When it comes to the entry-level compact pickup game, Isuzu is one of the major players. Its initial U.S. offering was built for--and sold by--Chevrolet; the Chevy Luv truck competed against the Mazda-sourced Ford Courier and Dodge/Mitsubishi Ram 50. Isuzu established its own Pick-up with the no-frills policy, a strategy that guarantees survival in an intensely competitive market. General Motors and Isuzu teamed up to produce another inexpensive pickup, the 1996 Hombre Isuzu.

Two versions were offered: base S and more-costly XS, the latter adding a tachometer and higher-grade interior fabric. Only the XS could get an optional sliding rear window and cassette tape deck. A 3-place bench was the only seating choice, but the XS got a split 60/40 seatbacks. The Hombre comes very similar to the Chevrolet S-Series and GMC Sonoma compact trucks with the same basic chassis dimensions. Hombre '96 has distinctive looks with its new body panels--hood, front and rear fenders, grille, grille surround, and the headlamp units--attach to the same structure found under the Chevy and GMC trucks. Its large blocky dashboard holds basic gauges, the steering wheel has an airbag, radio and heating/cooling systems have simple controls, and there are seats, pedals and a shift lever and lockable glove box.

 

The Hombre is extraordinarily smooth by pickup standards. It is also quite maneuverable, a trait that's enhanced by good visibility from the driver's seat. Hombre's power train has the engine's 118 hp rating is sufficient to keep pace with traffic and manage Hombre's 1200-lb. maximum payload. It scores equally well when rated for smoothness and economy, and has a good durability record.