20. Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. 30 October 1973: 230.
  6. 1 2 Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "KB Rodeo: December 1980 to August 1988"; "GM-H had been importing light and heavy Isuzu trucks from Japan since the early 1970s. First of these was the Isuzu KB utility, sold as the Chevrolet LUV (Light utility Vehicle). The reputation and recognition of this little utility grew over time until in 1977, the Chevrolet name was deleted and the Isuzu nameplate was used instead. Late in 1980, KB received a major facelift [redesign]. With new sheetmetal, the opportunity was taken to re-badge the car yet again – this time as Holden Rodeo."
  7. ↑ "Holden Rodeo – Used Car Research". GoAuto. John Mellor. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Holden Rodeo (Isuzu Utility)". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  9. ↑ Ikenson, Daniel (18 June 2003). "Ending the 'Chicken War': The Case for Abolishing the 25 Percent Truck Tariff" (PDF). Cato Institute. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Bebbington (2009), p. 280.
    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
  11. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 279–280. "These early series Rodeos could be identified by: the simple horizontal-slat grille design, round headlamps and central Holden lion logo."; "In late 1982, Rodeo received a facelift with a bold new twelve-segment grille and rectangular headlights."
  12. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "Initially, Rodeo was sold in utility (pick-up) and cab chassis body styles, with a choice of two or four-wheel drive. All versions were offered with a 1600cc petrol or 2000cc diesel powerplant. The transmission was a 4-speed all-synchro manual gearbox with floor or column shift."
  13. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "Tagged the 1983 year model, it featured increased basic engine capacities – 1800cc petrol and 2200cc diesel. The upmarket LS model (coded KB28) has a 2000cc petrol engine, coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission."
  14. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "The next update was the 1984 model released in February of that year, with further model proliferation. The 2000cc petrol engine became the base powerplant and the 2200cc diesel remained the option."
  15. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "With yet another facelift, the 1985 model range was broadened to include the Space Cab – a 2-door utility with a slightly extended cabin, providing extra storage space behind the seats. Also for 1985, a new 2.3-litre petrol engine was added to the range. [...] In 1985, the 4-speed manual gearbox and column-shift selector were deleted. All Rodeos now had a 5-speed floor-shift manual transmission as standard."
  16. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "In 1986, the range was altered again, with the 2.3-litre petrol engine now fitted as standard equipment across the board. The following year, the KB series Rodeo received its final facelift, identified by the distinctive open rectangular grille design."
  17. ↑ Bebbington (2009), p. 280. "Power steering available from 1987".
  18. ↑ Lamm (1981), p. 108.
  19. ↑ "Isuzu. Isuzu in the Philippines". Car-cat.com. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  20. ↑ "China intensifies car competition in Philippines". Gasgoo. 10 April 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  21. ↑ General Motors 60° V6 engine#Generation I

Bibliography

Isuzu international road car timeline, 1950s–1970s — next »
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s
3456789 0123456789 0123456789
Subcompact car Gemini
Compact car Bellett
Minx Minx 117 Coupé 117 Coupé 117 Coupé
Bellel Florian Florian SII
Full-size Statesman de Ville
Compact pickup Wasp Faster / TF
Compact SUV Unicab
Isuzu road vehicle timeline, United States market, 1980s–2008
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
0123456789 0123456789 012345678
Subcompact car I-Mark I-Mark
Compact car Impulse Impulse
Stylus
Compact SUV VehiCROSS
Amigo Amigo / Rodeo Sport
Rodeo Rodeo
Mid-size SUV Axiom
Trooper Trooper Trooper Ascender
Minivan Oasis
Pickup P'up Pickup Hombre i-Series
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