Isuzu MU Wizard

The Isuzu MU Wizard was a compact SUV made by Japan-based manufacturer Isuzu. The MU Wizard was introduced in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it ceased production in 2004. Isuzu manufactured several variations to the Wizard for sale in other countries. The United States has had two versions: the Isuzu Rodeo and (until 2002) the rebadged Honda Passport. Opel/Vauxhall and Holden each also sold rebadged versions of the vehicle. It was also sold as the Chevrolet Frontera in Egypt and the Isuzu Frontier in South America

Isuzu Rodeo

A version of the Wizard called the Isuzu Rodeo was manufactured at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. (now, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.) in Lafayette, Indiana. Isuzu was rumored to prefer the "ro-DEE-o" pronunciation over "ro-DAY-o". The vehicle was still considered an import, as 75 percent of its parts were made overseas.[1]

First generation

1991–1992

The Rodeo made its debut in 1991. The mid-size SUV was available with either a 2.6L 4-cylinder engine or a 120hp (90kW), 3.1L V6 made by General Motors. An automatic transmission was available for the latter.

The vehicle was available with four-wheel drive with manually locking hubs on the S version and automatically locking hubs on the XS and top-of-the-line LS. Rear anti-lock brakes were standard feature, but not an option for all four wheels.

All models had a rear seat bottom which folded forward and rear seat back which folded down; this vastly extending the 35 cubic foot (1.0 m³) cargo area. The vehicle's lug wrench was stored under the seat bottom, concealed by a carpeted Velcro flap. The jack was located behind a plastic panel in the left-rear of the cargo area along with the rear-windshield-washer fluid reservoir if so-equipped.

The LS was available with privacy glass, velour upholstery, and split-folding rear seats.

A rear wheel drive, manual transmission model with a 21.9 U.S. gallon (83L) tank was rated at 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in city driving, 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) on the highway. A four wheel drive model with the V6 and automatic transmission was rated at 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) city and 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) highway.