Isuzu Dmax your thoughts and reviews

Hang on Axle, I'll just get my Isuzu 4Jx1 from my 99 TD Jackaroo and you can tell her that because she seems to have forgotten it at the moment!

5 + Tonnes..? That would be illegal. Humm...?

GCM is 5800kgs legal

Your roof rack looks very much like mine.Mine is on a Rodeo but only comes forward to the start of the back door. I wanted it longer like yours but the guy who fabricated it said he couldnt do it as it could not be supported any further forward. how is the front supported? I do though carry a tinnie on top of mine. cheers pete

Andrea,

Like TB I have a D-Max , but a SX single cab traytop. It is now 14 mths old, done 25000 ks, and I cannot fault it.
It replaced a 1997 multi-valve turbo Landcruiser, and I know this is a big call, but towing my Coromal 535 Pioneer XC caravan, I cannot tell the difference onroad performance wise between the L/C and the D-Max, uphills or passing. The Dmax developes the same Hp.
I reckon in all honestly the D-Max does it easier with less revs and excellent fuel consumption, towing at about a 100 kph (in the right situation).
I did not want carpets and all the "fairies" extras, but have fitted it out with a good aluminium canopy and usual useful extras etc.
Like Axle, I have had a fair bit to do with many types of diesel motors including Isuzu and cannot fault them. Some of the forest harvesters have Isuzu Sitec motors in them operating around the clock, working for years on end, with no problems.

Do not be scared to buy an Isuzu.
A new vehicle salesman tried to talk me into buying a Colorado when I was looking to replace the L/C, but even with the Isuzu in the Colorado, I thought back to the Ford Maverick days, identical to the Nissan, down the track when you decide to trade,you get the same sales pitch from carsales people, "there worth nothing, even though they are Nissans with a Ford badge, every one wants a Nissan". How often does this happen?

Regards Nick

You are dead right fellas. In my opinion Isuzu is every bit as good as Toyota. My old 98 jack still has all orinigal and runs like a dream. In fact still has orinigal brake pads and radiator. Shocks are only major item that has been replaced.
Cheers Pete

That should be drivetrain. This is where an edit function would be handy.
Cheers Pete

Hi paul

I have an 03 Rodeo and have the same problem (lke many others) with the fuel guage, comes on when i still have 20+ litres. I bought a scangauge to over come this and is more accurate than any fuel gauge (IMO). Its a concern that it hasnt been fixed in the later rodeos and the even later Dmax's.

Now my motor is a totally different kettle of fish to yours, being a 3.0l non-CRD, its no rocket (doesnt need to be), but great on fuel and pulls my camper nicely.
It could use a little more clearance but they have gone nuts with bash plates and protector panels underneath to compensate.

with regards to the colorado and dmax being made in different factories, this is a much discussed debate.
I find it almost amusing the stories you here, so much product sharing between companies, facility sharing, contracted manufacture who really knows who makes cars these days, all you can be really sure of is what badge is on the front.

But i will give my version- for what its worth.


Originally GM Holden, contracted Isuzu to produce Rodeos ( re-badge their existing utes sold overseas to be branded rodeos and have them imported into Aus).
After a while Isuzu wanted their brand back and wanted to have a bigger presence in Aus but didnt want to press anymore, So GM obtained the press for the rodeos and started pressing the colorados with a contract from isuzu to also press the dmax (and other variants sold overseas) as it was more economical for both companies (cheaper for isuzu as they no longer had to manufacture their utility vehicle range, and GM got the press at a great price). A part of the deal was isuzu was to still provide the diesel motors. So yes, the dmax and colorados are manufactured in the GM factory in Thailand. You dont hear about that much, and definitely not from an Isuzu dealer.
As part of the great Isuzu press clearance sale, great wall purchased the TF and RA rodeo presses cheap and now you have v240 and v220 (which i personally think are great value for what they offer)

Now, i have had a great interest in how this all worked and done a fair it of research, talked to various dealers etc. This is what i have made from my conversations and research. Im not saying its gospel and im not wanting to start a debate over it, but would be interested in knowing if anyone else could contribute.


And just to add, i wish i had a few more bob as i love the look of the new dmax limited.



Cheers

Doey

Interesting reading your input. Yes, you certainly hear plenty of versions as to what's what. I wonder if Isuzu & GM even know what the facts are???
Thought I better clarify for everyone that when I said Colorado didn't come in high ride diesel I was talking 2WD. Apparently Holden lift everything to clear the sump of the V6 petrol but they don't bother with the diesel 2WD variant.

Cheers, Paul

HAHA! Im with you about isuzu and GM knowing whats what and who does what, lol.

Have a good day mate.