The Isuzu Faster is a compact pickup truck that was manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between 1972 and 2002 over three generations. It was sold under myriad nameplates. Most commonly, they were marketed under their respective model codes: Isuzu KB for the first and second generations, TF for the third. In Japan, the "Faster" name was eventually supplanted by Rodeo. It was also marketed under a number of other brands from the General Motors portfolio. The Faster was succeeded worldwide by Isuzu D-Max, except in Japan and North America.
First generation (1972)
Isuzu of Japan introduced the KB20 / 25 series Faster pickup in 1972. The regular wheelbase models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from the Isuzu Florian, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for the Isuzu Wasp, a pickup version of the Bellett which preceded the Florian. Both single and twin headlamp front fascia designs were produced.
Due to the exterior dimensions, and engines offered were found to be in compliance with Japanese regulations, the platform was classed in the favorable "compact" designation, and competed with other Japanese made products sold in Japan at the time.
In most export markets, Isuzu rebranded the Faster as the "Isuzu KB".Ruiz (1986), p. 131. However, the Faster was often distributed through General Motors (GM) retail channels and sold under the Chevrolet brand as the "Chevrolet LUV"—LUV being an acronym for light utility vehicle. Bedford, the European commercial vehicle subsidiary of GM also offered the vehicle under the "Bedford KB" name.
The Isuzu Faster used a traditional pickup truck chassis with a ladder frame and a leaf spring live axle rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used an independent configuration. The wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the cargo bay. Unlike for the preceding Wasp, there was also a long wheelbase version (KB25) which had between the axles, which made for a bed.
In 1978, a four-wheel drive version became available, with the KB40 chassis code but sold under the "Faster Rodeo" label in Japan. There was also a double cab (on the longer chassis) version. Sales ended in 1980 when the second generation was introduced. The engine used in most markets was a carbureted gasoline SOHC inline-four of , which was complemented by a diesel four (KBD) which produced . Top speeds were and for the gasoline and diesel versions respectively. In Japan, an overhead valve engine (G161) was fitted originally; this produces for a top speed.
Australia General Motors-Holden imported the Faster into Australia from November 1972 under the name "Chevrolet LUV", renaming it "Isuzu KB" in 1977 before it was replaced in December 1980 by the second generation model (badged "Holden Rodeo").Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "KB Rodeo: December 1980 to August 1988"; "GM-H had been importing light and heavy Isuzu trucks from Japan since the early 1970s. First of these was the Isuzu KB utility, sold as the Chevrolet LUV (Light utility Vehicle). The reputation and recognition of this little utility grew over time until in 1977, the Chevrolet name was deleted and the Isuzu nameplate was used instead. Late in 1980, KB received a major facelift [redesign]. With new sheetmetal, the opportunity was taken to re-badge the car yet again – this time as Holden Rodeo." Holden launched the LUV in Australia with the 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine delivering approximately of power and of torque. Gaining an early reputation for reliability and durability, these original rear-wheel drive models featured a four-speed manual transmission, short-wheelbase construction, and circa payload capacity.
An update in 1978 expanded the LUV range—now comprising the short-wheelbase KB20 model, the new long-wheelbase KB25 and the four-wheel drive KB40 short-wheelbase. These KB25 and KB40 variants were offered in both cab chassis and utility (pickup) body styles and could be specified with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the newly available 1.95-liter inline-four diesel. The diesel produced and .
North America Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed via Chevrolet dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a SOHC inline-four which produced .
Sales in the United States began in March 1972 as a response to the Datsun and Toyota pickup trucks, as well as Ford's Mazda-built Courier. To circumvent the 25 percent tariff on light trucks (known as the chicken tax), LUVs were imported in cab chassis configuration, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4 percent tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.
The LUV's exterior was updated slightly for the 1974 model year, but the first major update came in the 1976 model year, when a three-speed automatic transmission option and front disc brakes were added. Power was up to for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a cargo bay option, with longer wheelbase, brought sales up to 71,145 in 1978. The addition of four-wheel drive for 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of Motor Trend magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year" award. The LUV was the first four-wheel-drive minitruck available and set a new trend. Sales peaked at 100,192.
Second generation (1980)
The second generation was more commonly marketed worldwide under the Isuzu label (either as the "Isuzu KB" or just plain "Pick Up"). It continued to use the "Rodeo" suffix for the four-wheel drives. The second generation model was the first Isuzu pickup offered in three cab styles: single cab, double cab and "Space Cab" ("Sports Cab" in some markets). Although it had received a completely new body, its chassis remained the same as its predecessor. Sales in the UK continued as the Bedford KB.
