1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS --- The Off-Road Sports Car---

1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS Standard Description

From Wikipedia:

TheIsuzu VehiCROSSis acompact SUVfromIsuzu. Produced from 1997 (Japanese market 1997-1999) through 2001 (US market 1999-2001), it shares much of its components with theTrooper, including both its 3.2L and 3.5LV6enginethat produces 215bhp (160kW; 218PS) at 5400 rpm and 230lb·ft (312N·m) at 3000 rpm oftorque. The vehicle also features theTorque on Demand(TOD) 4-wheel-drive system produced byBorgWarner. It is a small, sporty 2-door crossover vehicle with aggressive external styling, including short overhangs, an aggressive forward stance, titanium "teeth" in the grille, a black hood-insert, and black plastic cladding over the entire lower half of the vehicle. The US VehiCROSS came equipped with 16" polished wheels in 1999 and 18" chrome wheels during the remainder of production. The Japanese version came equipped with 16" alloys with chrome center caps.

The VehiCROSS was highly regarded for its cross-terrain performance. It combined a computer-controlled AWD (4+1 (spare tire-tailgate)) system for on-road driving and a locked-differential low-gear 4WD system for off-road driving. The Japanese version offered a 2WD non TOD or 4WD TOD option. The US-only constant 4WD TOD, with 12 independent sensors for detecting wheel spin and capable of redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction, gives the VehiCROSS a high level of traction on wet and icy roads. It also has a high level of performance for its height. While possessing on-road nimbleness, its body-on-frame truck construction, suspension and 4WD gearing make it very capable off-road.

Sales were intentionally limited, with only 5958 vehicles being produced between 1997 and 2001; 1805 were produced for the domestic Japanese market and the remaining 4,153 sold in the United States. Japanese sales were limited by the fact that the exterior width dimensions were not in compliance with Japanese Governmentdimension regulations, and the engine displacement obligated Japanese drivers for higher levels of annualroad tax. The vehicle had a base price of $28,900.[1]