Back in 1993, Isuzu unveiled a concept vehicle that turned heads and sparked conversations. Fast forward four years, and against all expectations, the Isuzu Vehicross, a distinctive and unconventional 4×4, rolled off the production line. In an era dominated by more conventional two-door four-wheel drives, Isuzu dared to be different, introducing a vehicle with groundbreaking technology and a design that, to this day, remains undeniably polarizing.
But the VehiCROSS was more than just visually striking; it possessed genuine off-road capability. Its advanced Torque on Demand (TOD) 4WD system utilized traction control sensors to intelligently distribute power between the front and rear axles. Inside, it boasted Recaro seats and a potent V6 engine that delivered respectable performance for its time. However, it was the styling that truly set the VehiCROSS apart. Love it or hate it, the bold and futuristic aesthetics were unlike anything else on the road. While the author admits a personal fondness for its unique look, acknowledging being among the “weirdos” who appreciate it, the VehiCROSS’s high price tag and Isuzu’s unusual production strategy further contributed to its enigmatic nature. Isuzu opted for new stampings and tooling specifically for the VehiCROSS, intending to cease production once these wore out.
This unconventional approach meant the VehiCROSS’s lifespan was limited. By the end of its production run, only 4,153 units had been sold in the US, with a total of 5,958 vehicles manufactured worldwide. To put this into perspective, Ford sells a comparable number of F-Series trucks every couple of days. Even DeLorean, another famously unique but short-lived car, saw over twice the production numbers. Unintentionally, Isuzu had created a vehicle destined for cult status, a truly unique offering in the automotive landscape of recent decades, if not ever.
Despite not achieving mainstream sales success, the Isuzu VehiCROSS cemented its legacy through its distinctive styling and overall “out-of-this-world-ness.” Its legendary status has been acknowledged in automotive circles, including mentions on podcasts like EDD. However, like any limited-run, short-lived vehicle, owning a VehiCROSS comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For those considering entering the market for this rare 4×4, or simply intrigued by its story, it’s essential to understand the realities of VehiCROSS ownership. Drawing from personal experience, having owned one myself, let’s delve into what you should consider when contemplating a VehiCROSS or any vehicle with a limited production run and cult following.
Uniqueness is the VehiCROSS’s Defining Trait
The starting point, and perhaps the most crucial aspect of the VehiCROSS, is its sheer uniqueness. Many people have never encountered a VehiCROSS in person, and those who have likely did a double-take, often unsure of what they were seeing. Owning a VX means embracing the role of the oddball, mirroring the vehicle’s distinct personality. If you relish being the center of attention, then the VehiCROSS delivers in spades, as it inevitably draws stares wherever it goes.
However, this constant attention can be a double-edged sword. The very uniqueness that attracts admirers also contributes to the challenge of finding replacement parts. Due to its limited production run, most VehiCROSS-specific components are no longer in production, and those that remain, especially in good condition, are scarce and consequently expensive. We’ll explore the parts situation further later.
Surprisingly Nimble Handling for a 4×4
One of the VehiCROSS’s unexpected talents is its impressive on-road handling. Personal experience confirms this: the handling capabilities genuinely surprised me the first time I drove one. It can navigate corners at speeds that would induce significant body roll, or even a rollover, in other vehicles with comparable ground clearance and a high center of gravity. The VehiCROSS’s short wheelbase, minimal overhangs, and close proximity to the front of the hood contribute to excellent visibility, fostering driver confidence on the road. Its responsive steering and planted feel allow you to point, accelerate, and steer with assurance. For a vehicle of its stature, its agility is genuinely remarkable.
However, this handling prowess comes at a cost: ride quality. Even with suspension components that were only half the age of the SUV itself and reasonably fresh tires, my VehiCROSS delivered a jarring ride over bumps. A closer look at the VX’s suspension reveals the reason: its static position effectively leaves it riding on its bump stops. This design prioritizes substantial suspension down-travel for off-road articulation but severely limits up-travel. Even minor road imperfections translate into significant jolts, with only the seatbelt preventing your head from hitting the roof. Compounding the issue, the Recaro seats, while supportive, are exceptionally firm. The combination of stiff dampers, limited uptravel, and hard seats creates a ride experience akin to bouncing on a four-thousand-pound trampoline that’s been overtightened.
Standout Features and Quirks
Despite the harsh ride, the Recaro seats are undeniably a standout feature. They not only look fantastic but also provide exceptional lateral support and bolstering, especially compared to typical 4×4 seating. The inclusion of Recaro seats from the factory, predating their widespread automotive recognition, is a noteworthy detail. The VehiCROSS also boasts other quirky features, such as a locking fuel door with a dual-action release. The rear seats fold completely flat, allowing the front seats to recline and create a makeshift bed in the passenger area. They can also be easily folded up or removed entirely to accommodate gear or an oversized spare tire that won’t fit in the standard molded spare tire housing.
Unfortunately, these unique features and the vehicle’s exclusivity contributed to a substantial price tag. Adjusted for inflation, the 1997 base price of $28,900 translates to over $46,000 in today’s money. This price point positioned it near loaded two-door Jeep JL Rubicons and well into lightly-optioned four-door Rubicon territory. It also rivaled the MSRP of vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and Ford Bronco. Fortunately, the VehiCROSS’s used prices haven’t yet fully caught up to its original MSRP, offering a potential entry point for enthusiasts.
Style Over Practicality: Design Compromises
It’s hardly surprising that a vehicle as wildly styled and unconventional as the VehiCROSS hasn’t garnered mainstream automotive appeal. Its primary draw for enthusiasts lies in its futuristic, Mars Rover-esque aesthetic, evoking childhood fantasies of interplanetary 4x4s. Compared to its more conventional competitors, the VehiCROSS was truly otherworldly. However, this dramatic styling came with certain compromises in practicality.
