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

Brief Introduction of Isuzu Stylus

The Isuzu Stylus is a compact sedan that carved a unique niche in the automotive market, particularly in the early 1990s. Known in other markets as the third-generation Isuzu Gemini, the Stylus was praised for its sophisticated design and, most notably, its exceptional handling dynamics, especially in models featuring a suspension tuned by Lotus. This front-wheel-drive sedan was a departure from Isuzu’s more truck-focused lineup in North America and represented a significant collaboration with General Motors. The Stylus was available for a brief period, but its blend of Japanese engineering and European-inspired performance left a lasting impression on enthusiasts. The vehicle was offered in several variants across its single generation in the United States, each catering to different driver preferences, from economical daily commuting to a more spirited driving experience.

Isuzu Stylus Overview

Generations and History of Isuzu Stylus

The Isuzu Stylus marketed in North America was, in fact, the third generation of a longer lineage of vehicles known globally as the Isuzu Gemini. To fully understand the Stylus, it is essential to look at its predecessors and successors that bore the Gemini nameplate.

First Generation (1974–1987)

The first-generation Isuzu Gemini was introduced in 1974 as a rear-wheel-drive subcompact car. Developed as part of General Motors’ “T-car” world car program, it shared its platform with vehicles like the Opel Kadett C and the Chevrolet Chevette. Initially sold as the Bellett Gemini, it was available as a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe. Engine options included a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and later, a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and a 1.8-liter diesel engine. A high-performance version with a DOHC 1.8-liter engine was also offered. This generation was marketed in various countries under different names, including the Holden Gemini in Australia and the Buick Opel by Isuzu in the United States.

Second Generation (1985–1990)

The second-generation Gemini, introduced in 1985, marked a significant shift to a front-wheel-drive platform. The design was penned by the famed Giorgetto Giugiaro. This generation was available as a sedan and a hatchback. In the North American market, it was sold as the Chevrolet Spectrum and later the Geo Spectrum, as well as the Isuzu I-Mark. A notable feature of this generation was the introduction of the “Handling by Lotus” package on certain performance-oriented trims, a feature that would later be a key selling point for the Stylus.

Third Generation (1990–1993) – The Isuzu Stylus

The third-generation Gemini was introduced in Japan in 1990 and was the model that was sold as the Isuzu Stylus in the United States and Canada. This generation was developed on the GM R-body platform, which was also used for the Isuzu Impulse and Geo Storm. The design was more rounded and aerodynamic than its predecessors. It was in this generation that the “Handling by Lotus” suspension tuning became a defining feature of the top-tier XS and RS variants, offering a driving experience that was often compared favorably to European sports sedans. In Japan, this generation was also available with a wider range of engines, including turbocharged and all-wheel-drive options not offered on the Stylus.

Fourth Generation (1993–1996)

Following Isuzu’s decision to cease in-house development of passenger cars, the fourth-generation Gemini was a rebadged version of the Honda Domani, a sedan closely related to the Honda Civic. This model was sold exclusively in the Japanese domestic market. The engine options were primarily 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter Honda engines.

Fifth Generation (1997–2000)

The fifth and final generation of the Isuzu Gemini was also a rebadged Honda Domani, this time the second generation of that model. Like the fourth generation, it was a Japan-only model and was available with 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter Honda engines. The production of the Isuzu Gemini ceased in 2000, marking the end of a long and varied history for the nameplate.

Isuzu Stylus Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Isuzu Stylus Variants and Features

The Isuzu Stylus was offered in three primary trims during its production run in the United States: the S, XS, and the short-lived RS.

Stylus S

The base S model was designed for economy and practicality. It came standard with a 1.6-liter SOHC 12-valve inline-four engine producing 95 horsepower (later 90 hp). Standard features were modest and included 13-inch steel wheels, and manual windows and locks. Power steering was standard. The interior featured cloth seats and a basic instrument cluster. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 3-speed automatic available as an option.

