2000 ISUZU HOMBRE AMERICA'S MOST POWERFUL IMPORT BRAND COMPACT PICKUP
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Autoworld.com - David Lee - Hot on the heels of last season's styling update, the 2000
Isuzu Hombre charges into the competitive compact truck marketplace offering a wide range of choices as well as claiming the title as the most powerful import brand compact pickup in the market. Get
A Quick QuoteTopping the excitement chart is the popular Spacecab extended cab trucks. The 2000 Spacecab lineup benefits from a number of additional choices including a new S trim model and increased availability of the 4x4 models. Customers can now benefit from the Spacecab's increased interior space and passenger carrying abilities in both S & XS trim levels in their choice of rear drive or 4x4. All Spacecab pickups can be further enhanced with the availability of an optional third door. The optional third door is located on the driver's side and is hinged at the rear of the cab. The door opens well past 90 degrees allowing easy access to the rear portion of the cab. Standard cab Hombres are available in four-cylinder 2WD models in S & XS trim levels as well as a V-6 4WD model in S trim level. All Hombre pickups are built on a sturdy box section ladder type frame utilizing four crossmembers. Suspension details include an independent unequal length double wishbone setup in front with the 2WD models supported by coil springs and the 4x4 models sporting torsion bars. The rear suspension is the classic pickup live axle with leaf springs. Hombre suspension has 'and has been upgraded for 2000 with last season's optional performance package heavy-duty suspension package becoming standard equipment. All Hombres variable ratio power assist recirculating ball steering. Rear drive Hombres wear ventilated front disc and rear drum brake systems, measuring 10.5 and 9.5 inches respectively while 4x4 Hombre's feature larger 10.8 inches ventilated front discs and 11.6 solid rear discs. Four-wheel ABS is standard equipment across the board. As a comparison, most compact pickup competitors offer only rear-wheel ABS. Four-wheel drive models come standard with 12-hole aluminum alloy wheels. A five-spoke aluminum alloy wheel is optional on 2WD models. Mid-year, Hombre 4WD models get a new 235/75Rl5 tire that provides additional ground clearance and has an aggressive tread pattern for better "off-road'. performance. Drivetrain choices allow the buyer to tailor his or her Hombre to fit virtually any and all requirements. The base powerplant for the Hombre is a 2.2-liter-Iine, 4-cylinder engine. This fuel-injected workhorse is rated at 120 hp @ 5000 rpm and 140-ft. lb. torque @ 3600 rpm. The four cylinder becomes a dual fuel engine for the 2000 model year with the capability of burning E85 alcohol while maintaining its gasoline fueled horsepower ratings. The optional powerplant for the Hombre is the 4.3-liter V6. This engine boasts the largest displacement of any import brand compact pickup and for 2000 gets higher horsepower and torque production numbers making the Hombre the most powerful import branded compact pickup in the market. The 4WD V-6 is now rated at 190 hp @ 4400 rpm, a ten horsepower improvement over last year . Hombre 2WD models get a 5 horsepower boost to 180 hp @ 4400 rpm. In addition, both versions of the engine now produce an additional 10 ft-lbs. of torque for a total of 250 ft/lbs. torque @ 2800 rpm. Depending on trim level, the 4-cylinder and V6 are each available with either a five-speed manual transmission, or a four-speed automatic. Equipped with the V-6 and the required trailer towing equipment the Hombre has a 5000-pound towing capacity. The instrument panel houses a speedometer, trip odometer, fuel-level gauge, oil pressure, voltage and coolant temperature gauges. A tachometer is standard on 4WD models and optional on 2WD XS models. In addition, the instrument panel contains warning lights for airbags, battery, brakes, four-wheel ABS, up-shift (manual transmission only), daytime running lights, security, service body systems, low fuel, lights and engine malfunction. Four-wheel drive versions also have a "service 4WD" warning light. The steering wheel hub houses a smaller "next generation" airbag. All manual transmission Hombres include a floor-mounted mini-console with cupholder. Hombre standard cab S trim level models are outfitted with a tweed upholstered one-piece bench seat and, when equipped with automatic transmission, dual cupholders. On all 4x2 and automatic transmission equipped 4x4 Spacecab models and the XS standard cab models, the seating is a 60/40-split bench with custom cloth upholstery and a standard center armrest. Manual transmission equipped 4x4 Spacecab models are fitted with custom cloth upholstered bucket seats and also have dual cup holders and armrest storage with coin holder. All Spacecab models have vinyl-upholstered folding jump seats in the rear . On the third door equipped Spacecab models the rear passenger area features one jump seat while Spacecabmodels without the optional door are fitted with two seats. Hombre's features such segment unique features as battery run-down protection device, auto on/off headlights, variable intermittent wipers, and retained accessory power. Safety features abound with an immobilizer-equipped theft-deterrent system and dual air bags with passenger-side deactivation switch as standard equipment.  Hauling cargo in the Hombre is a win situation. Hombre 72.8-inch double-wall cargo bed offers up 39.4 cubic feet of cargo space below the bed top and a whole lot more if you stack things up. Slip a pair of2x6's into the sidewall pockets and lay a sheet of plywood across and Hombre provides two separate load areas. Sturdy tie down loops in each comer allow easy and secure points for securing whatever it is that you load. Hombres are available in six exterior colors, Olympic White, Black, Pewter Metallic, Indigo Blue Metallic, Meadow Green Metallic and Victory Red. The option sheet is highlighted by the preferred equipment package, which includes air conditioning, sliding rear window, AM/FM stereo/cassette player, tachometer (std. w/4WD) and floor mats. Isuzu's Concierge desk staff contact retail customers within 30-60 days of leasing or purchasing an Hombre. The Concierge staff will confirm these customers are satisfied with the product. explain vehicle equipment, warranty coverage, and, if needed, maintenance issues; even set appointments with their dealers if there is an issue that needs attention. The Concierge will also arrange towing as needed to an Isuzu dealer or for alternate transportation if called for, as well as resolve basic customer vehicle concerns and coordinate assistance to customer through the Owners Relations staff. |
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