Isuzu Bighorn Reviews

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1995 Isuzu Bighorn Bighorn 3.1 turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Model year1995
Year of manufacture1995
First year of ownership2002
Most recent year of ownership2011
Engine and transmission 3.1 turbo diesel Automatic
Performance marks 10 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
9.3 / 10
Distance when acquired48000 kilometres
Most recent distance120000 kilometres

Summary:

Absolutely a brilliant car, hopelessly under rated by the general motoring fraternity

Faults:

The only real thing that gave trouble was a noisy turbo at 93000 km. I replaced this with a new one, and have had no trouble since.

The gearbox overheated while towing once, but after an oil cooler was fitted, have had no more trouble.

General Comments:

This would be the best vehicle I have ever owned. Comfortable, reliable, and a very good all round vehicle.

The car has been made to work, and most of the km driven have been towing kms pulling a 2 tonne caravan. The economy is not the best towing, but it is a small price to pay for the power and reliability of the vehicle. When not towing, the car is as economical as any other large heavy vehicle. It is not a speed machine, but will keep going all day long, quietly pulling any load.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th November, 2011

Comment on this review

14th Dec 2011, 02:00

We have a 1995 Bighorn, but it's just blown the motor at 181,000k's. We tow a 450mt Nomad caravan, and the BH has 'spat the dummy'. Anyone else had a similar problem?

We've managed to have the engine replaced with a second-hand motor, but are somewhat apprehensive about towing again. Anyone else had this problem? We kept the servicing up on the vehicle, but it still blew.

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In reply to 14th Dec 2011, 02:00

20th Mar 2012, 22:56

That's what happens when you put a turbo in a truck... especially when towing.

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In reply to 20th Mar 2012, 22:56

9th Oct 2012, 17:33

If the car is looked after and the cooling system is in good shape, there is no reason why they can't go forever. Mine has 420,000km and only a slight shift flare into 3rd to show for it.

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In reply to 20th Mar 2012, 22:56

20th Nov 2012, 03:47

Most big rigs on the road have turbos and or superchargers, so "putting a turbo in a truck" works well if you ask those who know.

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1994 Isuzu Bighorn 3.1 turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Year of manufacture1994
First year of ownership2004
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission 3.1 turbo diesel Manual
Performance marks 7 / 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.5 / 10
Distance when acquired170000 kilometres
Most recent distance220000 kilometres
Previous carMazda Proceed Marvie

Summary:

I have a very high opinion of this vehicle, and it is better than I would have expected or hoped

Faults:

Other than the usual disc pad replacement, I have had to replace the left rear disc, as the locating pins of the caliper seized. Consequently the caliper would not self adjust, causing the disc to wear on the inside.

I had to have the alternator reconditioned at approx. 200,000 kms.

I have just had the injectors replaced and pump timing reset.

The wagon is still running its original clutch, which surprises me.

General Comments:

The wagon is very comfortable on and off road. It has taken me places that I wouldn't want to walk.

There is more than enough room and reasonably quiet except for traveling at speed for a reasonable length of time. This tends to dull the sensitivity of ones ears after a while. Probably its worst point.

For its size and weight, it handles amazingly well. Better than I would have expected for a vehicle of its type.

I've read of bad fuel economy with these vehicles, and as ours had slipped to 27 mpg, I decided to have the injectors replaced. I'm expecting this to increase to around 30 mpg or better, and the signs are good so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2009

Comment on this review

25th May 2011, 16:09

Does anyone know why when I select Drive on the auto box of a 94 L reg 3.1 Lotus Bighorn it does not seem to go in to top? Also the overdrive switch when pressed does nothing, all other gears engage?

The check transmission light is also flashing.

I have checked the auto box oil level and it is just below the low level line on the dip stick, how do I top it up?

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1988 Isuzu Bighorn Turbo 2.8 turbo 5 speed from Australia and New Zealand

Model year1988
Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership2008
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission 2.8 turbo 5 speed Manual
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 2 / 10
Comfort marks 6 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 5 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
5.3 / 10
Distance when acquired180000 kilometres
Most recent distance242000 kilometres
Previous carToyota Hi-lux

Summary:

Good truck

Faults:

Wheel bearings.

Driveshaft universals.

Engine oil leak.

Seats worn. My model comes with factory Recaro seats.

General Comments:

Truck is generally reliable, other than things mentioned, and considering the kms I have done, mostly 4x4 hunting etc, it's great offroad with decent tyres.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th December, 2009

Comment on this review

14th Sep 2010, 22:10

This is an interesting comment. The car was already 20 years old when this person bought it and he did 242 thousand kilometres in it.

If it rated so badly I am not sure why he did not dump it much earlier.

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Average review marks: 7.3 / 10, based on 6 reviews