Stylus XS

The Stylus XS was the sport-oriented model and the highlight of the lineup for many enthusiasts. Initially, it was equipped with a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four engine that produced a lively 130 horsepower. The key feature of the XS was its suspension, which was specially tuned by Lotus, providing superior handling and a firm yet compliant ride. The XS also came with 14-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a tachometer, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM ETR stereo with two speakers. For the 1992 model year, the engine was upgraded to a 1.8-liter DOHC engine with 140 horsepower.

Stylus RS

Introduced in 1992, the RS was the top-tier performance model. It featured the same 1.8-liter 140-horsepower engine as the updated XS and came with all the features of the XS, solidifying its position as the most well-equipped and powerful Stylus variant.

Isuzu Stylus Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Isuzu Stylus varied significantly across its different trims. The base S model with its 95-horsepower 1.6-liter SOHC engine was considered adequate for daily driving, though some found it to be underpowered, especially when paired with the 3-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was around 12.4 seconds. The XS and RS models, however, were a different story. The 1.6-liter DOHC engine in the early XS was praised for its free-revving nature, with a redline of 7700 rpm. The later 1.8-liter DOHC engine in the XS and RS provided a welcome increase in torque and power, making for a more responsive and engaging driving experience. The standout feature for the XS and RS was the Lotus-tuned suspension, which provided excellent handling, sharp turn-in, and great body control, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The ride was firm but not overly harsh. The braking performance on the XS and RS was also a notable improvement over the S model, thanks to the four-wheel disc brakes.

Isuzu Stylus Pricing and Mileage

The Isuzu Stylus was positioned as an affordable compact sedan with a sporty edge. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 1991 model year started at $9,708 for the S trim and went up to $11,598 for the XS trim. For the 1993 model year, the base S trim had an MSRP of $9,938. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.6-liter SOHC engine in the S trim offered around 23-27 MPG in the city and 28-33 MPG on the highway, depending on the transmission and model year. The more powerful DOHC engines in the XS and RS trims were slightly less fuel-efficient, with figures in the range of 21-24 MPG in the city and 29-30 MPG on the highway. Real-world mileage as reported by owners was generally considered to be quite good. Due to the age of the vehicle, current resale values are low, and maintenance costs can be a concern due to the increasing scarcity of parts.

Isuzu Stylus Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Isuzu Stylus featured a distinctive and aerodynamic design for its time, with smooth, rounded lines and a low-slung hood. The interior, particularly the dashboard, was shared with the Isuzu Impulse sports coupe. The car was available in a wide range of colors throughout its production run. For the 1991 model year, color options included Pure White, Ebony Black, Brilliant Red, Steel Blue Metallic, Cobalt Blue Mica, and Antique Silver Metallic. Later model years saw the introduction of colors like Torch Red, Platinum Silver Metallic, Iron Gray Metallic, Liberty Blue Mica, Garnet Red Mica, Raspberry Mica, and Lava Gray Metallic. The dimensions of the Isuzu Stylus were typical for a compact sedan of its era, with a length of 165.1 inches, a width of 66.1 inches, and a height of 54.0 inches. The wheelbase was 96.5 inches. The car had a ground clearance of approximately 5.5 inches and came with either 13-inch steel wheels on the S trim or 14-inch alloy wheels on the XS and RS trims.

Isuzu Stylus Safety Features

• Airbags: A driver-side airbag was made standard on all models starting in the 1992 model year.
• ABS / EBD: Not publicly available.
• Electronic Stability Control: Not available.
• Crash Test Ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 1993 Isuzu Stylus a 3-star rating for driver-side protection in a frontal crash. Passenger-side and side-impact ratings were not conducted.
• Other advanced safety systems: The Stylus featured a collapsible steering column and knee pads for added protection.

Isuzu Stylus Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment options in the Isuzu Stylus were basic by modern standards. The base S model came with minimal audio equipment. The XS and RS trims included an AM/FM ETR (Electronically Tuned Radio) stereo with two speakers as standard equipment. Aftermarket stereo and speaker upgrades are a common modification for owners today. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth, USB ports, and wireless charging were not available during the Stylus’s production run.

