Chevy · 1972-1982
LUV (Light Utility Vehicle)
The Chevrolet LUV was a rebadged Isuzu Faster/KB and the first compact pickup sold by a Big Three brand in the US, arriving in March 1972. Imported as a cab-chassis to dodge the chicken tax, it offered a 1.8-liter gas four, a brief diesel option and 4WD from 1979 before the S-10 replaced it for 1982.
- Years
- 1972-1982
- Drivetrain
- RWD · 4WD (introduced for 1979 MY; KB40 from 1978)
- Engines
- 1.8 L G180Z SOHC · 1.8 L G180Z · 2.2 L C223 diesel
- Sold in
- US · Canada
Spec sheet
- Production
- 1972–1982
- Assembly
- Fujisawa, Japan (Isuzu) – imported as cab-chassis, bed fitted in US
- Sold in
- US
- Canada
- Codes
- KB20 (SWB)
- KB25 (LWB, 1978)
- KB40 (4WD SWB, 1978)
- Body styles
- Regular cab pickup
- Cab-chassis
- Bed lengths
- 6 ft (102.4 in WB 1st gen; 104.3 in WB 1981-82)
- 7½ ft (117.9 in WB)
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- 4WD (introduced for 1979 MY; KB40 from 1978)
- Transmissions
- 4-speed manual
- 5-speed manual (later)
- 3-speed automatic
- Wheelbase
- 102.4 / 104.3 / 117.9 in
- Length
- 173.4 in
- Width
- 63 in
- Curb weight
- 1,099–1,290 kg (2,423–2,844 lb) (1st gen, Wikipedia); 1981: 2,375 lb (2WD 104.3 in WB) / 2,470 lb (2WD 117.9 in WB) / 2,595 lb (4WD)
- Payload
- 1981 gross payload (incl. occupants): 1,175 lb (2WD 104.3 in WB) / 1,680 lb (2WD 117.9 in WB) / 1,155 lb (4WD); GVWR 3,550 / 4,150 / 3,750 lb
Engines
| Engine | Disp. | Config | HP | Torque | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L G180Z SOHC | 1.8 L (1,817 cc) | I4 | 75 | 1972-1980 | only US engine in 1st-gen LUV per Wikipedia | |
| 1.8 L G180Z | 1.8 L | I4 | 80 | 95 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 1981-1982 | 1981 brochure (LUV Series 11): RPO L10, 110.8 cu in, 80 hp @ 4,800 rpm SAE net, 8.5:1 |
| 2.2 L C223 diesel | 2.2 L | I4 diesel | 58 | 93 lb-ft @2200 | 1981-1982 | only two model years; EPA 33/44 mpg |
Related
Overview
LUV stands for "Light Utility Vehicle". GM sold the Isuzu-built Faster through Chevrolet dealers beginning in March 1972 as an answer to Datsun, Toyota and the Mazda-built Ford Courier. To avoid the 25 percent tariff on light trucks, it was imported as a cab-chassis (taxed at 4 percent) and the cargo box was fitted after arrival.
The first-generation North American LUV used a 1.8-liter SOHC four, a four-speed manual and optional three-speed automatic. A four-wheel-drive version arrived in the late 1970s. The second generation debuted in 1980 as a 1981 model and added a 2.2-liter diesel, offered only in the 1981 and 1982 model years.
GM replaced the LUV with the domestically built S-10 for 1982; Isuzu continued selling its own version as the P'up.
Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains
Cab and bed
- Body styles: Regular cab pickup, Cab-chassis
- Beds: 6 ft (102.4 in WB 1st gen; 104.3 in WB 1981-82), 7½ ft (117.9 in WB)
Drivetrain and transmissions
- Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD (introduced for 1979 MY; KB40 from 1978)
- 4-speed manual
- 5-speed manual (later)
- 3-speed automatic
Highlights
- First compact pickup from a Big Three automaker (Chevrolet), March 1972
- Imported as cab-chassis to dodge the 25% "chicken tax" (4% tariff on cab-chassis); bed fitted in US
- Diesel offered only for MY1981-82