The isuzu dmax is manufactured by the company ISUZU MOTORS. It was launched on the year 2002. It was one of the best pick up that isuzu made next to its predecessor which is the isuzu fuego. It was the pick ups to have during those years, aside from the mitsubishi strada lineups, and toyota's hilux lineups.
"In 2002, the D-Max was prepared for a world premiere in Thailand. This location was chosen because GM-Isuzu had recently decided to close their small truck assembly plant in Japan and move their joint operation to Thailand. The D-Max is available in various models. The Spark (single cab) (EX) is available only as a 4x2, with three configurations between cab chassis, long bed with power steering and without. SpaceCabs (extended cab), and Cab4s (double cab) can be divided into two major configurations: standard height 4x2s (SL, SX, SLX), and 4x4s (S and LS) with the "Rodeo" name instead of SpaceCab.
Engine choices for that year till end of third quarter of 2004 derived from its direct predecessor: 4JH1-T 3.0 and 4JA1-T 2.5. In October 2004, Isuzu introduced the DDi iTEQ common-rail diesel engine family for the D-Max. The first engine to appear was the 3.0 4JJ1-TC 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp), however since then, a design change in the front end of the car has forced engine alterations. Additionally, new MUA-5H five-speed manual transmission also introduced. "
From wikipedia;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_D-Max
"Value and Costs
This pickup truck can pickup (pun not intended) the needs for just between P600,000-P1,000,000. Do remember later models are priced in the upper range and try to hunt for a unit sold in October 2010 or later to get the remainder of the warranty.
Parts are widespread and maintenance costs are on the cheap side, a positive among Isuzus. This one drinks fuel less than the main rivals, which is a strength. Do check the unit you're eyeing before signing the dotted line.
Exterior and Interior
The design remains unchanged for nearly 10 years (or 80 years old in car age), but the boxy stance gives the vehicle a classic look. Despite some chrome touches, they don't look tacky at all. Boondock versions get a "Boondock 4x4" sticker on the side and large wheels. Numerous exterior updates were done throughout the years, while retaining the same body everyone remembers. Let's review the bed area since you'll be using it when you're buying it. The bed can accommodate anything with ease but it only has four tie points, not good for some fragile items.
A simplistic approach was done in the D-Max's interior with the 4WD push buttons being located within driver's reach, with the same for the climate and other controls. The aftermarket stereo needs some time to read the owners manual to master the buttons, as they are small and confusing. USB connectivity and an auxiliary jack comes standard in 2007 and later models. Front occupants get a decent space while those who prefer to seat at the rear bench would have an upright - but still humane - position.
Engine
Two sets of engines were offered in the D-Max, and initial models get the 4JH1 2,999cc which has 130hp at 3,800rpm and 294Nm at 2,000rpm. A 2007 update had the 4JJ1 packed with CRDi technology but using the same displacement with slightly different figures. Horsepower is now rated at 146hp at 3,800 while torque still remains the same, it has an early twist at 1,400-3,400rpm. The LT, targeted the fleet market, utilizes the 4JA1 2,499cc (used in the Crosswind) that possess 81hp at 3,900rpm and 177Nm at 2,000rpm. The 4JA1, although noisy, has better pull in the lower range. The 4JH1 engine does live without CRDi technology but thanks to the close gear ratios (especially for the manual variant), it feels spirited at launch and at fifth gear, it can reach 80km/h. It does not like to be pushed above 100km/h as it becomes noisy and vibration is too much in this period. Moving on to the 4JJ1, there is enough torque to start at second gear in the manual but the automatic has a high powerband entry and the 3,000rpm, the turbo wakes up there. Fuel economy is definitely a strength.
Driving Impressions
At low speeds, the D-Max drives like a sedan but steering feel is on the dead side. Parking is a breeze due to the light steering and unlike theHilux, it feels planted to the ground. For more power, I recommend sticking with a 2007 and later model but paired with a stick shift as they have gobs of torque at an early gear.
Verdict
Sure, the D-Max is being eclipsed by new and modern competitors but there are some virtues which still remains a pick in the market. If economy is the top most concern, you can never go wrong with the D-Max
"In 2002, the D-Max was prepared for a world premiere in Thailand. This location was chosen because GM-Isuzu had recently decided to close their small truck assembly plant in Japan and move their joint operation to Thailand. The D-Max is available in various models. The Spark (single cab) (EX) is available only as a 4x2, with three configurations between cab chassis, long bed with power steering and without. SpaceCabs (extended cab), and Cab4s (double cab) can be divided into two major configurations: standard height 4x2s (SL, SX, SLX), and 4x4s (S and LS) with the "Rodeo" name instead of SpaceCab.