Isuzu Stylus Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Isuzu Stylus are generally positive, with many praising the car’s reliability, fuel efficiency, and fun-to-drive nature, especially the models with the Lotus-tuned suspension. Many owners have reported their cars lasting for high mileage with regular maintenance. The most common complaints revolve around the difficulty of finding replacement parts due to the car’s rarity. Some owners have also noted issues with rough idling and stalling, which has been linked to a faulty ECU in some cases. The interior space is considered adequate for a compact car, and the handling is often cited as a major pro.

Isuzu Stylus Comparison with Similar Cars

The Isuzu Stylus competed in a crowded compact sedan market in the early 1990s, going up against established rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra. Compared to these competitors, the Stylus offered a more unique and stylish design and, in its XS and RS trims, a significantly more engaging driving experience thanks to the Lotus-tuned suspension. However, the Stylus was at a disadvantage due to Isuzu’s smaller dealer network and a brand image that was more closely associated with trucks and SUVs. While the Stylus’s performance variants could compete with the likes of the Nissan Sentra SE-R and Volkswagen Jetta GLI, it struggled to match the sales volumes of the more mainstream Civic and Corolla.

Isuzu Stylus Awards and Recognition

• Information not disclosed.

Interesting Facts about Isuzu Stylus

• The Isuzu Stylus was sold in Canada under the Asüna brand as the Asüna Sunfire for a brief period.
• The “Handling by Lotus” was a result of General Motors’ ownership stake in Lotus at the time, allowing for a unique collaboration between the Japanese and British engineering teams.
• Fewer than 18,000 Isuzu Stylus units were sold in the United States during its entire production run, making it a very rare car today.
• The design of the Stylus was led by Shiro Nakamura, who would later go on to have a distinguished career as the head of design for Nissan.

Isuzu Stylus Legacy and Influence

The Isuzu Stylus, despite its short lifespan and low sales numbers, holds a special place in automotive history as a “hidden gem.” It represented a brief moment when Isuzu ventured into the competitive compact sedan market with a product that was both stylish and genuinely fun to drive. The “Handling by Lotus” feature gave the Stylus a unique selling proposition and a level of dynamic competence that was rare in its class. For automotive enthusiasts, the Stylus is remembered as a well-kept secret, a car that offered a European sports sedan feel in an affordable and reliable Japanese package. Its rarity has only added to its mystique, and it has become a cult classic among those who appreciate its unique blend of style and performance.

Isuzu Stylus Global Availability

The Isuzu Stylus was primarily sold in North America, specifically the United States and Canada. In its home market of Japan, the same vehicle was sold as the Isuzu Gemini. The Gemini was also marketed in other regions, sometimes under different names through General Motors’ various global partnerships. For instance, its predecessor was sold as the Holden Gemini in Australia. The Stylus itself was a left-hand drive model manufactured in Japan for export to North America. Isuzu’s passenger car presence in Europe was limited during this time.

Isuzu Stylus Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Ownership costs for an Isuzu Stylus today are a mixed bag. On one hand, the car is known for its reliability and good fuel economy, which can keep running costs low. However, the biggest challenge for owners is the availability of spare parts. Due to the car’s age and rarity, finding specific components can be difficult and may require searching through specialized forums and online communities. Some mechanical parts are shared with the Geo Storm, which can make them easier to source. The resale value of the Isuzu Stylus is quite low, reflecting its age and niche appeal. Warranty coverage at the time of sale was a 36-month/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

Final Words about Isuzu Stylus

The Isuzu Stylus was a car that dared to be different in a segment dominated by pragmatic and often unexciting choices. Its blend of distinctive styling, a well-balanced chassis, and the performance pedigree of a Lotus-tuned suspension made it a truly unique offering. While it may not have achieved the commercial success of its rivals, the Stylus has earned a dedicated following of enthusiasts who appreciate its character and rarity. For a buyer looking for a classic 1990s sedan that offers more than just basic transportation, the Isuzu Stylus, particularly in its XS and RS forms, remains an intriguing and rewarding choice. Its legacy is a testament to the idea that a car doesn’t need to sell in the millions to be memorable and loved.