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1998
Isuzu Amigo

Starts at:
$15,032
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New 1998 Isuzu Amigo
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Convertible 2WD I4
    Starts at
    $15,032
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible 4WD I4
    Starts at
    $17,544
    20 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible 4WD V6
    Starts at
    $19,398
    18 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1998 Isuzu Amigo review

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

Generation X’ers rejoice. After a three-year hiatus, Isuzu’s Amigo is back, ready to prowl the beaches or frolic on college campuses.

Fold down the canvas rear section of its top and this stubby sport-utility vehicle draws twentysomethings as inexorably as a bug zapper does mosquitoes (not with the same result, I might add).

This half-convertible sport-utility vehicle is much more civilized than its predecessor because it is derived from the new Rodeo, which is built in Lafayette, Indiana. It blends the safety and security of a fixed roof with the open-air fun of a convertible. Front-seat passengers are covered by a steel roof (with a pop-up, removable sunroof) while a folding, soft top covers back-seat passengers. Big wheels and fender flares give it a rugged look.

The base model, with a 4-cylinder engine and two-wheel drive, starts around $15,000, while the V-6 powered, four-wheel-drive version, like the test car, begins at $19,398.

The Amigo’s 96.9-inch wheelbase is roughly 10 inches shorter than the Rodeo, but many of its mechanical components are the same. The 3.2-liter, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) powerplant has 205 horsepower. Isuzu this engine’s weight has been reduced by a compact cylinder head design and a cast-aluminum crankcase.

On the road, the V6 is smooth and lively. A variable-length intake system fattens up the low-speed throttle response while enabling the engine to breathe freely at high rpm. Keeping up with traffic is easy, especially with the 5-speed gearbox whose shift linkage is light and positive. An over-drive fifth gear allows the engine to relax at highway speeds so you’re not inundated with noise.

The base engine, a 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, is also a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) design, and it develops 130 horsepower. The V6, however, is the engine of choice because it is so smooth and peppy.

Four-wheel-drive is selected by a dash-mounted switch, while a stubby gear lever on the floor is used to select low range.

While the concept of a soft-top off-roader is most appealing, actually putting down the top required more time and effort than I expected. Side and back windows have to be unzipped and removed before the canvas top is unlatched from the steel roof and folded down behind the rear seat. Storing the windows so they don’t get scratched or damaged can be tricky. I’m sure it gets easier with practice.

The wide, center pillars of the top hinder rear three-quarter visibility, and the high-mounted stop light that sits above the spare tire is an irritant when looking in the rearview mirror.

From the driver’s perspective, the Amigo has been refined. Controls are logically arranged and easy to reach. The noise level is reasonable for a canvas-topped vehicle, due, in part, to the application of sound-damping, asphalt sheeting between the inner and outer dash panels, in the wheel wells and in the rear cargo area. Urethane foam has also been used in variou s body pillars.

The front seats are comfortable, and instrumentation is simple and legible.

Given the Amigo’s short wheelbase, it would be natural to assume that the back seat is too tight for anyone under 12 years old, but that is not the case. Getting back there does require some gymnastics, true, but once there, legroom was adequate. Also, the back seat folds down to create a cargo space which can be accessed through the side-opening tailgate.

Wider tread width front and rear not only gives the Amigo a rugged stance, but it improves handling. It felt stable in high-speed turns, and part of that can be attributed to a five-link, independent rear suspension that also does a good job of soaking up bumps.

The standard anti-lock brake control unit is now lighter and smaller.

Toyota and Kia both have similar vehicles, which indicates that drop-top SUVs are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. I can see why.

Price

The base price of our test vehic was $19,398. Options included air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, in-dash CD player, limited-slip differential, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and fender flares.

The sticker price was $24,007, including freight.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 50,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: Clearly, the Amigo is targeted at a young audience. The new V6 engine is smooth and responsive, and the interior is a much more hospitable place to be.

Counterpoint: Putting the top down is more complicated than I would like, and getting in and out of the back seat is better left to agile youth.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.2-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed

WHEELBASE: 96.9 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,668 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $19,398

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $24,007

MPG RATING: 18 city, 21 hwy.

1998 Isuzu Amigo review: Our expert's take
By

Generation X’ers rejoice. After a three-year hiatus, Isuzu’s Amigo is back, ready to prowl the beaches or frolic on college campuses.

Fold down the canvas rear section of its top and this stubby sport-utility vehicle draws twentysomethings as inexorably as a bug zapper does mosquitoes (not with the same result, I might add).

This half-convertible sport-utility vehicle is much more civilized than its predecessor because it is derived from the new Rodeo, which is built in Lafayette, Indiana. It blends the safety and security of a fixed roof with the open-air fun of a convertible. Front-seat passengers are covered by a steel roof (with a pop-up, removable sunroof) while a folding, soft top covers back-seat passengers. Big wheels and fender flares give it a rugged look.

