2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS Isuzu VehiCROSS 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS Sport Utility Wagon AWD Japan Rear child seat-tether anchors are the only new additions for 2001. Innovative Torque-On-Demand System, impressive engine, distinctive styling. Funky styling may not appeal to some, cramped interior, limited visibility. Isuzu's VehiCROSS began as an innovative concept vehicle that garnered loads of attention back in 1993 and then entered limited production for the Japanese market. Because of its excellent reception in Japan, the continued popularity of sport-utility vehicles here in the States, and the company's need for an image vehicle in the U.S., Isuzu decided to bring the VehiCROSS across the pond last year. Powered by a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter, direct-injection DOHC V6, the VehiCROSS comes with a four-speed automatic transmission with winter and power modes. It also boasts technical innovations like an advanced Torque-On-Demand (TOD) four-wheel-drive system, limited-slip differential and four-wheel ABS. Isuzu's TOD system (the same one found on the Trooper) senses driving conditions and adjusts the torque balance between the front and rear wheels, changing from 100-percent rear drive to 50/50 four-wheel drive in a matter of milliseconds. Isuzu's front double-wishbone torsion bar and rear four-link coil suspension are enhanced by an industry first: an extruded aluminum shock absorber with attached expansion chamber, which makes for greater endurance and superior shock cooling. On rough roads, the truck's 18-inch alloy wheels and modified steel-belted radial tires are stopped by ventilated 11-inch front and 12.3-inch rear disc brakes. The truck's capabilities as a trailblazer seem solid, but what most people first notice about the vehicle is its unconventional, techno-styling. The VehiCROSS has an expansive windshield, composite bumpers, underbody moldings, roof-end spoiler, integrated headlamps with marker lights, and unpainted polypropylene covering the lower section of the truck's body. An Isuzu spokesperson said that the truck is meant to appeal to consumers who "want to be different." We'd have to agree. Inside, the vehicle seats four and provides a sports car atmosphere complete with red and black leather-trimmed seating. With tinted glass, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, and collapsible, heated side mirrors, the VehiCROSS mixes ruggedness with luxury. Features include a matte black panel inset in the hood to reduce glare, a roof rail system, an aircraft-type fuel filler door, and a side-hinged tailgate that carries the spare tire securely inside the cargo door. The $995 special edition "Ironman" option, available only in white, gets you front seats embossed with the "Ironman Triathlon" label, a special hood insert and a few more decals on the tailgate and beneath the C-pillar. Available in only three colors: Ebony Black, Astral Silver Metallic and Victory White, Isuzu believes the VehiCROSS is in a category all its own. Not quite a mini-sport-ute or a big SUV, the 2001 VehiCROSS is a contemporary vehicle that isn't quite like any other. Whether you want to buy one or not, this truck will be hard to miss. Lexus RX 300 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Oldsmobile Bravada Pontiac Aztek 350,000 560,000 560,000 6100,000 NA NA NA 6 3.5 liters V6 215 hp @ 5400 rpm 230 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm 50 cu.ft. 697 lbs. NA 162.6 in. 70.5 in. 66.9 in. 3955 lbs. 91.8 in. 34.1 ft. 8.4 in. 38.2 in. 35.4 in. NA NA NA NA 43.1 in. 29.5 in. 4 Standard Standard Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Rating = Not Tested Rating = Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested 22.5 gal. 15 mpg / 19 mpg 338 mi. / 428 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $26,860 $30,350 7.35% $695 N/A 3% of the Total MSRP VehiCROSS (4A): 3.5L V-6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; driver's selectable multi-mode 4-speed electronic overdrive automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; engine oil cooler; 90 amp alternator; automatic full-time 4-wheel drive, auto locking hub control and electronic shift, limited-slip differential, 4.3 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front torsion springs, front torsion bar, premium front shocks, rigid rear axle multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, premium rear shocks; power-assisted recirculating ball steering with speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 22.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear wing spoiler, skid plate(s), side impact bars; conventional rear cargo door; front and rear black bumpers with front and rear tow hooks; black bodyside cladding, black fender flares; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; additionalexterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote black heated folding outside mirrors; 18" x 7" chrome alloy wheels; P245/60SR18 BSW M+S tires; compact alloy spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 6-disc CD changer, 6 speakers, integrated roof antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, ashtray; analog instrumentation display includes tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temp gauge, volt gauge, in-dash clock, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, security system; tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down function, fixed 1/4 vent windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, rearwindow defroster; seating capacity of 4, front sports seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment, easy entry; 50/50 folding rear reclining bench seat with adjustable headrests; front height adjustable seatbelts; leather seats, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, carbon fiber door panel insert; interior lights include dome light with delay front reading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front cupholder, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo net, cargo tie downs, cargo light; black grille, black side windows moldings, black front windshield molding and black door handles. RCV Cargo Mat $32 $50 VIM Ironman Package $876 $995