This generation was not shared with the GM North American GMT325 platform, which replaced the North American Chevrolet LUV in 1982.
Australia
Holden in Australia distributed the second generation Isuzu Faster between January 1981 and August 1988 as the first generation or KB series "Holden Rodeo", for which production started in December 1980.Bebbington (2009), p. 280. KB Rodeo Released Initial release Jan-81 1983 upgrade Dec-82 1984 upgrade Feb-84 1985 upgrade Jul-85 1986 upgrade Mar-86 1987 upgrade Apr-87 Early KBs were fitted with circular headlamps and a horizontal four-bar grille, but a 1983 model year facelift in December 1982 brought rectangular lamps with a 12-port grille insert as well as restyled side mirrors.Bebbington (2009), p. 279–280. "These early series Rodeos could be identified by: the simple horizontal-slat grille design, round headlamps and central Holden lion logo."; "In late 1982, Rodeo received a facelift with a bold new twelve-segment grille and rectangular headlights."
At launch, Holden made the Rodeo available in utility (pickup) and cab chassis body variants in both rear- (LWB) and four-wheel drive (SWB) layouts. All models featured a floor- or column-mounted four-speed synchromesh manual transmission coupled with the 1.6-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engines.Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "Initially, Rodeo was sold in utility (pick-up) and cab chassis body styles, with a choice of two or four-wheel drive. All versions were offered with a 1600cc petrol or 2000cc diesel powerplant. The transmission was a 4-speed all-synchro manual gearbox with floor or column shift." The 1983 model year update increased these displacements to 1.8- and 2.2-liters, respectively. At the same time a new upmarket "LS" model was issued (coded KB28), fitted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and five-speed manual.Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "Tagged the 1983 year model, it featured increased basic engine capacities – 1800cc petrol and 2200cc diesel. The upmarket LS model (coded KB28) has a 2000cc petrol engine, coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission." For the 1984 year model, beginning in February 1984, the 2.0-liter became the base gasoline engine.Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "The next update was the 1984 model released in February of that year, with further model proliferation. The 2000 cc petrol engine became the base powerplant and the 2200 cc diesel remained the option."
With the demise of the Holden WB in 1984, the Rodeo became the only pickup and chassis cab vehicle available from Holden (until the arrival of the car-based Holden VG Utility in 1990). The 1985 model from July the same year signaled another facelift, the release of the two-door Space Cab body style, the debut of a new 2.3-liter gasoline engine, and the deletion of the four-speed manual and column-shift selector (making the floor-mounted five-speed manual standard).Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "With yet another facelift, the 1985 model range was broadened to include the Space Cab – a 2-door utility with a slightly extended cabin, providing extra storage space behind the seats. Also for 1985, a new 2.3-liter petrol engine was added to the range. [...] In 1985, the 4-speed manual gearbox and column-shift selector were deleted. All Rodeos now had a 5-speed floor-shift manual transmission as standard." From March 1986 (1986 model year), the 2.3-liter became the standard gasoline engine and in April the subsequent year, the 1987 models obtained a final facelift with an open rectangular grille design and optional power steering.Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "In 1986, the range was altered again, with the 2.3-liter petrol engine now fitted as standard equipment across the board. The following year, the KB series Rodeo received its final facelift, identified by the distinctive open rectangular grille design."Bebbington (2009), p. 280. "Power steering available from 1987".
Versions with unique local specifications were assembled in New Zealand at GM's Trentham assembly plant. These were also badged as Holdens.
Europe The second generation KB was introduced in many European markets, not only Britain, as the Bedford KB. In subsequent years continental markets saw a switch to Isuzu badging as General Motors stopped using the Vauxhall and Bedford brands outside of the United Kingdom. It was called by the model code, Specifications and trims varied depending on market needs, but most received the 1.6-liter G161Z petrol engine with a twin carburettor and , or the 2-liter C190 diesel inline-four with . Two-wheel-drives were also available on a long wheelbase not offered in combination with four-wheel-drive.
North America
The United States continued to receive the Faster under the "Chevrolet LUV" name for the second generation, introduced in 1980 for the 1981 model year. The gasoline engine remained the same, but the LUV was now available with an Isuzu C223 diesel engine making at 4300 rpm and at 2200 rpm. This new engine gave the rear-wheel drive diesel LUV a fuel economy rating of city / highway.