Simple tasks, like changing headlight bulbs, become surprisingly complex. The elaborate headlight assemblies and densely packed engine compartment necessitate significant disassembly just to replace the driver’s side bulb. Similarly, accommodating a larger spare tire presents a challenge, often requiring it to be stored in the trunk or on the roof. The integrated spare tire carrier, while visually distinctive, obstructs rearward visibility, creating a substantial blind spot, similar to that found in an FJ Cruiser, with additional blind spots in the rear three-quarters.
Trooper DNA: Shared Underpinnings and Reliability
While practicality may not have been a primary design focus, the VehiCROSS benefited from robust underpinnings. Sharing its platform and four-wheel-drive system with the family-friendly Isuzu Trooper meant the VehiCROSS was genuinely capable off-road. The widely utilized 3.5L V6 engine and GM-sourced 4L30-E transmission contributed to reasonable reliability (with known issues like TOD sensors and window regulators being exceptions). This shared componentry also meant that basic maintenance was relatively straightforward and accessible.
However, accessibility to parts is a growing concern. While the Isuzu Trooper was widely sold and utilized components from other manufacturers, making parts initially affordable, sourcing them is becoming increasingly challenging compared to period-correct competitors from Jeep, Toyota, and Mitsubishi. VehiCROSS-specific parts, such as body panels, lights, and the hood insert, are particularly scarce and command premium prices in a “vulture’s market.” The situation mirrors that of the DeLorean, albeit without the benefit of a company now producing continuation parts; the VehiCROSS’s unique stampings were, as intended, a limited run.
Rarity: A Double-Edged Sword
It’s the rarity of the VehiCROSS that dictates much of its ownership experience. This rarity is undeniable: driving a VehiCROSS guarantees you’ll be the star of any Cars & Coffee event. Even a routine trip to the grocery store becomes an occasion in a vehicle rarer than almost anything else you’ll encounter on the road. And, of course, it’s a surefire ticket to Radwood glory, celebrating 90s automotive icons.
The growing popularity of 1990s Japanese vehicles, coupled with the VehiCROSS’s cartoonish aesthetics, has finally led to appreciation in its value. This is good news for current owners but less so for those contemplating a purchase in the future. “Buy and hold” is the prevailing wisdom in the VehiCROSS market. (Hindsight being 20/20, selling mine now feels like a missed opportunity.)
Affordable Entry Point, But Beware of Hidden Costs
Despite pristine VehiCROSS examples trending towards Bring a Trailer auction fame and prices, reasonably priced examples can still be found. Around $5,000 might secure a VehiCROSS that’s livable, provided you’re comfortable with some tinkering and prepared to invest in maintenance and repairs. At this price point, few other vehicles command the same level of attention. And it’s not just about show; the VX offers genuine off-road capability and surprising on-road fun for the money.
However, prospective buyers should be wary. A $5,000 VehiCROSS will likely require work, which can quickly escalate costs due to the aforementioned expensive and hard-to-find parts. While cheaper examples exist, they often come with significant needs for rare components. Conversely, perfectly clean, issue-free VehiCROSS examples are rapidly approaching the $10,000 mark.
Unmatched Style: The VehiCROSS’s Core Appeal
Ultimately, the Isuzu VehiCROSS’s defining characteristic is its unparalleled style. Driving one means becoming a local conversation starter, at least among those with automotive knowledge. It guarantees glances and attention from virtually everyone.
The downsides? As previously discussed, they are intrinsically linked to its uniqueness and rarity. Prospective owners need to honestly assess their personality and patience for the attention and challenges that come with VehiCROSS ownership.
By now, the recurring themes are clear. The very attributes that make the VehiCROSS so appealing are also the source of its inherent limitations. It’s not a vehicle for the faint of heart. You must be comfortable attracting attention and prepared for the often lengthy and challenging hunt for parts, which may or may not be readily available. This is the quintessential double-edged sword of owning a limited-production vehicle. It commands attention and admiration but also introduces complexities in maintaining it in optimal operating condition.
The Isuzu VehiCROSS is a prime example of a vehicle that embodies the peak Radwood era, and its two-door, four-wheel-drive configuration only amplifies its “radness.” Its appeal extends beyond mere aesthetics, though explaining it to those who don’t “get it” based on looks alone can be difficult. It is, in every sense of the term, a cult vehicle.
Owning a vehicle produced in small numbers for a limited time inevitably presents both advantages and disadvantages. My personal experience with the VehiCROSS was that it was enjoyable to drive (on smooth roads), amusing to own, but ultimately more challenging than its off-road capabilities, parts scarcity, and general complications justified. Do I miss mine? Rarely. And when I do, it’s primarily for the sheer novelty of driving around and eliciting reactions from onlookers. The fantasy of LS-swapping one, fitting proper tires, and daily driving it is appealing, but the financial reality check quickly sets in.
Imagine this VehiCROSS with an LSx/Tremec swap…
In the real world, where practicality, finances, and time are significant considerations in vehicle ownership, a Toyota 4Runner, purchased for a similar price to what I paid for the VX, proved to be a far more sensible choice. While not a direct comparison, the 4Runner offers significantly more usability and practicality. Over two decades after the VehiCROSS’s debut, it remains a weekend toy, a vehicle that’s both captivating and frustrating to own. While I appreciate admiring them and contemplating their unique appeal, for me, that’s where the infatuation ends. Your mileage may vary, but consider this a realistic perspective on VehiCROSS ownership. Proceed with purchase (or not) at your own discretion; I’ll be content to admire them from afar.
