It’s hard to believe that 1999 was over two decades ago now, some of you weren’t even born yet! We try to stay with older vehicles here, at least 25-30 years old unless they’re really unusual and could be considered future collectibles, which is exactly where this 1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman Edition fits in. This one can be found here on craigslist in Edison, New Jersey, and the seller is asking $6,500. Thanks to Roger for sending in this tip!
The VehiCROSS is one interesting-looking vehicle. The seller says that the paint is mostly original but dings have been touched up. I’m not sure what that means, is there bodywork or did they paint over dings? There aren’t many two-door 4WD/AWD SUVs today if any (?), but there were a few of them two and three decades ago, back when people didn’t feel like they needed the biggest vehicle on the road. The VehiCROSS was made between 1997 and 2001 and Isuzu sold most of them in the US between 1999 and 2001. There were just over 4,100 of them sold here with about a quarter of them being Ironman Editions so they’re rare to see today. They are a future collectible, there is no question about that.
And then there are special editions that make vehicles collectible. This is a fairly rare Ironman edition with around 1,000 of them being made. This particular example has a few issues, at least for me if I were a buyer, which I may have been. The wheels have been “upgraded”, which for me means a severe downgrade. Any variation from bone-stock on a limited edition model is _______________ (insert several cuss words here). Just don’t do that, please, never do that to a limited-edition vehicle. There is no word as to if the original wheels come with the sale, but if they do, crisis averted.
Also, the hood has been “upgraded”, which again means… yes, you guessed it, it isn’t stock and most likely couldn’t be put back to stock configuration with those crazy big fasteners. It looks cool and it may be better than the hidden fasteners that Isuzu used to hold down the hood insert, but it isn’t original. Here’s what it should look like. This probably wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for anyone but me, but I’d most likely pass on this particular one with these modifications and look for one that was original. If I’m buying an unusual vehicle, especially a limited-edition model, it’s going to be all original. I’m weird that way but most buyers probably wouldn’t care.
The interior looks pretty good but there is a lot of wear on the seats and general grime and wear on surfaces. The carpet will probably need to be replaced, too. This l’il rig has 165,222 miles on it so it’s not like it’s been hidden away in a garage for 20 years, it’s been used and these are super tough little SUVs. The red and black interior is fantastic and the rear seat looks like new. The rear cargo area also looks good. US models came with Isuzu’s Torque-on-Demand 4WD that automatically switched between rear and four-wheel-drive with no driver input needed, but you can see the extra shift lever for four-low mode when that is needed. Isuzu made 1,805 examples for their home market and some were available with rear-wheel-drive only. The MPG rating is disappointing as it’s rated the same as my 500+ hp Cayenne Turbo. Ouch.
There appears to be quite a bit of surface rust under the hood which scares me given how much rust my former Subaru Outback had under the hood. It eventually started leaking from both oil pans and couldn’t be fixed and was donated to an automotive tech college. I don’t know what the underside looks like on this one but they say that the exhaust system was replaced two years ago. New Jersey isn’t exactly a desert climate with Edison being only two or three miles from the Atlantic Ocean – it would be nice to see photos under there. The engine is Isuzu’s 3.5L V6 with 215 hp and there are a couple of issues with it. They say that it’s in decent shape and that the timing belt was changed, but the check engine light is on. Also, the ABS light comes on and off. The VehiCROSS Ironman Edition is super interesting and a future collectible, but is this one worth a gamble at the seller’s asking price?
I’ve was never a fan of the serpentine looking front end on these, but I’m really digging that red and black interior.
Looks to me the car is-in the-wore down stage and time to unload it with warning lights on, oil leaks and surfscr rust. Not sure on parts for a decommissioned vehicle. I know the fender molds were clay created just for limited production till they broke.
I alwaye liked the snake 🐍 teeth on them are in the past .
Anyone see the movie “Mission to Mars?”. Gary Sinus drives one of these up a driveway. Maybe a whole 20 feet. But the “cool” factor is this is supposed to be somewhat in the future and it not only has an electric engine, but they modified it for the movie by cutting the roof off of it and making it a 2 seater convertible. Very
cool.
I’ve always liked these because they are quirky. 99% of them are silver, though. Would like to see them in a color other than…..
