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1989 Isuzu Impulse Hatchback

All Isuzu Impulse JR120/130 trims (1983–1989) → All Isuzu Impulse generations →
1989 Isuzu Impulse – front Unverified
Photo: 1987 Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo in Pure White, front left, 11-05-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the first generation (JR120/130, 1983–1989); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 1987 Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo in Pure White, front left, 11-05-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Isuzu by dave_7, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Isuzu Impulse (1161503392) by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Isuzu Impulse (17745840352) by ilikewaffles11, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 1987 Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo in Pure White, rear left, 11-05-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1989 Isuzu Impulse Hatchback is a 110-hp 2.3-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $14,628 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 110 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The Impulse measures 172.0 inches long on a 96.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,890 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$14,628 ($38,340 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.3-liter SOHC 8-valve I4
Displacement2.3 L
Horsepower110 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque127 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 8-valve
Compression Ratio8.0:1
Injection TypeFuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14"
Wheels Rear14"
Dimensions & Weight
Length172 in
Width65 in
Height50 in
Wheelbase96 in
Curb Weight2,890 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front36 in
Headroom Rear35 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear28 in
Shoulder Room Front54 in
Shoulder Room Rear54 in
Hip Room Front50 in
Hip Room Rear50 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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1986 Nissan 200SX Unverified

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Isuzu IMPULSE.

1 owner complaint to NHTSA for the 1989 Isuzu IMPULSE

Owner Complaints

1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Isuzu IMPULSE. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 19, 2000 · Electrical System
“INSULATIVE SPRAY ON ECU BOARD CAUSES ELECTRICAL SHORTS IN HOT WEATHER. THIS LEADS TO IDLE SPEEDS FROM 400RPM TO 2000RPM. MAJOR CONCERN IS RANDOM STALLING. UNABLE TO START CAR AFTER STALLING. KNOWN TO…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1989 ISUZU IMPULSE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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