Another Ute of the Year: Isuzu D-Max

Down under, Australian 4WD Action magazine recently named the Isuzu D-Max the 2009 'Ute' of the year. Yes, for those North Americans reading this: Isuzu still makes 4x4s. And darn good ones it seems.

A Ute (pronounced yute) is essentially a 4 door pickup with some additional off-road utility build in. They are all the rage in Australia, and are the workhorses of the outback and the city dwellers 4x4 of choice for urban posing, hauling, and weekend exploring.

Congrats to Isuzu. Many worldwide lament the end of production of the venerable Trooper / Bighorn to this day, so it's good to see the Isuzu D-Max continuing the tradition of excellent Isuzu 4x4s.

4WD Vans: Chevy Astro/GMC Safari

One of the most legendary 4WD Vans ever produced in North America, the Chevy Astro / GMC Safari, is largely unknown outside of this continent.

That is, unless you go to Japan where the Astro enjoys a following nothing short of cult-ish. I've even seen Astro vans sitting in used car lots in Japan selling for more than a Landrover Discovery of the same vintage and condition.

That may seem unbelievable, but the 4WD Astro / Safari is pretty darn unique for what it is. And what is it, exactly? Well, it's many things: a medium-mini mini-van that's smaller than a full size but larger than a mini-van. It's a camper. A commercial hauler. A family traveler. A truck-like van, a car-like van, an under-appreciated workhorse, and more.

In 4WD form, the Astro came surprisingly well equipped: leaf springs out back, throaty V6 engines producing up to 200hp, easily lifted suspension, a 5000lbs+ towing capacity, and even an optional limited slip rear differential. This dog hunts, as they say down south.

But being a GM product, when failures occur they can be pretty monumental. And the 4WD Chevy Astro / GMC Safari van was no exception. Hundreds of torsion bar failures caused the front suspension to collapse requiring costly repairs, and premature front suspension idle arm repair was all too common. In additional to a plethora of smaller build quality issues, this made the 4WD Chevy Astro / GMC Safari something of a hobbyist's 4WD van.

Despite its shortcomings, the 4WD Chevy Astro / GMC Safari van is still a popular choice for those looking for an inexpensive camping, travel, and daily hauling rig--in North America, at least. In Japan, they can be as expensive as a Landrover Discovery. Who knew.

If you're planning a drive across continent or way down "the Mexico way", this could be the 4WD Van you need. Reliable enough, simple and easy to repair, well equipped and capable, relatively inexpensive, and available in plenty of different configurations, 4WD vans don't get much better. Unless of course you want a diesel, but that's another post.

Overland 4WD Lounge: Newest Memeber

We've just added another member to the growing Overland 4WD Lounge, a place for overland travellers to post a short bio, photo, and link to their 4WD travel related website--for free! Check out the newest members, Emiel and Saskia, who will be driving their Landcruiser to Uganda from the Netherlands.

4WD Vans: Toyota Hiace

Launched way back in 1967, the Toyota Hiace is more than just a 4x4 van. It has been available in so many variations, and with so many accessories and trim levels, that it is a worldwide 4wd van phenom not unlike the venerable Toyota Landcruiser in its appeal.

Most commonly powered by Toyota diesel engines, the Hiace has since its launch been one of the primary movers of people and cargo throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Although a Landcruiser is a more capable vehicle in extreme off road conditions, the Hiace is arguably a more capable and practical all around 4WD vehicle.

Huge seating capacity like most vans, respectable cargo capacity, and Toyota toughness have won the Hiace many followers. It's seen service as a minivan, a taxi, a minibus, a pickup, an ambulance, and even a motor home straight from the Toyota factory.

While not as distinctive or single purpose as a Mitsubishi Delica (which was essentially a van body on a Pajero chassis), the Hiace's strength is its versatility. It comes very close to being all things to all drivers.

While never available in North America, Toyota Hiace's are now being imported into Canada under the "15 Year Old" importation rule, and a few are making their way Stateside. Those in the market for an expedition vehicle or great all rounder should give the Toyota Hiace a look.

Diesel power and four wheel drive make it a great alternative, and Toyota engineering makes it a great choice for those who need a lot more space in a trail-capable 4WD vehicle.