Isuzu was once a key player on the America car market. These Japanese automakers have produced a number of fun vehicles over the years, including the memorable Impulse RS. During the early 1990s, it was one of the most entertaining sports coupes on the market. Let’s take a closer look at what made the Impulse RS so special.
Under the hood of the Impulse RS sat a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Many people love this free-revving engine’s snarly sound. An intercooler also helped it to develop a competitive 160 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This was a good amount of muscle for a small car that weighed less than 2,800 pounds. The Impulse was quicker than a lot of legendary performance cars, including the Ford Mustang GT and the Toyota Supra.
Isuzu only offered the Impulse RS with a slick, five-speed manual transmission. Not only was this transmission easy to shift, but it also did a great job of transferring the available power to the wheels.
During its heyday, the Impulse RS ranked among the best-handling imports on the streets. Lotus, which has a reputation for engineering track-ready sports cars, was hired by Isuzu to develop the car’s suspension. A rear-wheel steering system also helped the Impulse to dominate twisty roads. Anti-lock disc brakes ensured quick stops when approaching curves at a high speed.
Another important feature of the Impulse RS was its all-wheel drive system. It aided the coupe’s ability to grip the pavement. Because of its AWD system, the Impulse RS was a great car for year-round commuting.
The Impulse RS was not designed to be a garage queen. Isuzu built this car to be driven on a regular basis. Over the years, automotive shops have found the Impulse RS to be mechanically sound. This is especially true for models that weren’t heavily modified. Most replacement parts are also relatively inexpensive.
If you happen to run across an Impulse RS with good service records, it’ll likely prove to be a trouble-free performer. However, it’s important to check the car’s undercarriage for rust. This is especially true for cars that spend time in snow-prone areas, which can be exposed to a lot of road salt.
The Impulse RS shared its platform with the Geo Storm. However, Isuzu gave the Impulse RS its own unique styling cues. Among the car’s coolest features is its flip-up headlights. Owners who find the stock wheels to be a bit bland often opt to install more attractive aftermarket wheels.
On the inside, the Impulse RS has a simple yet clean-looking interior. All the interior controls are easy to use. Cozy bucket seats also make the Impulse RS more than worthy of a weekend road trip. Although there’s not much legroom in the backseat, a hatchback design frees up more cargo space.
With Isuzu selling fewer than 1,000 of these cars to American dealers, they have become extremely rare vehicles. Many people consider the Impulse RS to be a genuine collector's item. The good news is that you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg. Prices typically range from $3,500 to $7,500. This is a good deal for such a hard-to-find model.
Unfortunately, some people have attempted to convert the Geo Storm into an Impulse RS. To avoid getting a replica, be sure to do your proper homework when shopping for an Impulse RS on the used market.
Call Creech Import Repair today to schedule your next Auto Maintenance or Auto Repair. We service many different makes and models, including the Isuzu Impulse RS, so don't be shy!
Our Team of mechanics are highly skilled and certified to help you with your Isuzu repair.
