The 1987 Isuzu Impulse Turbo RS finally gets its moment. Car and Driver tested this forgotten corner of 1980s performance, and the results show why the Impulse deserves reconsideration among period-correct sports cars.
The Impulse Turbo RS packed 156 horsepower from its 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That output fed a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive architecture. For context, this was competitive with the Toyota Corolla GT-S and Honda Civic Si of the era, though the Impulse offered more distinctive styling and handling character.
What matters today: the Impulse RS remains undervalued in the collector market. Its wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and aggressive creases defined mid-1980s design language. The turbo setup delivered genuine performance without the fragility that plagued some contemporary turbocharged cars. Pricing in today's used market remains reasonable for a turbocharged, manual-transmission coupe with legitimate sports credentials.
Isuzu's engineering proved competent, if not groundbreaking. The Impulse rode on a platform shared with the Chevrolet Spectrum, but Isuzu's independent double-wishbone suspension tuning and stiffer spring rates created distinct handling balance. Front weight bias typical of the era proved manageable through corners, and the power steering provided adequate feedback.
The real story centers on neglect. Isuzu folded its American operations in 2009, erasing brand awareness for younger enthusiasts. The Impulse never achieved the cult status of contemporary Nissan 200SX SE-R or Honda Civic Si models. Supply constraints and parts availability concerns kept values depressed compared to competitors with stronger brand recognition.
Today's enthusiast