The GM LUV
The GM luv is one of the most popular small crossovers on the market today. It’s available in a variety of trim levels, from the base model to the high-performance LS. The first generation was introduced in 1978, and sales of this truck soared to over 71,000 in its final year. Its features include automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, and quad headlights.
Unlike other crossovers, the luv is built to be easy to maintain and drive. Its ladder frame and 102.4″ wheelbase allow it to be easily maneuvered around cities. Its suspension system consists of unequal a-arms in the front, leaf-sprung solid rear axle, and a single-spring suspension in the back. The wheels are made of narrow 14″ aluminum, bias-ply tires, and the vehicle relies on four-wheel drum brakes. The steering system is a recirculating ball.
The Chevrolet LUV was originally sold in North America in 1972. It was a badge-engineered version of the Japanese-market Isuzu Faster. It continued production through 1988 and was replaced by the third generation based on Japanese-market Faster/Rodeo pickups. Although the luv was a compact crossover, it still had a large cab and was a popular choice for families.
Despite the success of the Chevrolet LUV, it never gained much ground. The basic construction of the truck is unimpressive and its platform is made of a ladder frame. The front suspension is comprised of unequal a-arms, while the rear suspension is solid and has leaf springs. The wheelbase is only 102.4″ and the axles are only two-thirds of the truck’s length.
The Chevrolet LUV was the first pickup truck to reach the North American market. Its first generation was a badge-engineered variant of the Isuzu Faster in Japan. The second generation was built for the North American market by Isuzu in Japan and General Motors in Chile. It was only sold in North America until 1982. The third generation was based on the Faster/Rodeo pickup and continued production until 1988.
The Chevrolet LUV was first sold in North America in 1972. It was based on the Japanese-market Isuzu Faster. The second-generation LUV was badge-engineered by GM in Japan for the North American market. The third generation was badge-engineered by General Motors in Chile. The second-generation LUV was produced until 1988. The third-generation LUV was based on the Japanese-market Faster/Rodeo pickup.
The LUV had a brief run in the US. It laid the foundation for the mini-truck market in the United States. For a few years, the mini-truck market dwindled. Now, the LUV is a rebranding of the Isuzu P’up. Its predecessor, the Isuzu P’up, was also made in the U.S.