Isuzu · 1981-1987
P'up
The Isuzu P'up was the Japanese-built second-generation KB sold under Isuzu's own name in the US from 1981 to 1987, sharing mechanicals with the Chevy LUV. Known for its giant tailgate lettering and diesel options, it added a Spacecab extended cab and a 2.3-liter gas engine for 1987.
- Years
- 1981-1987
- Drivetrain
- RWD · 4WD (SWB only)
- Engines
- 1.8 L G180Z · 2.2 L C223 diesel · 1.95 L gasoline
- Sold in
- US · Canada
Spec sheet
- Production
- 1981–1987
- Assembly
- Fujisawa, Japan
- Sold in
- US
- Canada
- Codes
- KB (2nd gen)
- Faster-Z (Thailand)
- Body styles
- Regular cab
- Spacecab extended cab (1987; LS or Deluxe trim only)
- Bed lengths
- Standard (73.0 in inside, 104.3-in WB; only bed on 4x4)
- Long (90.1 in inside, 117.9-in WB; 2WD)
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- 4WD (SWB only)
- Transmissions
- 4-speed manual
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed automatic (2WD)
- Trims
- Base
- Deluxe
- LS
- Wheelbase
- 104.3 / 117.9 in
- Length
- 174.4 / 191.5 in
- Width
- 63 in
- Height
- 59.3 / 61 in
- Curb weight
- 2,399-2,853 lb (1982; gas 4x2 short bed to diesel 4x4)
- Payload
- 1,129-1,689 lb (1982)
Engines
| Engine | Disp. | Config | HP | Torque | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L G180Z | 1.8 L | I4 | 78 | 95 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 1981-~1982 | |
| 2.2 L C223 diesel | 2.2 L | I4 diesel | 58 | 93 lb-ft @2200 | 1981-1987 | later turbodiesel added; turbo standard on diesel 4WD |
| 1.95 L gasoline | 1.95 L | I4 | 1986-1987 | replaced 1.8 | ||
| 2.3 L 4ZD1 | 2.3 L | I4 | 1986-1987 | standard on 4WD |
Related
Overview
Isuzu entered the US market in 1981 and sold its small truck as the P'up - short for "pickup" - alongside the Chevrolet LUV built from the same KB platform. The P'up had its own grille and enormous "ISUZU" tailgate lettering.
It shared the LUV's 1.8-liter gas four (80 hp in the 1981 LUV brochure, 78 hp in the 1982 P'up brochure) and 58-hp 2.2-liter diesel; 4WD was available on the short wheelbase. Later the gas engine grew to 1.95 liters, a turbodiesel was added (standard on diesel 4WD models), and for 1987 a 2.3-liter gas four (standard on 4WD) and a Spacecab extended cab arrived.
It was replaced in 1988 by the TF-generation "Isuzu Pickup".
Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains
Trims
- Base
- Deluxe
- LS
Cab and bed
- Body styles: Regular cab, Spacecab extended cab (1987; LS or Deluxe trim only)
- Beds: Standard (73.0 in inside, 104.3-in WB; only bed on 4x4), Long (90.1 in inside, 117.9-in WB; 2WD)
Drivetrain and transmissions
- Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD (SWB only)
- 4-speed manual
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed automatic (2WD)
Highlights
- Isuzu's US debut vehicle alongside the I-Mark (1981)
- Giant "ISUZU" block letters on the tailgate
- Spacecab extended cab from 1987
- "P'up" short for pickup
- Diesel and turbodiesel options (rare for a US compact)