Isuzu Wizard/Isuzu Rodeo/Vauxhall Frontera (145/UER25FW/UES25FW/UES73FW). 1998–2004 (prod. n/a). 5-door SUV. F/R, F/A, 2171 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC), 2198 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 3165, 3494 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Tidier, improved second-generation Wizard, now produced from the outset in Japan, the US and the UK. Lighter than before, with more communicative (though still not class-leading) rack-and-pinion steering and five-link rear coils; no longer related to the ageing Bighorn. New common-rail diesel, with improved fuel economy. Poor quality with harsh interior materials, and poor refinement, though, overall, less compromised than the short-wheelbase MU. Mid-term changes 2000. The market changed quickly during this time and the Wizard seemed too rough alongside car-based SUVs that were emerging in North America. Japanese sales dwindled, to the point where Wizard left production there in 2002, and Isuzu itself did not develop a direct replacement for any market. US production to 2004, the final year with a more powerful 3·5 GDI V6. Vauxhall Frontera model exported as Opel and Holden. Also badge-engineered as Honda Passport in the US.

Manufacturing locations: Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Luton, Bedfordshire, England

Marque: Isuzu | Model: Isuzu Wizard | Predecessor: Isuzu Rodeo (UC) | Successors: Saturn Vue (2002–7), Daewoo Winstorm, Honda Pilot (YF1), Honda Passport (2019–)

q.v. Isuzu MU (UE)