Skip to main content

2001
Isuzu VehiCROSS

Starts at:
$30,350
Shop options
New 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Isuzu’s VehiCROSS is the sports car of four-wheelers. Its long hood, low roof, ribbed doors and unpainted plastic lower body panels draw the same kind of gap-mouthed stares as a slinky sports coupe.

Its futuristic styling first appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1993. Strong public response prompted it to be approved for production, and about 200 a month are being imported. Because of its limited production, higher-than-sticker prices aren’t uncommon and some dealers may not have more than one.

Built on a chassis with a 91.8-inch wheelbase (shorter than a Jeep Wrangler), its overall length is 10 inches more than a Wrangler. It is wider, as well.

The VehiCROSS appears to have gone from auto show turntable to production with a minimum of changes, in much the same was as the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler. As a consequence, it won’t appeal to everyone. Those who do like it will be willing to put up with a lack of headroom, hard ride and limited cargo space in order to drive a vehicle with cutting-edge style.

All of which is not to say that the VehiCROSS misses the mark, because it doesn’t. It just has a specific clientele. If you think of it more as a two-door sports car that can be taken off road than a truck for heavy hauling, its role becomes clearer.

I liked driving it, but then headroom has never been much of an issue for me because I am not tall. I soon acquired the knack of simultaneously stepping up and ducking my head to get in. Proper use of the outside mirrors is required because rear vision is seriously impeded by the spare tire that intrudes into the rear window and small side windows. It was, however, no worse than driving some minivans or sports coupes.

The Recaro seats, covered in red and black leather, held me in place like a giant glove. While the interior might be too bright for some, it does a good job of capturing the concept-car feel without being clownish.

The instrument panel is pretty standard, unlike the concept vehicle. The stereo and climate controls have been squeezed into a pretty small space and that makes them somewhat hard to use because their buttons are small.

A nifty in-dash, 6-disc CD player swallows discs one at a time and takes up hardly any space.

The split-folding back seat is hard to get into and fairly small.

The side-opening tailgate completely encloses a full-size spare tire, which is removed by taking off an inside panel. Cargo space is pretty small unless the back seat is folded down.

Power comes from Isuzu’s 3.5-liter V6. This DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder design pumps out 215 horsepower and performs well at both low and high speeds thanks to a variable intake system that switches from a high-torque setting to a high-power setting at 3,600 rpm. This results in crisp throttle response from a start and adequate power for passing on the highway.

The automatic transmission has both power and winter modes.

Four-wheel- drive features Isuzu’s Torque-On-Demand (TOD) system, a complex method of shifting power from rear to front wheels depending on driving conditions and tire spin. TOD works seamlessly in the background, and a small indicator on the instrument panel displays how the power is being divided front-to-rear.

Although set up to provide good all-weather traction, TOD comes into play on wet roads, in turns and under braking. Power transfer is through an electromagnetic multiplate clutch, and Isuzu’s engineers have tuned it to engage smoothly in light traction situations. When the anti-lock brakes are activated, the TOD system helps maintain braking stability, according to Isuzu.

In the rain, I could floor the throttle and TOD would send power to all four wheels, eliminating wheelspin instantly. Accelerating around turns was notably free of drama, too.

And speaking of turns, the VehiCROSS did not feel top heavy or unwieldy in turns. The ride is firm, to be sure, but well con rolled. The independent suspension uses aluminum shock absorbers with a separate expansion chamber, an unusual feature for a standard production vehicle. This design helps cool the oil inside the shock absorbers and keeps their function uniform.

It’s not often a vehicle comes along with the road presence of the VehiCROSS. While styling is its highlight, the fact that it drives more like a sports car than a truck will endear it to buyers willing to put up with a small back seat and lack of headroom.

Price

The base price of our test vehicle was $28,900. Add in a cargo net and transportation costs and the sticker price was $29,687.

Warranty

Three years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The VehiCROSS’s futuristic styling draws plenty of attention. The ribbed body, unpainted plastic and fully covered spare tire have the panache of a concept car. A sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and tight suspension add to its pavement prowess.

Counterpoint: Rear vision and headroom are both limited. The back seat is small, too, and there is not a lot of cargo space. The ride is firm, but handling is good.

SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE: 3.5-liter, V6
TRANSMISSION: automatic
CONFIGURATION: four-wheel drive
WHEELBASE: 91.8 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 3,955 lbs.
BASE PRICE: $28,900
PRICE AS DRIVEN: $29,687
MPG RATING: 15 city, 19 hwy.

2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS review: Our expert's take
By

Isuzu’s VehiCROSS is the sports car of four-wheelers. Its long hood, low roof, ribbed doors and unpainted plastic lower body panels draw the same kind of gap-mouthed stares as a slinky sports coupe.

Its futuristic styling first appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1993. Strong public response prompted it to be approved for production, and about 200 a month are being imported. Because of its limited production, higher-than-sticker prices aren’t uncommon and some dealers may not have more than one.

