Isuzu Hombre Parts & Accessories

Isuzu's venture into the compact pickup market arrived via the Isuzu Hombre in 1996 through its partnership with General Motors (GM) for the former's version of the Chevy S10. Isuzu Hombre was designed with a single cab style, thus it became more of the comfy two-seater when it was launched. It also came equipped with a 2.2-liter 4.0-cylinder engine, aluminum wheels, and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. Unlike its sibling GM pickup trucks though, it carried distinctive front bumper, fenders and lights that flared out slightly. Isuzu Hombre's range expanded in 1997 when it introduced the extended cab "Spacecab," four-wheel drive and 4.3liter V6 engine. As its final unit rolled out in 2000, get to know more handy tips below on how to utilize better Isuzu Hombre's seemingly rare brood.

• Arrest fading of the bumper.

While you may be focused on car washing and interior cleaning, your car bumper and exterior accessories may have gotten worn out and turned grey unnoticed. Granting the bumper some make-over can bring out a big difference towards making your vehicle look so much better. Nowadays, a plethora of back-to-black products is available to address your bumper's faded grey color. However, most of these products usually don't last long and would therefore require you to repeat coverage after just a few weeks.

As color fading is basically caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, try to choose those with color pigments, which will permanently recolor your greyed car bumper. A few even boast of UV sun block component to prevent fading after the black has been returned. Remember also to ensure your bumper is dry and cleared from dirt and grease before applying the back-to-black solution.

• Check on the lights.

Your vehicle's lighting system is one among the critical car parts for your safety and protection. While your lights check-up is expected to focus on old dimming units due for replacement, you should also direct yourself to be on watch for elements that may affect your existing lights' performance. Clean your lights from dirt and other particles. Direction of the lights must also be properly aimed not only for your benefit but also for other drivers. Don't overuse your headlights and switch them off in well-lighted areas so as not to blind those approaching you.

• Give your tires and wheels a break.

If there is one car part that is used most heavily and carries most filth, that will be your tire and wheel assembly. The importance of regularly cleaning it lends to the need to take away brake dust produced by the brake pad and rotor, which leads to corrosion as it interacts with motion and heat of the wheels.

Different wheel types will require corresponding different cleaners. Chrome and aluminum types can use tougher cleaners than the painted ones. Similarly, you may opt to use separate brushes for your wheels and tires, with softer bristles deemed more appropriate for the wheels to avoid scratching the surface. Dry your wheels first before applying on wax sealant for better wheel protection and to make them look shinier and cleaner longer. And finally for your tire dressing, opt for newer water-based formulas without silicone content, which could turn your rubber tires brown later on.

Sold exclusively in the United States, the Isuzu Hombre was part of General Motors’ second generation S-Series vehicles—a lineup comprised of several compact pickup trucks and SUVs that were introduced to the market during the early 80s. During the late 70s, compact pickup trucks became extremely popular in the American market. However, this segment was dominated by foreign automakers, especially those from Asia. As a response to this emerging market, the big three American car makers at that time—Jeep, General Motors, and Ford—came up with their own versions of compact pickups. For General Motors, the result of this effort was a series of different kinds of compact trucks and one of them was the Hombre. Here’s a quick look at the history of the Isuzu Hombre, from its roots in the S-Series to its short run.

At the beginning of the 1970s, General Motors already released its first compact pickup truck in the form of the Chevrolet LUV. This vehicle was basically a rebadged Isuzu KB. However, with the Arab oil embargo in 1973, GM decided to produce its compact pickup trucks in the United States using G-body as the platform.

It was not until 1982 when General Motors released its very own Chevrolet S10. This vehicle was also released as the GMC S15, which was basically a twin model of the S10 save for several minor components and features. A year after, SUV versions of the S10 and S15 were also released in the market as the Chevrolet S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy. These vehicles were powered by inline-four or V6 engines and they were available in both manual and automatic transmissions. All these pickups and SUVs were manufactured in several locations across America—in Moraine, Ohio; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Pontiac, Michigan. They were also built based on the GMT325 platform and were in production until 1993.

The first generation of S-series vehicles released several special edition models from time to time. However, most of these were discontinued when the second generation of S-Series pickup trucks came out in 1994. The most noticeable change in the new generation was their new engine. With the 2.8 L Iron Duke four-cylinder V6 engine out of the picture, the 2.4 L Vortec V6 and the 2.2 L four-cylinder engines were introduced.

In 1996, Isuzu rebadged the second generation of the Brazilian-released Chevrolet S-10 to produce the Hombre. Consequently, the Hombre shared the same front grille, fenders, and truck bed sheet metal with the S10 from Brazil. The Isuzu Hombre was solely released in the American market and it offered a limited range of equipments to its buyers. This model was short-lived, however, and it lasted for only four years until 2000. It was replaced six years after with the Isuzu i Series.