Holden Frontera

Isuzu MU

Company type	Product
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1989 (1989)
Defunct	2005 (2005)
Products	Mid-size SUV
Owner	Isuzu

The Isuzu MU is a mid-size SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1989 until 2005.

The initial release was the three-door MU in 1989, followed by the introduction of the five-door Isuzu MU Wizard in 1990. Production of this first generation concluded in 1998, succeeded by a second generation where the five-door variant dropped the "MU" prefix and was renamed the Isuzu Wizard. The abbreviation "MU" signifies "Mysterious Utility". Isuzu provided numerous variants for different global markets.

The short-wheelbase (three-door) model was marketed under several names: Isuzu MU and Honda Jazz in Japan; Isuzu Amigo and subsequently Isuzu Rodeo Sport in the United States; Opel Frontera Sport across Europe; Vauxhall Frontera Sport in the United Kingdom; and Holden Frontera Sport in Australia.

The long-wheelbase (five-door) edition carried the name Isuzu Wizard in Japan, while in North America it was sold as the Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport. Rebadged versions were distributed as Opel Frontera, Vauxhall Frontera, and Holden Frontera. Additional markets included Egypt with the Chevrolet Frontera, Thailand where it was known as the Isuzu Cameo and later the Isuzu Vega, South Africa's Isuzu Frontier, and South American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia where it was branded as the Chevrolet Rodeo.

First generation (1989)

The three-door Isuzu MU made its debut in Japan in 1989, followed by the arrival of the five-door MU Wizard in 1990. Both models were developed on the 1988 Isuzu Faster (TF) pickup truck platform, sharing body panels and mechanical components forward of the front doors. The MU offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.

From 1993 to 1996, Honda sold rebadged versions of the three-door MU as the Honda Jazz within Japan, part of a collaborative model-sharing agreement encompassing multiple Isuzu vehicles.

Markets

North America

In the second quarter of 1989, Isuzu introduced the three-door model to the U.S. market under the name Isuzu Amigo. It came equipped with a 2.3-liter 4ZD1 inline-four engine delivering , standard on rear-wheel-drive variants, while four-wheel-drive versions utilized a larger 2.6-liter 4ZE1 engine. Initially, only manual transmissions were available, with limited features such as optional air conditioning and seating configurations for two or four occupants, offered in S or XS trim levels.

Notable updates throughout its production included:

• 1991: exterior refinements featuring a more rounded grille
• 1992: adoption of a uniform 2.6-liter engine across trims; introduction of a four-speed automatic transmission for RWD models
• 1993: enlarged grille design coupled with a redesigned front bumper
• 1994: addition of a high-mounted rear brake light; power steering and power mirrors became standard
• 1995: discontinuation of the Amigo model in the U.S.

A limited XS-F edition incorporated power windows, central locking, and rear-wheel ABS—which was inactive when operating in low-range four-wheel drive. Production numbers for this variant were fewer than 75 units; it was identified by distinctive sport-blue "XS" and "F" badges.

In 1990, Isuzu launched its five-door Rodeo to U.S. consumers for the 1991 model year. Engine choices included a 2.6-liter inline-four producing 119 hp and a General Motors-supplied 3.1-liter V6 delivering similar horsepower but greater torque; an automatic transmission option was available exclusively with the V6. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations were offered, with locking hubs depending on trim level, while rear-wheel ABS was standard on four-wheel-drive models.

Fuel efficiency varied from city ratings for RWD manual transmissions to city ratings for V6 automatic four-wheel-drive versions. The cargo volume measured , enhanced by fold-flat rear seats to increase utility. The LS trim featured amenities such as privacy glass, velour upholstery, split-folding rear seats, and a concealed locking compartment.

In 1993, Isuzu replaced the GM V6 engine with its own 3.2-liter SOHC V6 rated at . Manual locking hubs were eliminated although floor-mounted transfer case shifters remained present. Suspension tuning was softened to improve ride comfort, which affected EPA fuel economy ratings accordingly. Additionally, a Holden-sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine entered the lineup. Midway through 1995, airbags were introduced along with interior refreshes. By 1996, V6 output increased to with torque reaching , while LS trim received upgraded wheels and two-tone paint options.

