Isuzu VehiCROSS

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $13500.00 from Desert Dodge

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Isuzu Vehicross

Summary:
I’ve had my Isuzu for over a year now and it has absolutely bin a gem to drive.
I never been so confident in a vehicles capabilities. It begs to be punished and when you do it fills so solid and well pull together that it seems like its mocking you as if to say, “Is that all you got.” I will be driving this machine for as long as I can cues sadly there is nothing that can mach the mix of on and off-road preferment’s be it rock crawling, Desert racing, winter commuting or at the race track like the Vehicross.

Strengths:
Handling, Power, build quality, dependability, styling, It’s a true drivers suv.

Weaknesses:
Gas mpg,Rear visibility, Getting in and out of the back seat is tricky.

Similar Products Used:
There is nothing similar. or that whould be my next suv.

Price Paid:  $9000.00 from Pvt. Party

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Isuzu VehiCross

Summary:
I'm a big Isuzu fan because of my experience with the Trooper. I've owned three of them, and they've impressed me with their off-road prowness and reliability. Now the proud owner of an Ironman Edition VehiCross, I pass this advice on to prospective owners.

Isuzu has not been the most honorable company, lately. Their 1998-2001 3.5L V6 engines (VehiCross and Troopers) have had
serious oil consumption/seizure problems, related to bad piston rings that allow excessive oil seepage. The result is, unless you check the engine oil vigorously (read: weekly), you are likely to encounter engine failure somewhere north of 50K miles. Isuzu turned a blind eye on this problem until 2001, when numerous lawsuits and claims led them to, finally, fix the problem.

That being said, if you own a '98-'01 3.5L equipped Isuzu, you must vigorously check engine oil levels to avoid an engine meltdown. Replacement is notoriously expensive, sometimes more than the value of the vehicle itself! It is a short-coming that Isuzu should have fixed promptly, but chose to fight instead. It's a shame that such a wonderful vehicle is plagued by this problem.

Strengths:
Unique design, off-road capabilities, fun factor, limited production: it may be a year or longer before you pass another one on the street, future collector, and you can pick up one in pristine conditon for under $10K.

Weaknesses:
Typical 4wd poor fuel mileage (16mpg), replacement parts becoming scarce, engine seizures related to high oil consumption, resale value.

Similar Products Used:
n/a

Price Paid:  $22000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 VehiCROSS

Summary:
Bought mine new in 2002. Only had a few minor problems at first. However now I have some form of idle control problem that is intermittent. Damn dealer won't do anything because they can't find any fault (error code) in the diagnostic computer. Other than that I love the car (runs great when it runs), off road is fun and quite stable. I would buy again if Isuzu took care of their customers.

Strengths:
Great looks, great HP, Fun to drive

Weaknesses:
Visibility for rear window, Initial sticker price of 30,000. Lack of real support from Isuzu for warranty repairs (had mine in and EVERY time the dealer takes over 2 weeks to repair anything. Isuzu does not give rental cars for time in the shop for warranty. Intermittent problems with idle control sensore that dealer will not fix...

Similar Products Used:
Rav-4, Montero Sport, Envoy,

Price Paid:  $16250.00 from Keefer Jeep

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Isuzu Vehicross

Summary:
Excellent sporty vehicle. It has lots of speed and handles very well. I couldn't be more pleased.

Strengths:
Engine, nice Recaro seats, handling, smooth ride.

Weaknesses:
back window is hard to see out. Needs back door release latch inside.

Similar Products Used:
Jeep, Toyota, and Honda Element

Price Paid:  $26500.00 from M'Lady Isuzu

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Isuzu Vehicross

Summary:
What a fantastic truck. I have wanted this truck ever since seeing it on a dealer's lot in 99. Due to G.M. telling Isuzu to halt production at the end of the 01 model year, I was able to buy my dream truck for well under the 32 K sticker, along with 0.0 % financing. The Vehicross is a rare combination of speed (9 sec's 0-60, not bad), off-road capability (not that I would, but it's like a mountain goat in the snow), and head-turning, jaw-dropping good looks. I took off the tacky Isuzu logos ("debadging"), so now the question is always "What is it, is that an '03?" I intend to drive this truck for the next 6-7 years...my only worry is how to replace it? Hopefully the VX-02 concept car will be ready for me by then....

Strengths:
A-For starters, there's a wonderful Internet "family" out there dedicated to the Vehicross. It seems like the great majority of the 4100-odd VX's sold in the USA have owners that have the same fondness for their trucks that I do. Go to www.vehicross.info or www.clubvmag.com to see what I mean. B-Leather Recaro seats, nothing like sitting in a Recaro.... C-18" Chrome rims are stock D-If you like to be unique, this is your truck, you'll never see yourself coming and going....and if you do, it's an event, as VX etiquette demands you stop and say "Hi!" E-Decent stock (Fujitsu Ten) stereo with Clarion speakers....I replaced mine anyway. F-Fun to drive! It truly embodes the concept of a SUV that drives like a sports car...well, like a damn sporty truck at least. G-Surprisingly roomy backseat and cargo area...of course, one does a interesting little dance to climb in the back seat, but oh well. Can hold multiple suitcases along with my skiis.

Weaknesses:
A-Mileage...not so nice. 15 city, 19 highway. B-For some odd reason, the rear door only opens with a key. However, you can buy a rear door "popper", along with host of other great VX after-market modications, at http://tonemonday.com C-As everyone says, Rear window visibility...easily fixed with "Vaneyes", which is a parabolic mirror which affixes to inside of rear window, and 2" blind spot mirrors stuck to your side mirrors. Actually, that feature has probably made me a better driver, as there's no way I make a lane change unless the coast is clear from multiple angles.

Similar Products Used:
1994 Geo Tracker