Built on a chassis with a 91.8-inch wheelbase (shorter than a Jeep Wrangler), its overall length is 10 inches more than a Wrangler. It is wider, as well.

The VehiCROSS appears to have gone from auto show turntable to production with a minimum of changes, in much the same was as the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler. As a consequence, it won’t appeal to everyone. Those who do like it will be willing to put up with a lack of headroom, hard ride and limited cargo space in order to drive a vehicle with cutting-edge style.

All of which is not to say that the VehiCROSS misses the mark, because it doesn’t. It just has a specific clientele. If you think of it more as a two-door sports car that can be taken off road than a truck for heavy hauling, its role becomes clearer.

I liked driving it, but then headroom has never been much of an issue for me because I am not tall. I soon acquired the knack of simultaneously stepping up and ducking my head to get in. Proper use of the outside mirrors is required because rear vision is seriously impeded by the spare tire that intrudes into the rear window and small side windows. It was, however, no worse than driving some minivans or sports coupes.

The Recaro seats, covered in red and black leather, held me in place like a giant glove. While the interior might be too bright for some, it does a good job of capturing the concept-car feel without being clownish.

The instrument panel is pretty standard, unlike the concept vehicle. The stereo and climate controls have been squeezed into a pretty small space and that makes them somewhat hard to use because their buttons are small.

A nifty in-dash, 6-disc CD player swallows discs one at a time and takes up hardly any space.

The split-folding back seat is hard to get into and fairly small.

The side-opening tailgate completely encloses a full-size spare tire, which is removed by taking off an inside panel. Cargo space is pretty small unless the back seat is folded down.

Power comes from Isuzu’s 3.5-liter V6. This DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder design pumps out 215 horsepower and performs well at both low and high speeds thanks to a variable intake system that switches from a high-torque setting to a high-power setting at 3,600 rpm. This results in crisp throttle response from a start and adequate power for passing on the highway.

The automatic transmission has both power and winter modes.

Four-wheel- drive features Isuzu’s Torque-On-Demand (TOD) system, a complex method of shifting power from rear to front wheels depending on driving conditions and tire spin. TOD works seamlessly in the background, and a small indicator on the instrument panel displays how the power is being divided front-to-rear.

Although set up to provide good all-weather traction, TOD comes into play on wet roads, in turns and under braking. Power transfer is through an electromagnetic multiplate clutch, and Isuzu’s engineers have tuned it to engage smoothly in light traction situations. When the anti-lock brakes are activated, the TOD system helps maintain braking stability, according to Isuzu.

In the rain, I could floor the throttle and TOD would send power to all four wheels, eliminating wheelspin instantly. Accelerating around turns was notably free of drama, too.

And speaking of turns, the VehiCROSS did not feel top heavy or unwieldy in turns. The ride is firm, to be sure, but well con rolled. The independent suspension uses aluminum shock absorbers with a separate expansion chamber, an unusual feature for a standard production vehicle. This design helps cool the oil inside the shock absorbers and keeps their function uniform.

It’s not often a vehicle comes along with the road presence of the VehiCROSS. While styling is its highlight, the fact that it drives more like a sports car than a truck will endear it to buyers willing to put up with a small back seat and lack of headroom.

Price

The base price of our test vehicle was $28,900. Add in a cargo net and transportation costs and the sticker price was $29,687.

Warranty

Three years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The VehiCROSS’s futuristic styling draws plenty of attention. The ribbed body, unpainted plastic and fully covered spare tire have the panache of a concept car. A sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and tight suspension add to its pavement prowess.

Counterpoint: Rear vision and headroom are both limited. The back seat is small, too, and there is not a lot of cargo space. The ride is firm, but handling is good.

SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE: 3.5-liter, V6
TRANSMISSION: automatic
CONFIGURATION: four-wheel drive
WHEELBASE: 91.8 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 3,955 lbs.
BASE PRICE: $28,900
PRICE AS DRIVEN: $29,687
MPG RATING: 15 city, 19 hwy.

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 120,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.9
Value 4.9
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • Don't be a metoo

    Purchased my 2001 Proton Yellow in June of 2022 with 116,000 miles on the odometer. Had liked them for years but couldn't find one close to me. Purchased as a daily driver. Have had it almost a year with no issues at all. A\C and heat will run you out! Backseat is very roomy, although being an acrobat is almost a necessity to get to it. The look is remarkable. Was in love with the thought of a Jeep, until you meet one on the road and they look like every other one. Gas mileage could be better, but I will pay that price to be different. Drives wonderfully. Very capable off road. I the factory Recaro leather seats are great! Just a great quirky, suv. Would suggest to anyone who likes different stand out vehicles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • More than a Jeep!

