Isuzu Impulse: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Isuzu Impulse

The Isuzu Impulse is a sporty 3-door liftback coupe that was produced over two distinct generations. Initially introduced as a rear-wheel-drive contender, it later evolved into a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive platform. The Impulse is noteworthy for its striking design, particularly the first generation penned by the famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, and its association with Lotus, which tuned the suspension for improved handling characteristics. Though it never achieved mainstream sales success in North America, the Impulse has garnered a cult following for its unique styling, engaging driving dynamics, and rarity. The vehicle was also marketed as the Isuzu Piazza in Japan and the Holden Piazza in Australia.

Isuzu Impulse Overview

Generations and History of Isuzu Impulse

First Generation (1981-1990)

The first-generation Isuzu Impulse, known as the Piazza in Japan, was born from the “Asso di Fiori” concept car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign studio in 1979. It featured a distinctive and aerodynamic wedge shape with pop-up headlights that was very much in vogue for the era. Initially launched in Japan in 1981, it made its North American debut in 1983 for the 1984 model year. The first generation was a rear-wheel-drive platform, which appealed to driving enthusiasts. Engine options included a 2.0L SOHC inline-four, and later a DOHC version. In 1985, a turbocharged 2.0L engine was introduced, significantly boosting performance with 140 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. A 2.3L non-turbo engine with 110 horsepower became available in later years.

Second Generation (1990-1993)

The second-generation Impulse marked a significant shift in the model’s philosophy. It moved to a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Geo Storm and Isuzu Stylus, a result of Isuzu’s partnership with General Motors. The design was an in-house effort led by Shiro Nakamura. This generation was available as both a 3-door liftback and a unique “wagonback” body style. The pop-up headlights of the first generation were replaced with fixed units. The base engine was a 1.6L DOHC inline-four producing 130 horsepower. The high-performance RS variant returned in 1991, featuring a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produced 160 horsepower and came with an all-wheel-drive system. A significant feature of this generation was the “Handling by Lotus” suspension tuning, which was standard on all models.

Latest Generation

The Isuzu Impulse was discontinued after the 1993 model year, and there have been no subsequent generations produced. Isuzu shifted its focus away from passenger cars in the North American market to concentrate on trucks and commercial vehicles. Therefore, there are no currently available new models of the Isuzu Impulse.

Isuzu Impulse Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Isuzu Impulse Variants and Features

Throughout its production, the Isuzu Impulse was offered in a few key variants. The primary trims were the base model (often designated as XS in the second generation) and a higher-performance Turbo model (later known as the RS). Special edition models were also offered, such as the 1989 non-turbo model that came with the Turbo’s wheels and interior trim. Interior features were considered generous for the time, with many appointments that were optional on competitor vehicles coming as standard. The interiors featured ergonomically designed seats and clear, analog gauges. Later models included a driver’s side airbag. The second generation offered a unique “wagonback” variant, providing more cargo flexibility. The RS models of both generations were the top-tier performance variants, with the first-generation RS featuring a turbocharged engine and a limited-slip differential, and the second-generation RS boasting a more powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.

Isuzu Impulse Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Isuzu Impulse offered a range of inline-four engines across its two generations. The first generation started with a 2.0L engine producing 90 horsepower, with a later upgrade to a 140-horsepower turbocharged version that could achieve 0-60 mph in around 8.5 seconds. A 2.3L engine with 110 horsepower was also available. The rear-wheel-drive layout of the first generation provided a classic sports car driving feel. The second generation switched to a front-wheel-drive platform, with a base 1.6L DOHC engine making 130 horsepower. The standout performer was the 1991 RS Turbo, with its 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 160 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an all-wheel-drive system. A significant element of the Impulse’s driving experience was the “Handling by Lotus” suspension. This involved stiffer dampers, revised spring rates, and larger sway bars, resulting in a more responsive and neutral handling car, especially at the limit.

Isuzu Impulse Pricing and Mileage

The Isuzu Impulse is no longer in production, so pricing information pertains to the used car market. Recent sales data indicates a wide range in value, with an average price around $11,000, and recorded sales between $2,500 and $20,000 depending on the model, condition, and rarity. When new, the Impulse was positioned as a budget-conscious enthusiast’s car. Fuel economy varied by engine and drivetrain. For example, the 1992 Impulse with the 1.8L engine offered city MPG in the high teens to low 20s and highway MPG in the high 20s. The turbocharged models generally had slightly lower fuel economy figures.

Isuzu Impulse Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Isuzu Impulse’s design was one of its most defining characteristics. The first generation, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was a classic 1980s wedge shape with distinctive pop-up headlights. The 1988 facelift modernized the front end with fixed, sleeker headlights. The second generation featured a more rounded, “capsule” design that was an in-house Isuzu creation. A notable and rare color scheme was the all-white with pewter trim for the 1987 RS model. Dimensions for the second generation were approximately 166.1 inches in length, 66.7 inches in width, and 51.8 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 96.5 inches.

