AutoWorld.com - CERRITOS, CA--Isuzu's tough little Amigo boasts a room-for-five interior, a suspension that by merely changing the shocks, beat the Baja, and a drivetrain with either a 205 horsepower 3.2 liter V6, or a 130 horsepower 2.2 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. It also offers a choice between a hard top or traditional soft top models. Built at Isuzu's shared Lafayette, Ind. plant (SIA), the 2000 Amigo delivers segment leading quality, engineering, and value.

Two Powerful Choices: 3.2 Liter 205 hp V6 or 2.2 Liter 130 hp I-4  
Get A Quick Quote Here  

    Isuzu Motors Limited's potent Amigo may be equipped with either a 205 horsepower DOHC V6 or a 130 horsepower DOHC, in-line, four-cylinder engine.

The high-performance V6 is a 3.2-liter, 24-valve, 4-cam and is rated at 214 ft.-lb. torque @ 3000 rpm and 205 hp @ 5400 rpm. Compared to other V6 engines, this Isuzu News Bureau, aluminum engine is a lightweight powerhouse. Its compact cylinder head design and the use of magnesium alloy in the head covers, plus a die cast aluminum crankcase are among the most important design elements contributing to its low engine weight.

In addition to its low weight, Amigo's V6 power output is improved through a combination of high-flow multi-valve cylinder heads and an intake system featuring variable length air-intake ports. This system employs a valve that directs incoming air through either the short or long tubes, depending on engine speed. At 3600 rpm or below, the valve, activated by a solenoid, closes. This diverts incoming air into the long tubes, providing high torque at low and intermediate speeds. Above 3600 rpm, the solenoid turns off, opening the valve which effectively shortens the intake length, thereby providing more horsepower at high engine speeds.

The engine air intake duct has been moved from under the hood to a location at the top of the left-front wheel well. This design boosts performance by directing cooler air to the engine. Duct design, combined with a remote air-filter, reduces the intake of moisture and dirt into the engine.

 Optimized to improve torque at low and intermediate speeds.  
Get A Quick Quote Here  

   Isuzu Motors Limited has also made significant strides in the reduction of friction through the use of low-tension valve springs, reduced oil pump rotor width, short skirt pistons, fine-finished cam bearing surfaces, and grooved bearings for connecting rods and main bearings. Reducing friction frees up power that would otherwise have been wasted. Combined with Isuzu Motors Limited's direct valve actuation system results in higher performance and improved fuel efficiency.

Isuzu Motors Limited's direct valve actuation system, is driven by an auto tensioned serpentine timing belt. This belt drives a center gear that meshes with the drive gears for each of the cams of the DOHC V6 engine. This drive mechanism is very stable and accurate and controls valve timing precisely for improved power, efficiency and long service life.

The Isuzu V6 bottom end is super strong and durable, as well as efficient. The V6 crankshaft is fastened in place with six bolts per main bearing. Four bolts fasten vertically into the main bearing boss with two more cross-drilled to mount horizontally. This method assures the bearing clearances remain stable during full-power, long-duration pulls, such as one may encounter climbing steep, extended grades. The primary benefit of holding main bearing clearance to spec, even under the harshest conditions is reliability.

A new igniter, utilizing technology borrowed from Formula 1 racing, operates a transistor that has been built into the plug-top coils of each cylinder. This provides improved ignition performance and eliminates the need for a conventional ignition control module. Platinum-tipped spark plugs, with a service life of 100,000 miles, extend service between tune-ups.  
Get A Quick Quote Here  

  Both 2000 Amigo engines are equipped with an auto-tensioned polyester serpentine drive belt. This assures belt tension never needs manual adjustment, reduces the need for maintenance and extends the service life of the engine.

These features, and others, combine to provide the V6-equipped Amigo with brisk performance that enhances one's driving experience.  