    I have owned 2 Jeep Wranglers. No comparison with this thing, hands down. Mine needs a paint job right now. Not gonna be easy to find...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Dream ride just happens to be an older SUV

    I can't really express how much this vehicle fits me. From the predictable braking to the smooth power steering to the solid feel. Who would have thought that my best fit is a 16 year old SUV? It is. This thing runs the highways great, corners very well has an all around great feel to drive it. After driving it only for a couple weeks, I drove my other vehicle, a BMW X3 with the 2.8. I was shocked by the engine hesitation on initial acceleration and when shifting and the lean in turns. I had quickly gotten used to the VehiCross that had none of that, and I couldn't believe I had been driving the X3 for years without realizing it. Sure, it's an older vehicle, but it has the driving characteristics that make me feel good when I drive it. My reason to buy it was that I could buy it with cash, then sell my other SUV and get out from under the payment. Of course the looks were an advantage too. Everyone loves the looks of the VehiCross. Surprise! I got a lot more than I was expecting.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Performance Functional Exotic Crossover

    This crossover known historically a benchmark in design. Performance features and straight forward technology are some of it's attributes. Remarkably agile although purposely versatile.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Little beast!

    I currently own an '01 Vehicross and I must say that I love it! While not the highway vehicle, the offload prowess is undeniable! Stylish and fun! A real head turner!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun little car with lots of Torque

    This car is under appreciated probably because most people don't actually know what it is. Its a great small truck. Compact size makes it easy to park and drive in traffic. The 3.5L engine can makes it a mini rocket. Be warned though you will need a rear camera or a giraffe neck to see from the back window and the ride can be a little rough. Tough to get in the back seat though , not ideal if you have kids or need a booster seat in the back. Great for both commuting, city driving, trail or just parking it , cleaning and staring at how good it looks. Lots of info on customization and there are forums vibrant with enthusiasts willing to help you in any way they can. Not good for relationships as it has a way of stealing your heart.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Awesome Vehicle

    Very fun and eye-catching vehicle. One of the funnest vehciles I've driven. It's low RPM High torque allows it to climb steep inclines, you can drive through anything with this vehicle, and it handles nicely on the road with lots of power. Everywhere I go it turns heads since there were only 3100 sold in USA. The interior is very sharp and modern as well as the exterior. The chrome alloy rims hold up very nicely, no lack of quality here.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Off-roading
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • One of the Funniest SUV currently on the road

    I have owned my Proton Yellow VehiCross since 2003......I specifically searched for one year to find the right color, low mileage and excellent condition VehiCross. Still people ask, what is it, and can not believe how old it is. The only problem when purchased was the electric windows, which the manufacturer had a fix for but of course was not covered under warranty. I have several cars and this is the most fun to drive, not only because it is rare but it handles great..... I wish they did not stop production but I understand why as they only have 2 doors. Great SUV, fun SUV, I love my Vehicross.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2000 Isuzu VehiCross

    The Best V Cross Real SUV Ever Put Out For Public Consumer!! I Am The Proud 1st Owner Of A 2000 Isuzu VehiCross with 55,000 Original Miles And Love It! Very Expensive To Maintain Unless You Can Work On it Yourself! Good For me, Since I Am An Auto Mechanic, Etc. However, The New Parts Are Very Expensive (Special Ordered From Japan). \ Also, For 2009 and After, Isuzu Vehicles are No Longer Exported To The USA. Just Think, What The Resale Price Will Be 20 - 50 Years From Now?
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • If I have enough money I'd buy them all.

    I own one and I'm going to buy one for each color/combination. I like everything about this car ,is unique and a really off-roader. I highly recommended.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Like no one else ....

    Deffinetly V-cross is the top of SUV coupe that i've ever seen. I decide to purchase an SUV & since then i'd test few SUV's of my preference,pathfinder,X-terra,RAV-4,liberty renagade,explorer,yukon,expedition,etc. I cleary understand that all of those trucks cannot be compared due to the differents features,styles & other stuff,however to me V-cross is one of a kind. Only two or three more features i'll suggest to the amount already added opctions in the V-cross.which is sunroof,GPS navigation & an folding center console at the rear seats. The lack of cup holders is a small turn off,but come one guys,remember that this state-of-the-art wasn't intented for production by isuzu. The torque-on-demand system is outstanding.the powerfull 3.5L is unique if we consider that V-cross is an mid-size truck. Even newer mid-size trucks doesn't match the powerfull V-cross engine,such as toyota RAV-4,suzuki XL-7,sport track explorer or either come close to it. Is a must-turn-head,where ever i drive by people stop me,i can recall this nice chick who follow me almost 34 miles until a stop by a gas station just to aks me where this truck came from. Out there's many beautyfull cars,but V-cross step aside from all of the rest. I deffinetly love this one & hope isuzu soon decide to bring them back on production.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Off-roading
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS?

The 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS?

The 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS offers up to 15 MPG in city driving and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS reliable?

The 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS owners.

Is the 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.9
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":null,"stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"SUV","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]