Isuzu Impulse Safety Features

• Airbags: A driver’s side airbag was standard on second-generation models.
• ABS / EBD: Anti-lock brakes were available on the second-generation RS model.
• Electronic Stability Control: This feature was not available on the Isuzu Impulse.
• Crash Test Ratings: Historical crash test ratings from NHTSA are not readily available.
• Other advanced safety systems: The Impulse was a product of its time and did not feature modern advanced safety systems.

Isuzu Impulse Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment and connectivity options in the Isuzu Impulse were representative of the technology available in the 1980s and early 1990s. This typically included an AM/FM radio with a cassette player. More advanced features like touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation were not available during the Impulse’s production run. The focus of the car was more on the driving experience and its distinctive styling rather than advanced in-car technology.

Isuzu Impulse Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Isuzu Impulse, particularly for later models, are generally positive. The 1992 Impulse, for instance, holds a high consumer rating, with owners often praising its reliability. Many owners appreciate the car’s unique styling, which tends to draw attention. The handling, especially on models with the Lotus-tuned suspension, is frequently cited as a strong point, providing a fun and engaging driving experience. Some common complaints include a noisy cabin and limited rear-seat room, which is typical for a 2+2 coupe of its era. Due to its age and limited production numbers, sourcing parts can be a challenge for current owners.

Isuzu Impulse Comparison with Similar Cars

During its production, the Isuzu Impulse competed with other sporty coupes such as the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser triplets. The Impulse often stood out due to its unique Giugiaro styling in the first generation and the “Handling by Lotus” suspension in both generations. While it may not have always matched the outright power of some of its turbocharged, all-wheel-drive competitors like the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, the Impulse, particularly the second-generation RS, offered a compelling and well-rounded performance package. However, the Impulse struggled to gain significant market share against these more established competitors, partly due to Isuzu’s smaller dealer network and brand recognition in the passenger car market.

Isuzu Impulse Awards and Recognition

Information on specific awards won by the Isuzu Impulse is not widely publicized. However, the car was generally well-reviewed by automotive publications of its time for its styling and handling. The involvement of both Giorgetto Giugiaro and Lotus in its design and engineering, respectively, lent the Impulse a significant amount of credibility and recognition within the automotive community.

Interesting Facts about Isuzu Impulse

• The first-generation Impulse was designed by the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also penned iconic cars like the Lotus Esprit and the DeLorean.
• The Impulse was sold under different names in other markets, including the Isuzu Piazza in Japan and the Holden Piazza in Australia.
• General Motors, which had a significant stake in Isuzu, also owned Lotus Cars for a period, which facilitated the collaboration on the Impulse’s suspension tuning.
• The second-generation Impulse is a very rare car, with just over 13,000 produced, a number that also includes the related Isuzu Stylus sedan. The RS model is even rarer, with only 800 made in its single year of production.

Isuzu Impulse Legacy and Influence

The Isuzu Impulse holds a unique place in automotive history as a stylish and capable sports coupe that unfortunately never achieved widespread popularity. Its legacy is largely defined by its bold design, particularly the Giugiaro-penned first generation, and its celebrated Lotus-tuned handling. For Isuzu, the Impulse was an attempt to break into the mainstream passenger car market in North America and shed its industrial image. While it didn’t succeed in that goal, the Impulse has become a cult classic, cherished by a dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts who appreciate its rarity and distinctive character. The car’s eventual discontinuation reflected Isuzu’s broader corporate shift away from passenger cars to focus on its successful line of trucks and SUVs.

Isuzu Impulse Global Availability

The Isuzu Impulse was primarily sold in North America. In its home market of Japan, it was known as the Isuzu Piazza. It was also sold in Australia as the Holden Piazza. For a brief period, a version of the second-generation Impulse was sold in Canada as the Asüna Sunfire. The Impulse was manufactured in Japan and exported to these various markets. As the car has been out of production for decades, its availability is now limited to the used and classic car markets in these regions.

Isuzu Impulse Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Owning an Isuzu Impulse today comes with the typical challenges of maintaining a classic, low-production vehicle. The primary difficulty is the availability of spare parts, which can be scarce due to the low number of cars sold. Routine maintenance costs for the engine and drivetrain components are generally reasonable, as they were based on common Isuzu platforms. However, finding body panels and specific interior trim pieces can be a significant challenge. The resale value of the Impulse has been steadily appreciating, especially for well-maintained and rare examples like the RS Turbo models. Warranty details are no longer applicable as the car has been out of production for a long time.

Final Words about Isuzu Impulse

The Isuzu Impulse remains a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in the history of Japanese sports coupes. It offered a unique blend of Italian design, Japanese engineering, and British suspension tuning, a combination that set it apart from its contemporaries. While its sales numbers were modest, its impact on those who owned and drove it was significant. For today’s classic car enthusiast, the Impulse represents an opportunity to own a rare and stylish vehicle with a genuinely engaging driving experience. Its future prospects in the collector market are bright, especially for the rare and desirable turbocharged and all-wheel-drive variants. The Isuzu Impulse is a testament to a time when a smaller automaker like Isuzu was willing to take a chance on a bold and distinctive performance car.