Standard on the base two-wheel drive model is a 2.2-liter DOHC, 16-valve design, providing 130 hp @ 5200 rpm along with 144 ft.-lb. torque @ 4000 rpm. Its high-compression, pent-roof, center-plug combustion chambers are fueled through multi-port fuel injection and fired by a direct ignition system, providing excellent power and fuel economy.  
Get A Quick Quote Here  

   Vibration and noise are suppressed through a combination of a balance shaft, an electric cooling fan with an electronic control module, and an ignition knock control system. The platinum plugs help stretch time between maintenance intervals and extend engine service life.

Isuzu Motors Limited has been successful in developing engines that deliver more horsepower and torque, while providing longer service intervals and lighter weight.

Amigo: The big Little-SUV packed with World Class Features

The 96.9 inch (2462 mm) wheelbase gives Amigo quick, sporty handling and a tight turning radius to negotiate the obstacles of modem life, or those of an unruly mountain trail. Inside, the legroom is generous, headroom and shoulder room remarkable. Amigo is a legitimate and comfortable five-seater with ample storage space.

The rear tailgate opens easily to the left with one hand, providing convenient and safe loading and curbside access. With Amigo's integrated spare tire carrier and tailgate, the need for a separate spare tire rack has been eliminated. Easy access to the cabin through the tailgate is possible even when the soft top is in place.

Driver controls and gauges have been designed for easy use and reading. The new performance oriented, white-face speedometer and tachometer are attractive and easy to monitor. To improve access and operation, basic switches are located to the left and right of the steering wheel. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls are dial-type.

The hazard-light switch is located in the center of the dash and can be readily activated by either driver or passenger. Four-wheel drive is engaged with the push of a dash mounted button, while the floor-mounted gear lever remains for 4VVD high or low selection.

Noise is minimized because of sound-damping asphalt-sheeting sandwiched between inner and outer dash panels, under the front floor, inside the wheel wells and in the luggage area. Body pillars are filled with urethane foam; a foaming sealant has been applied to the rocker panels to further suppress noise transmission.

Weight reduction was an important consideration during the Amigo's development, so important assemblies and systems were designed to be strong and effective, yet light in weight. The engine-rpm sensing power steering pump, rack-and  pinion steering, and the five-link independent rear suspension, contribute to Amigo's modest curb weight as does the compact ABS system. The size of the ABS system, was reduced by combining the hydraulic unit, the electronic control unit (ECU) and the relay, into one assembly. On 4WD models, Isuzu Motors Limited engineers incorporated the G-sensor into the ECU. This eliminates the possibility of wiring problems between the G-sensor and the ECU while further reducing overall weight.

Unlike some hybrid mini-SUVs, every Amigo is centered upon a box-section ladder-type frame, featuring eight crossmembers. This platform gives the Amigo solid integrity for optimum performance of its independent double wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension. Amigo's galvanized steel shields for the radiator, transfer case, and fuel tank protect these assemblies from rocks, boulders and other hazards when on the road or off.

The ladder type frame with box-section rails and integrated body panels add stiffness to the unibody-type design, furthering Amigo's solid, smooth ride. The use of encapsulated plastic bumpers in the front and rear increases low-speed collision energy absorption and can significantly reduce repair costs. Other safety features include driver and passenger front air bags, height adjustable seat belt shoulder anchors, and an energy absorbing collapsible steering column.

Attached to the rugged box section ladder type frame is a competition proven suspension consisting of independent front double wishbone control arms and five link rear suspension. This arrangement controls wheel movement precisely affording excellent road feel and superior response to driver input even with a full 7.9 inches of travel.

The Amigo features a dash-mounted switch to engage its shift-on-the-fly 4WD system. Pushing the button causes transfer gears and axles to be connected, or disconnected at speeds up to 60 mph. In keeping with the true 4" heritage, there is a floor-mounted gear lever to make the change from 4VY'D-high to 4"-low.  
Get A Quick Quote Here  

   The system includes a "retrial" feature to overcome any engagement delay (some blockage in the system). After 1.5 seconds, the transfer motor will reverse its rotation for 1.2 seconds and then re-engage the transfer gears. If engagement is not completed after three automatic attempts, the system is overridden and the 4WD indicator lamp blinks to alert the driver of the situation. The list of standard equipment is extensive and perhaps the best package in its segment.