My favorite thing about the VehiCROSS is the unique styling. Many times the street version of a cool concept gets dumbed down to the least common denominator to avoid offending anyone. I love how Isuzu went for it and kept it quirky. On the down side, though, I always think of these as a little girl’s car so the whole Iron Man thing isn’t quite taking hold. It’s like the sport version of a Nissan Juke. That’s a real thing by the way. However you could LS this thing and get the last laugh. Thanks for an interesting find, Scotty and Roger!
Drove a juke. Had 2 Vehicrosses. I’m a girl.. I’m an older girl now but a girl. I offroaded the Charouleau Gap Trail in AZ, because I lived off of the Charouleau Gap Trail, in my VX. I hauled building materials for my barn to the top of the foothill on which I lived, in my VX. I crossed the 3 flooded, rushing washes during the Tucson Monsoon, in my VX. You are correct. It is definitely for little girls. You just need to adjust your definition of little girls. Hahahaha!
Excellent points, Traci, and you are 100% correct! I apologize and certainly didn’t mean to suggest “girls” or women can’t be tough or skilled drivers in vehicles that are cute or otherwise. I love the image of you pushing the VX to its limits, and we’d love to hear your perspective here anytime. Keep on truckin’
Boy, I’m glad the promo did not use the fish eye lens for pics – already looks twisted. Too far out of the norm 4 me.The side view, that weird spare tire…
Agreed, too far removed from oe w/the upholstery, a 210/215 ci engine is just bout right but whauss up wid dat mileage…
Guess I’m just an grumpy ol man on the styling…
I think that was the whole point, create something so far out of the box that only a true collector car enthusiast would appreciate it, not a boring want everything plain and simple person type of vehicle. I LOVE IT!
Even though these are getting rarer than hens teeth, with the miles and modifications, I think the seller is a bit optimistic with his/her price. To each his own on looks, but I think they could of toned down the plastic cladding on these.
Sometimes cars are rare because nobody wanted them in the first place…
Dealers were only alotted 1 per year. You’re dealer must have been a collector. I bought my proton yellow VX new in 2001 still my DD it rocks. BTW the molds weren’t clay. Also if that exhaust was only done 2 years ago it isn’t OEM.
I remember these being expensive back in the day. Could be fun for $2,500. Our Chevy//Isuzu dealer had a few of these…quite a departure when compared to a Trooper.
A rust belt dolled up Amigo prob needs a transmission and a new frame. The rear frame rails rot out…No thanks. Now a clean Amigo/Rodeo sport w a manual and the V6 now we are talking, but they are harder to find than these.
Had an Amigo upgraded to yhe VX. No comparison the Amigo while fun is a poor 2nd string
This would be the only 4 wheel drive I would have. I’ve loved them from the first time I saw one.
These share the same engine as the Rodeo.
Know for Oil consumption issues and transmission issues. A Quart every 1,000 miles was acceptable to them.
I had 2 Isuzu’s a 1993 and a 2000.
In my 2000 Rodeo the dealer replaced my motor as it used 1 1/4 quart ever 1,000 with a new one and it consumed less oil. But still consumed some oil.
It was an issue with the “improved” oil ring in that generation of Isuzu engines. My 93’ Isuzu didn’t skip a beat or use consume any oil. But in 95’ they improved the engines. Although it was a Hemi type V6 but sucked up the oil.
Now all the dealers are long gone and so are the parts.
Decent vehicles if you get a decent one.
I have an ironman edition and I noticed on this one posted that the ironman stickers that are under the VehiCROSS on both back side panels is missing. I can’t tell from the pictures but just wondering if this is a true ironman or just one of the plain white ones someone is trying to pass off as being an ironman. Ironman was also printed on under the embossed recaro name on the seats
Well the decals and badges and assorted placement of the Ironman name were the only difference
hello what differences are the ironman model from the regular model?
ironman is posted on the hood….on both sides under the vehicross badge and also on the backrest of the front seats…there is also an iroman badge on the back of the car….the one posted is just an plain white vehicross……I have an ironman edition bought it new in 2001 and it still turn heads
Traci, I’ve only owned the one VX that I have now and it cannot be classified any other way than one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever built. Mine has a lift and 33s on it and can climb straight up a wall. I owned a 1999 Jeep Wrangler and it could not compare in any way to the VX. I’m not sure how anyone that knows anything about vehicles would utter the words that it’s a little girls car. It is a true off-road vehicle with great on-road manners.