The allure of the single cab, short bed pickup truck is based in its inherent simplicity, along with the fact that we don’t get trucks like these anymore from the major manufacturers. Like the old saying goes, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone – and the bare-bones pickup truck is a great example of this sentiment in the world of automobiles. The truck shown here is an honest little workhorse, a 4WD Isuzu pickup – or P’up – equipped with a 5-speed manual and under 100,000 miles. Find it here on craigslist for $6,995.
I am a big fan of Isuzu, largely due to the fact that I’ve now owned two 80s-era Troopers that were both incredibly resilient trucks. I’ve rescued both of them out of junkyards and while the first one is no longer with me, the second – a 1989 Trooper RS with the Isuzu-built 2.6L inline-four – is a phenomenal little rig. For some reason, Isuzu didn’t get blessed with the same reputation for being a high-quality Japanese brand like Honda, which is particularly ironic considering those companies shared re-badged versions of their vehicles back-and-forth for several years. Honda got the Rodeo (Passport) and Trooper (Acura SLX) and Isuzu got the Odyssey (Oasis) minivan.
I suppose it has something to do with the fact that Isuzu never attempted to move dramatically upmarket like Honda did with its own products and obviously, the Acura brand. Isuzu kept building tough-as-nails trucks and 4x4s, without ever getting into loading them up with high-end features. The Isuzu pickup shown here has a delightfully simple interior with a bench seat, basic HVAC controls, and crank windows. Not surprisingly, one of the pegs for the armrest is broken, a common flaw in many Isuzus of this vintage. The seller notes that the only mechanical issue is non-functioning A/C.
The truck shown here is often sought out for the optional turbodiesel engine; this one is equipped with a 2.3L gasoline four-cylinder, which is the same engine that was in my ’86 Trooper. I believe this engine made around 96 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. It was fairly wheezy in the full size Trooper (the later 2.6 is a much peppier engine), but it should be usable in a compact pickup like this one. The seller notes the Isuzu still sports original paint and the chrome bumpers still shine, so someone clearly loved it. It’s a lot of money for an Isuzu pickup, but they don’t come around often with 4WD and low miles.
Jeff. I’m with you about Isuzus. I had a 1990 Trooper 4 door. 2.6 5 speed. Got it to 200K miles and unfortunately the frame rotted out, NJ winters and salt. That thing would go anywhere in the snow. It moved our young family to our first home in the late 90s. I miss it. I actually wanted a P up when I was younger. ( well, still do now). Theyre great trucks. Just need to watch for rust. This is in incredible condition.
I always thought the Isuzu, and Mazda for that matter, seemed to run in the shadow of Toyota and Dat/Nissan, and from my experience, were better trucks. Perhaps not was GM for Isuzu like Ford for Mazda, but I thought they were just a better design. Troopers were some of the best SUVs for the time, and the pickups too, but fell on deaf ears, sadly. While Isuzu did enjoy hefty sales in the mid-range truck market, the pickup was a flop. And no, you don’t want a diesel, the gas job was bullet proof. I’d love to have this truck!!!
I knew it. Howard approved. Is this nbeauty manual hubs too ? Looks a bargain for someone. Love the “quarter ton ” 34wd trucks.
Gorgeous Ute, I wish this style was still made.
5 speed, dual range, small profile, go anywhere ute.
This one seems like a bargain.
And Howard A approved without an automatic!
Ha! I had that coming, Gary. Just for the record, I personally will probably shift gears until the bitter end, as the Jeep should be my last vehicle. Maybe a MGB and I have no real problem with it, yet, as long as my legs still work.. The Jeep shifts effortlessly, and realize, anything of interest for me will probably be a stick.
Future generations won’t want it.
Every time I see one of these nice little trucks I get sad for what pickup trucks have become. They used to be about function and utility. Now they’re all about compensating for shortcomings. I sure miss real pickup trucks like this.
Totally agree, the basic ute no longer exists
These were good functional trucks..
Joe Isuzu said it best as their spokesman…
“Hi! …
“You have my word on it.”
“If I’m lying, may lightning hit my mother.” (“Good luck, Mom!” appears on screen.)
“It has more seats than the Astrodome!”
“Hi, I’m Joe Isuzu and I used my new Isuzu pickup truck to carry a 2,000-pound cheeseburger.”
🍔
Good luck with sale… it’s probably got another 500,000 miles left right 😜
Thanks for the memories Jeff. Joe Isuzu commercials we among my absolute favorites!!
Faster than a speeding…..
Crunch ( bullet im teeth)…
Well….. You know…..
I had a 1986 like this but 2 wheel drive. Great truck and got 28 mpg.
I’m an Isuzu fan. My old 1989 Trooper was a champ. GLWTS.
Trooper & Trooper 2 .They were very popular in 80’s in NYC. preppies & yuppies drove them prior to the luxury brands. I love to own one in manual transmission.
Living in Morocco, I can tell you Isuzu pickups are much appreciated here ! They are everywhere to be seen !
Africa testbed doesn’t lie !