The History Of OPEL Campo

The Isuzu TF is a series of pick-up trucks built in Japan by Isuzu between 1983 and 2002 and in the USA between 1987 and 1995.

The Isuzu TF was sold in many countries under differing names. These include:

• Australia and New Zealand - Holden Rodeo
• China - Jinbei
• Colombia, Chile and Ecuador - Chevrolet LUV
• Egypt - Chevrolet T-series El Dababah
• North America - Chevrolet LUV and Isuzu P'UP
• Philippines - Isuzu Fuego
• South Africa - Isuzu KB
• Thailand - Isuzu Faster-Z New 2500Di - later separated as SpaceCab and Spark models / Isuzu Rodeo 4WD (not to be confused with USA Rodeo) / Honda Tourmaster / Opel Campo
• UK - Vauxhall Brava
• Western Europe -Opel Campo

Holden introduced the TF series into Australia in 1988, branded as the Holden Rodeo, following on from the name of the previous Isuzu based light truck sold by the brand in Australia. The Holden Rodeo was initially available with a 2.6L 92kW (123hp) I4. A 2.8L 74kW (99hp) Turbo Diesel was introduced soon after. Body styles offered were a 2-door single cab, a 2-door Spacecab, with space for 2 small jump-seats (rarely if ever fitted in Australia) behind the front passengers, and a 4-door Crewcab, with space for the driver and 4 passengers. Several trim levels were available, which included DX (base model), LX (mid-range) and LT (top of range, only available with Crewcab).

The Isuzu TF range received a major facelift in 1997, for the 1998 model year. Styling was changed, with a more rounded look at the front, and a new-look dash similar to that used in the 1995 to 1997 model Opel/ Holden/ Vauxhall Frontera, sold in the USA as the Isuzu Rodeo station wagon. Airbags for the driver and front passenger also became an option.

This facelifted Rodeo came with a new trim level, LT Sport, available in 4WD and Crew cab only, and by 1998 the 2.6 motor was discontinued and a new engine was offered, a 3.2L 140kW (188hp) V6, also used in a higher state of tune in the Holden Jackaroo/ Isuzu Trooper and the Opel/ Holden/ Vauxhall Frontera. This engine was available in 2 wheel-drive and 4 wheel-drive. The 2 wheel-drive version had the same chassis, and thus ride-height as the 4 wheel-drive, but without the transfer case and front axle. This version was known as a "high-ride 2 wheel-drive", and the Mitsubishi Triton and later the Ford Courier and Mazda Bravo soon had 2 wheel drive models with 4 wheel drive ride height. The 3.2L V6 was the most powerful engine in a pickup truck in Australia until it was replaced in 2003 by the new look Rodeo based on the Isuzu D-Max. Accordingly, this engine was the most popular engine in the Rodeo, and the Rodeo sold very well overall, nearing the sales numbers of the Toyota Hilux, traditionally the best-selling commercial vehicle in Australia.

The Isuzu TF was updated once again in 2001 for the 2002 model year, with a new diesel engine, a 3.0L 96kW (129hp) direct-injected intercooled turbo diesel, the same engine that had been used for several years in the Holden Jackaroo and Opel Trooper. The update was also accompanied by minor styling changes, such as clear indicator lenses, and a different grille.

Production of the TF series ended in late 2002, with the start of production of the Isuzu D-Max, which has replaced TF based models worldwide.

In North America, the Isuzu TF was sold by Chevrolet as the LUV (1972-1981) and by Isuzu as the P'UP. Chevrolet replaced the LUV with the S-10 in 1982. Isuzu continued on with the TF until 1996 when it was finally replaced with the Hombre (badged-engineered S-10) in 1996.