Engine choices for that year till end of third quarter of 2004 derived from its direct predecessor: 4JH1-T 3.0 and 4JA1-T 2.5. In October 2004, Isuzu introduced the DDi iTEQ common-rail diesel engine family for the D-Max. The first engine to appear was the 3.0 4JJ1-TC 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp), however since then, a design change in the front end of the car has forced engine alterations. Additionally, new MUA-5H five-speed manual transmission also introduced. "
From wikipedia;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_D-Max
"Value and Costs
This pickup truck can pickup (pun not intended) the needs for just between P600,000-P1,000,000. Do remember later models are priced in the upper range and try to hunt for a unit sold in October 2010 or later to get the remainder of the warranty.
Parts are widespread and maintenance costs are on the cheap side, a positive among Isuzus. This one drinks fuel less than the main rivals, which is a strength. Do check the unit you're eyeing before signing the dotted line.
Exterior and Interior
The design remains unchanged for nearly 10 years (or 80 years old in car age), but the boxy stance gives the vehicle a classic look. Despite some chrome touches, they don't look tacky at all. Boondock versions get a "Boondock 4x4" sticker on the side and large wheels. Numerous exterior updates were done throughout the years, while retaining the same body everyone remembers. Let's review the bed area since you'll be using it when you're buying it. The bed can accommodate anything with ease but it only has four tie points, not good for some fragile items.
A simplistic approach was done in the D-Max's interior with the 4WD push buttons being located within driver's reach, with the same for the climate and other controls. The aftermarket stereo needs some time to read the owners manual to master the buttons, as they are small and confusing. USB connectivity and an auxiliary jack comes standard in 2007 and later models. Front occupants get a decent space while those who prefer to seat at the rear bench would have an upright - but still humane - position.
Engine
Two sets of engines were offered in the D-Max, and initial models get the 4JH1 2,999cc which has 130hp at 3,800rpm and 294Nm at 2,000rpm. A 2007 update had the 4JJ1 packed with CRDi technology but using the same displacement with slightly different figures. Horsepower is now rated at 146hp at 3,800 while torque still remains the same, it has an early twist at 1,400-3,400rpm. The LT, targeted the fleet market, utilizes the 4JA1 2,499cc (used in the Crosswind) that possess 81hp at 3,900rpm and 177Nm at 2,000rpm. The 4JA1, although noisy, has better pull in the lower range. The 4JH1 engine does live without CRDi technology but thanks to the close gear ratios (especially for the manual variant), it feels spirited at launch and at fifth gear, it can reach 80km/h. It does not like to be pushed above 100km/h as it becomes noisy and vibration is too much in this period. Moving on to the 4JJ1, there is enough torque to start at second gear in the manual but the automatic has a high powerband entry and the 3,000rpm, the turbo wakes up there. Fuel economy is definitely a strength.
Driving Impressions
At low speeds, the D-Max drives like a sedan but steering feel is on the dead side. Parking is a breeze due to the light steering and unlike theHilux, it feels planted to the ground. For more power, I recommend sticking with a 2007 and later model but paired with a stick shift as they have gobs of torque at an early gear.
Verdict
Sure, the D-Max is being eclipsed by new and modern competitors but there are some virtues which still remains a pick in the market. If economy is the top most concern, you can never go wrong with the D-Max
THE SPECS
Engines: 2,499 4JA1 (LT model only), 2,999 4JH1 (2004-2007) and 4JJ1 I4 diesel (2007 onward)
Power: 81hp @ 3,900rpm (2.5), 130hp @ 3,800rpm (3.0, 2004-2007), 146hp @ 3,800rpm (3.0, 2007 onward)
Torque: 177Nm @ 2,000rpm (2.5), 294Nm @ 2,000rpm (3.0, 2004-2007), 294Nm @ 1,400-3,400rpm (3.0, 2007 onward)
Fuel Consumption: 8-10km/L (city), 10-13km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Suspension: Front independent double wishbone, rear rigid axle with semi elliptic leaf springs "
from the blog ultimate Car guide by Myk Belmonte.
The photo belongs to me, We also have our own isuzu dmax. We had this since year 2007 up to present. still performs at its best.
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