While much of the Isuzu lineup is well received, the Isuzu Pickup was an uninspired model that struggled to keep up with the competition. It is hardly a shock that Isuzu decided to retire the design in 1995. The new Isuzu Hombre originally appeared in 1996, and fills the same role of a light pickup that once belonged to the Isuzu Pickup.
While the 1997 Isuzu Hombre is a marked improvement over the original Pickup, but it still has one sticking point. The design of the Isuzu Hombre is largely taken from the same design used for the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma. On one hand, this means it's using a well-established design that can make it a good choice for prospective buyers. However, it also means that drivers interested in the Isuzu Hombre could potentially go for the S-10 or Sonoma with no regrets in the face of a better deal.
The Range
Body Styles: pickup truck
Engines: 2.2-liter four-cylinder, 4.3-liter six-cylinder
Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
Models: Isuzu Hombre S, Isuzu Hombre XS, Isuzu Hombre XS V-6
What's New
The 1997 Isuzu Hombre introduces a new extended Spacecab for the Hombre XS models. A 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine is now available as an option on a Spacecab-equipped Hombre.
Exterior
The 1997 Isuzu Hombre is a full-size truck, measuring in at 188.9 inches long with a wheel base of 108.3 inches. It's only a few inches shorter in length than the Isuzu Pickup used to be. Meanwhile, a rear step bumper is available as an optional feature.
Interior
The 1997 Isuzu Hombre is very utilitarian; it does not have any major standard accessories. The only options available are air-conditioning, AM/FM radio, and a cassette player. The cabin is average sized for both the regular cab and extended Spacecab options when compared to the competition.
Performance & Handling
The 1997 Isuzu Hombre is plagued with weak performance, although this is not too surprising given the low price tag. The four-cylinder engine is underpowered, even when carrying little to no payload. Performance degrades if driven while fully loaded compared to other vehicles. Drivers that go for the six-cylinder engine option are going to see a significant boost in performance, acceleration, and hauling capability.
Safety
The 1997 Isuzu Hombre is equipped with such standard features as a driver’s side airbag and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
EPA Fuel Economy
Isuzu Hombre 2.2-liter four-cylinder, five-speed manual: 20/27 mpg city/highway
Isuzu Hombre 4.3-liter six-cylinder, four-speed automatic: 15/21 mpg city/highway
Isuzu Hombre 4.3-liter six-cylinder, five-speed manual: 16/23 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Decent fuel economy for a pickup truck
- Low demand gives it a bargain price
- Standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes
You Won't Like
- Weak engine
- Six-cylinder engine not available in regular cab model
- Similarly designed to Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma
Sum Up
A basic pickup truck with not much to offer.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet S-10
- Dodge Dakota
- Ford Ranger
- GMC Sonoma
- Toyota Tacoma