The base model, with a 4-cylinder engine and two-wheel drive, starts around $15,000, while the V-6 powered, four-wheel-drive version, like the test car, begins at $19,398.

The Amigo’s 96.9-inch wheelbase is roughly 10 inches shorter than the Rodeo, but many of its mechanical components are the same. The 3.2-liter, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) powerplant has 205 horsepower. Isuzu this engine’s weight has been reduced by a compact cylinder head design and a cast-aluminum crankcase.

On the road, the V6 is smooth and lively. A variable-length intake system fattens up the low-speed throttle response while enabling the engine to breathe freely at high rpm. Keeping up with traffic is easy, especially with the 5-speed gearbox whose shift linkage is light and positive. An over-drive fifth gear allows the engine to relax at highway speeds so you’re not inundated with noise.

The base engine, a 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, is also a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) design, and it develops 130 horsepower. The V6, however, is the engine of choice because it is so smooth and peppy.

Four-wheel-drive is selected by a dash-mounted switch, while a stubby gear lever on the floor is used to select low range.

While the concept of a soft-top off-roader is most appealing, actually putting down the top required more time and effort than I expected. Side and back windows have to be unzipped and removed before the canvas top is unlatched from the steel roof and folded down behind the rear seat. Storing the windows so they don’t get scratched or damaged can be tricky. I’m sure it gets easier with practice.

The wide, center pillars of the top hinder rear three-quarter visibility, and the high-mounted stop light that sits above the spare tire is an irritant when looking in the rearview mirror.

From the driver’s perspective, the Amigo has been refined. Controls are logically arranged and easy to reach. The noise level is reasonable for a canvas-topped vehicle, due, in part, to the application of sound-damping, asphalt sheeting between the inner and outer dash panels, in the wheel wells and in the rear cargo area. Urethane foam has also been used in variou s body pillars.

The front seats are comfortable, and instrumentation is simple and legible.

Given the Amigo’s short wheelbase, it would be natural to assume that the back seat is too tight for anyone under 12 years old, but that is not the case. Getting back there does require some gymnastics, true, but once there, legroom was adequate. Also, the back seat folds down to create a cargo space which can be accessed through the side-opening tailgate.

Wider tread width front and rear not only gives the Amigo a rugged stance, but it improves handling. It felt stable in high-speed turns, and part of that can be attributed to a five-link, independent rear suspension that also does a good job of soaking up bumps.

The standard anti-lock brake control unit is now lighter and smaller.

Toyota and Kia both have similar vehicles, which indicates that drop-top SUVs are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. I can see why.

Price

The base price of our test vehic was $19,398. Options included air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, in-dash CD player, limited-slip differential, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and fender flares.

The sticker price was $24,007, including freight.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 50,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: Clearly, the Amigo is targeted at a young audience. The new V6 engine is smooth and responsive, and the interior is a much more hospitable place to be.

Counterpoint: Putting the top down is more complicated than I would like, and getting in and out of the back seat is better left to agile youth.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.2-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed

WHEELBASE: 96.9 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,668 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $19,398

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $24,007

MPG RATING: 18 city, 21 hwy.

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Best car I have owned.

    I bought this car used in 1999 with 13k miles. Great car for the money. Great leg room and plenty of space for the size of the car. Very fun to drive and very reliable. Never had any issues and never left me stranded anywhere. Sold it in 2007 to buy a used BMW X3 (worst car ever), my biggest mistake.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Make sure the recalls done before purchasing

    It's a nice car. Too bad I bought it before finding out it never had the recalls done and Isuzu doesn't have dealerships in the US anymore. That cost me $4500 to just fix the recalled issues, even though most hadn't acted up yet. The ABS warning light liked to come on and off for no reason. It was a recall on the harness and sensor. The sensor is extremely expensive. Good car otherwise.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • WoodsWoman

    My Amigo gets me where I need to go. I drive on logging roads in snow and mud and I haven't gotten stuck yet. It's great driving after a snow storm, I don't have to worry so much about sliding off the road. Also there's enough space to haul all my stuff.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • Good car

    I've had a 1998 Amigo for 3 years now, and it has been a good reliable car. I bought it used, 5 years old, at 60000 miles. The only service i had done on it were scheduled maintenance things (including changing head gasket, which was the most pricey repair done), plus the oxygen sensor had a little problem once. Really havent spent much on this car since i've had it. I just had a new battery put on since the original one was pretty worn and now its like new. I love my amigo, its fun with the removable top and it has personality. I often get compliments on my cool car, still. It has almost 100000 miles now and i still plan on keeping it for a while!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo?

The 1998 Isuzu Amigo is available in 1 trim level:

  • (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1998 Isuzu Amigo?

The 1998 Isuzu Amigo offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 24 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 1998 Isuzu Amigo reliable?

The 1998 Isuzu Amigo has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 Isuzu Amigo owners.

Is the 1998 Isuzu Amigo a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 3.7
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.0
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