Sales figures indicate over 24,000 Rodeos were sold in 1991, increasing to more than 45,000 units in 1992. U.S.-market Rodeos were assembled at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive's facility in Lafayette, Indiana, with approximately three-quarters of components imported internationally.

Both first-generation Rodeo and its counterpart Honda Passport earned poor safety scores from IIHS due to structural deficiencies leading to elevated occupant injury risk.

Europe

In Europe, this vehicle was marketed as the Vauxhall Frontera in the UK and Opel Frontera elsewhere on the continent. Production commenced in November 1991 at the Bedford van factory located in Luton, England—a facility jointly operated by Isuzu and General Motors. Versions destined for Australia and New Zealand bore the Holden Frontera badge and were also manufactured there.

Addressing rising European demand for SUVs amid competition from Japanese imports and domestic brands like Land Rover, the Frontera achieved strong sales throughout Europe.

Early models produced before 1995 featured long-wheelbase (LWB) variants equipped with either a 2.4-liter petrol or a Bedford/Vauxhall-derived 2.3-liter diesel engine; short-wheelbase (SWB) Sport variants utilized a shared 2.0-liter petrol engine also found in the Vauxhall Cavalier.

The facelift introduced in 1995 brought rear coil springs along with updated engines: SWB models received a new 2.0-liter petrol (X20 series) engine plus their first diesel option—a turbocharged 2.8-liter unit (4JB1-TC). LWB variants gained revised powertrains including a 2.2-liter petrol (X22SE) alongside this diesel option.

Between 1996 and 1997, interior enhancements involved dashboard redesigns and introduction of a new VM Motori-sourced 2.5-liter diesel engine also utilized by Range Rover Classic and Jeep Cherokee models sold within the UK.

Australia

Holden launched their version of this SUV series named "Frontera" in Australia during October 1995; concurrently it was called "Wizard" in New Zealand. Both derived from three-door bodies produced at the UK factory. Offered exclusively as a "Sport 4×4" trim featuring manual transmission, these models targeted regional SUV buyers leveraging Isuzu’s platform technology.

Asia

In China, Jiangling Motors manufactures a vehicle named Landwind that replicates the first-generation Rodeo design without official collaboration from either Isuzu or General Motors; this model notably failed Euro NCAP crash safety assessments.

Within Thailand’s market, Isuzu sold this SUV under the MU Wizard nameplate as Cameo between 1993 and 1996 featuring a rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a manual transmission powered by a 2.5-liter diesel engine. In 1999 it was rebranded Vega featuring refreshed styling along with standard four-wheel drive capability, larger wheels, halogen headlights plus turbocharged diesel engines (initially a 2.8L followed later by an enhanced 3.0L). Transmission options included manual or electronically controlled automatic gearboxes offering selectable modes optimized either for performance or fuel efficiency.

Second generation (1998)

The second iteration of the MU (three-door) and the Wizard (five-door, with the "MU" designation removed) was unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. Sales commenced in Japan in May 1998, followed shortly by launches in North America and Europe.

In 2004, Isuzu introduced an optional 3.5-liter V6 gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine delivering and of torque, marking Isuzu as the pioneer in offering GDI technology in a vehicle priced below US$100,000. The Rodeo’s weight slightly exceeds , with EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2007 model at city and highway for two-wheel-drive versions, and city and highway for four-wheel-drive variants.

Both the second-generation Rodeo and its badge-engineered counterpart, the Honda Passport, earned a "marginal" score in the IIHS frontal offset crash test conducted at , attributed to potential injury risks to the right leg and head, although dummy movement remained fairly controlled.

Markets

North America

The Amigo reappeared in the United States market in 1998 after a three-year absence, launching alongside the redesigned Rodeo as part of the second generation. Initially available exclusively as a soft top with a five-speed manual transmission, the Amigo came standard with features such as a rear-mounted spare tire, ABS brakes, and a removable sunroof. Fender flares and distinctive 16-inch wheels were optional on V6 and four-wheel-drive models. Similarly, higher-trim Rodeos also featured rear-mounted spare tires and 16-inch wheels.