For starters, the Amigo features engine-rpm sensing power steering pump pressurizing the rack and pinion power steering, cruise-control (on V6); four-wheel ABS, and front wheel disc brakes. The standard features continue with tinted windshield and side windows; halogen headlamps, two-speed linked washer/wipers and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo cassette, full-logic audio system. Isuzu designers round out the package with a standard center console, full-instrumentation, large manual moonroof (tilt/detachable type) with sunshade (front and rear moonroof for Hard Top models); full interior carpeting, reclining front bucket seats, folding rear bench seat, and driver and passenger airbags. In 2000, P245nOR-16 tires on steel wheels will be standard and all tire combinations will get a standard hard plastic spare cover.

In 2000, Amigo soft top retains its easy-to-use removable top. By releasing two interior roof clamps, unzipping the rear and side windows, and unsnapping the top from the roof frame, the top can be removed and stored. Rear and side windows are replaceable should they become scratched or lost.

The fixed hard top features a second moonroof and glass side-windows.

The Amigo is available in the following colors: Alpine White, Bright Silver Metallic, Ebony Black and Zephyr Green Mica. Additionally, Pallazo Red Mica, Canal Blue Mica and Garden Green Mica are available on hard top only, and Copper Orange Mica is exclusive to the soft top model.

All Amigos offer a gray fabric interior with molded trim. The door trim insert is changed this year to match the seat cloth material. Amigo also gets redesigned seats, for added comfort and support. New white-faced gauges and graphics update the instrument panel, and a premium quality 2-DIN AM/FM Cassette with built-in 6-CD changer is available on S with the Preferred Equipment Package.

The Preferred Equipment Package can be ordered with the V6. It consists of black dual door mirrors with right convex and defroster system; 6-speaker 2-DIN AM/FM Cassette with built-in CD changer; air conditioning; carpeted floor mats; dual vanity mirrors; keyless entry/anti-theft system; front-door courtesy lamps; cargo convenience net; variable intermittent windshield wipers; center arm-rest pad; and power windows and doorlocks.

The 2000 Amigo sports updated front and rear styling. The hood slopes to a cascading egg crate-type grille and air darn combination. The slope of the hood gives the driver much better visibility than a level hood angle. Amigo's signature "blister" fenders emphasizes its genuine SUV performance capability, while small air dams at the rear of the lower bumper improve its coefficient of drag. A "corrugated" styling cue runs along the lower door panels, and Titan Gray "overfenders" emphasize Amigo's broad shouldered "go-anywhere" look.

The new Amigo has single halogen headlamps, flush mounted with composite clear lens multi-reflector housings. The combination lamps contain head lamp, side marker, reflectors and turn signals. Rear combination lamps contain the turn-signal, backup lamp, stop-lamp, side-marker, and reflector.

Customer Assurance

Regardless of vehicle trim level, model choice or point of origin, every Isuzu customer has the assurance of comprehensive vehicle warranties, and road-side assistance plus other welcoming guarantees. Enjoyable, safe and reliable transportation is what Isuzu is all about. To "Go farther" in vehicle design, value and after-sale consideration adds to Isuzu's sport-utility specialist reputation and the customer's peace of mind.

Concierge Program

Isuzu's Concierge desk staff contacts retail customers within 30-60 days of leasing or purchasing a Trooper, Rodeo, Amigo and VehiCROSS. The Concierge staff will confirm these customers are satisfied with the product, explain vehicle equipment, warranty coverage, and, if needed, maintenance issues. They will even set appointments with their dealer if there is an issue that needs attention.

The Concierge will also arrange towing to an Isuzu dealer or for alternate transportation, as well as resolve basic customer vehicle concerns and coordinate on-site assistance through the Owner Relations staff.

Get A Quick Quote Here  

USA Dealers          Auto Discussion
Invoice Pricing        Auto Calculator
Buying Tips            Contest
Classifieds              Popular Cars
Financing                Buy New & Used  
Free Email             Automotive News       
Lemon Check        Free Insurance Quotes    
Automotive Terminology