1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS 1.6 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Almost too much fun

Faults:

Rear shocks replaced several times.

Had some fit and finish issues when new, a hassle working with the dealer.

All other problems related to accident damage.

General Comments:

I have loved this car from the first test drive. I was a full time college student and was able to buy a brand new car. Everyone wanted to know what it was. And now, 11 years later, it still gets many looks and questions.

My car is the 4-door in Phantom Gray Metallic. It does not attract the attention of the highway patrol, which was a very good thing for a male in his early 20's (when I bought it).

It was my daily driver for the first 3 years I owned it and performed flawlessly except for in snow (too much power and too little weight). I bought a Grand Cherokee and the I-Mark became my fun summer car. I have now started using it as a commuter car.

Still as infatuated as the day I bought it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2000

1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS 1.6 DOHC from North America

Summary:

V-tech THS.....

Faults:

One of the axles broke down, but it was minor problem considering the fact that it took Canadian Tire 4 sets of different axles to be ordered until the right one came. Other than that the car has it's minor defects like a leaking sunroof which is power operated.. it needed minor adjustment but it is fine now.

Rear wheel brake cylinders had to be changed due to faulty rubber seals... other than that this is a great car to have and pleasure to drive in.

General Comments:

I love the uniqueness of the car. Very peppy and great ability to take nice corners especially the exits from the highway.

The gearbox is amazing due to nice smooth shifting, and the clutch like no other considering the fact that it is the same clutch used in the turbo model.

The brakes need little bit of work on but they will stop you when needed.

Interior is very elegant and at the same time simple and easy to clean.

I would love to buy this vehicle again if it was still in production.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2000

22nd May 2001, 14:37

I too had the pleasure of owning a car like this. And I would also purchase another if it ever was put back into production. Maybe we should petition the manufacturer...

9th Jul 2002, 08:39

I need the turbo engine any information reply

Derrick at bigklueg69@cs.com.

18th Mar 2004, 08:09

I to have this make of car it is two door and red with a 159,000 miles on it. It has a DOHC 16 VALVE engine and lotus handling which is excellent for corners exceeding one hundred miles an hour, trust me I found out. I have replaced both CV axles, struts, bushings, shocks, sway bar clamps, tie rods and the rear axle assembly quite a few repairs, but fun to drive.

1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS 1.6 liter from North America

Summary:

Possibly the only one in this hemisphere

Faults:

The battery had to be replaced, but nothing else since I obtained it.

General Comments:

This car is one of a kind! Superb handling and small size makes it a parking lot performer the likes of which have never been seen before. Still, it fits four people comfortably, gets over 30 miles to the gallon, and leaves Honda Civics in the dust! The previous owner said they took this car from Montana to New Mexico several times without incident. It has never let me down yet and seems as though it never will.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2000

6th Jun 2005, 09:03

The only one in this hemisphere?

Gosh, that must be news to the other four posters of I-Mark RS reviews to this site.

Are you allowing for all the ones in junkyards?

1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS 1.6 liter DOCH from North America

Summary:

Fuel efficient fun - none compare to the I-Mark.

Faults:

Had to put a new starter in the day after I purchased it. Had a $2 pin from the transmission fall out once, but let it be known this was the car I learned to drive a manual in.

General Comments:

Not a slow car, and the handling by Lotus was fantastic. Watching the look on people's faces when they asked what car I drove was priceless! The sturdy frame of the car saved my life and the lives of two others. The best car in the world.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2000