The base powerplant was a newly developed 2.2-liter X22SE engine manufactured by Holden in Australia, paired with Isuzu’s 6VD1 V6 producing torque at 3000 rpm. Highway fuel efficiency was around . Both vehicles utilized a sturdy frame with eight crossmembers, independent front suspension, and a solid rear axle. Four-wheel-drive models included a modified Dana 44 rear axle, push-button engagement for four-wheel drive, a floor-mounted lever for switching between high and low ranges, along with standard skid plates.

Assembly of North American Amigo and Rodeo units took place at the Subaru Isuzu Automotive, Inc. facility located in Lafayette, Indiana.

• 1998: Launch of second-generation Rodeo and Amigo.
• 1999: Introduction of hardtop Amigo and optional automatic transmission; logo updated to block lettering.
• 2000: Exterior refresh featuring more robust bumpers, redesigned lights and grille; interior enhancements; Amigo received unique grille and gray bumpers; five-door Rodeo added adjustable shock absorbers and standard 16-inch tires; cruise control became standard on V6 trims; introduction of "Intelligent Suspension Control"; debut of Ironman package.
• 2001: Addition of Anniversary Edition; Amigo renamed to Rodeo Sport.
• 2002: Final year for Rodeo sales in Canada due to market exit; last production year for Honda Passport.
• 2003: New grille and headlights introduced along with revised dashboard and steering wheel; final year for Rodeo Sport; mid-year transition to Aisin AW30-40LS automatic transmission featuring dash-mounted knob replacing physical shifter for four-wheel drive.
• 2004: Discontinuation of Rodeo Sport along with four-cylinder engine option; introduction of optional new 3.5-liter V6; tire-pressure monitoring system added midyear.

In October 2010, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall affecting 1998–2002 Rodeos, 2002 Isuzu Axioms, and 1998–2002 Honda Passports due to frame corrosion near the rear suspension area. Vehicles without corrosion received anti-corrosion treatments; those severely affected were either reinforced with brackets or bought back by manufacturers. Production of the final MU unit concluded on June 5, 2004.

Europe

In the United Kingdom market, the second-generation Isuzu MU and Wizard were sold as the Vauxhall Frontera (five-door) and Vauxhall Frontera Sport (three-door). Across continental Europe, these models were marketed under the Opel Frontera nameplates.

Following General Motors’ full acquisition of IBC Vehicles in 1998, plans to relocate production to GM’s Vauxhall plant at Ellesmere Port were abandoned after closure of the Luton facility. The updated range offered both petrol and diesel engines including a 2.2-liter petrol and diesel (X22DTH) alongside a 3.2-liter V6 petrol engine. Diesel engines were upgraded post-2001 to comply with Euro 3 emissions standards using the 2.2-liter Y22 unit.

IBC Luton ceased production in 2005 with final UK models available in Olympus trim level. In Australia and New Zealand markets, Holden replaced the Frontera with a Chevrolet Captiva bearing Holden badges, while Europe transitioned to using the Opel Antara (also offered as a Vauxhall).

Australia

Holden introduced the second-generation Frontera in Australia and New Zealand from February 1999 under the UE or MX series nameplates, offering both three- and five-door body styles assembled in the United States. The five-door variant was equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 rated at power output and torque figures , featuring an optional automatic transmission; meanwhile, the three-door Frontera Sport retained its four-cylinder engine paired exclusively with manual transmission. Available five-door trims included base model, S, and SE.

Facelifts implemented in 2000 refreshed grille design, bumpers, lighting elements; late-2001 updates reduced engine noise levels, introduced electronic throttle control, improved ABS calibration on SE trims tailored for off-road use, along with interior refinements. The Frontera Sport was discontinued by June 2002 while five-door versions continued until being partially succeeded by the Adventra model in 2003.