1994 Isuzu Bighorn LX 3.1 diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Dependable

Faults:

Turbo was noisy when bought; replaced at 98000.

Brakes last well, was comfy to drive. Not the fastest, but will churn along with a load all day everyday.

Change the oil every 5000 km and service the trans every 100000 km. They just feel solid and reliable. I've just bought a 1995 Lotus and they handle even better. If you find a good tidy one, buy it, parts are cheap and good low mileage ones are harder to find. They don't seem to rust either if looked after.

The interiors are well made; seat fabric lasts very, very well, and the plastics are strong. Remember Isuzu is a truck manufacturer and it shows in the build quality here too. Bighorns are SO underrated, but they will still be around in 20 years; longer than most modern trucks will survive made now

General Comments:

Reliable, tough and fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2023

1993 Isuzu Bighorn Irmscher RS 3.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Brilliant model. Wish it was still produced

Faults:

Fuel pump, starter motor, front suspension bushes, all normal wear and tear.

Overall, a brilliant vehicle.

Clear coat loss top surfaces.

General Comments:

Excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2021

1995 Isuzu Bighorn RS 3.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Really solid, yet comfortable vehicle, which will take you anywhere you want to go!

Faults:

This car runs like an absolute dream! I've frequently used this truck to haul heavy loads and it handles just like a car! I often use it off road and in four wheel drive, with great success! The short wheel base makes it an excellent choice for an off road vehicle, and is terrific for climbing over rugged terrain.

I haven't needed to install a lift kit as I would for other trucks, because it is already high enough! The only mod I have added was guards underneath to protect the drivetrain from damage when off road.

It is quiet, and comfortable, and for a car of its age, has a surprising number of comfort features like heated driver's seat and a really good air con system. It is really easy to handle on and off road, and even at high speeds! The switch which enables the driver to control the stability of the vehicle is a great feature.

It starts each time without a hassle, never overheats, and hasn't cost me anything!

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

Review Date: 4th August, 2015

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

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

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.

20th Mar 2012, 22:56

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

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.

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.

2nd Jan 2015, 02:18

Yes, ours just overheated towing a medium size trailer with not that much on it. Ours has done 220,000 km. Also the turbo went about 20,000km ago (Jan 2015).

10th Jul 2015, 01:39

This is a fantastic machine. It is reliable and I am enjoying it.

8th Dec 2015, 01:11

Not true, turbos simply optimize an engine's efficiency; these 3.1 intercooled, turbo diesels really respond well to Lucas oil additives; it not only saves their lives, but extends them considerably, motor and trans.

13th Dec 2015, 19:51

Overheating is a common problem with these (especially places like the top of the Lindis Pass towing a caravan in summer!). It seems the cooling system is a bit light. Retrofitting a triple core radiator should fix the problem.

9th Sep 2017, 03:26

Yes the turbos do work well on trucks if you know how to use it.

9th Oct 2017, 17:19

Hi, I'm also looking to replace the engine and wondering if you bought your second hand motor on any site or shop? Also how much? Thanks.

31st Aug 2021, 14:38

1999 Isuzu Bighorn, auto tranny overheated towing a 2 tonne trailer, replaced at 129000 kms, would engage to drive and reverse only, no 2nd or third. Electronic tranny board fried, now OK again