Isuzu Forward
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a medium duty truck that delivers reliable performance day in and day out? The Isuzu Forward might be exactly what you’re looking for. This workhorse commercial vehicle has been Isuzu’s signature model since 1970, offering exceptional build quality and proven durability in a well engineered package. It’s the truck for operators who need dependable transportation without the complexity of larger heavy duty vehicles.

From the moment you see it, the Forward stands out as a serious commercial proposition. Its purposeful design and robust construction give it a confident presence on the road that rivals like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter can’t quite match in this weight class. But the real advantage becomes clear when you put it to work. The cab feels well built and functional, with solid materials and a practical, driver focused layout. You get the sense that everything has been designed for maximum uptime and minimum fuss.

Operating the Forward is a straightforward experience. The engines are smooth and economical, making your daily rounds or long distance hauling feel effortless. It handles predictably and stops confidently, giving you assurance when loaded while remaining comfortable enough for all day driving. It’s a truck that aims to make every working day, no matter how demanding, feel manageable. While it comes with a higher initial cost than some alternatives, you’re investing in that legendary Isuzu reliability that you can depend on year after year.

How Does the Isuzu Forward Drive?

The Isuzu Forward is designed to be efficient and dependable rather than sporty. The range of diesel engines available are all tuned for economy and longevity. The entry level 4HK1 engine with around 190 horsepower provides adequate power for most applications and excels in urban delivery work. It feels responsive when loaded and has enough torque for steady progress on inclines. If you need more capability, the 6HK1 variants offer stronger pulling power, making fully loaded operation feel effortless.

Where the Forward really excels is in its driving characteristics. The steering is light at low speeds for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, yet weights up appropriately at highway speeds for stable cruising. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between load carrying ability and ride quality. It absorbs road irregularities well when empty, but doesn’t compromise stability when fully loaded. This makes it a confidence inspiring medium duty truck that handles predictably in all conditions. You get the impression of a well engineered commercial vehicle that’s built to work hard every day.

Inside the Isuzu Forward: Comfort & Features

Step into the cab and the Forward presents a functional, no nonsense environment designed for commercial use. The dashboard layout is clear and logical, with all major controls within easy reach of the driver. The instrumentation is comprehensive without being overwhelming, giving you the information you need at a glance. Materials are hard wearing rather than luxurious, but everything feels solid and built to withstand daily commercial use.

The seats provide good support for long drives and offer reasonable adjustment to help most drivers find a comfortable position. A key strength is how well the cab isolates road and engine noise, making conversation possible and reducing fatigue on longer journeys. Standard equipment focuses on essentials like air conditioning and a radio, with higher spec models adding features like cruise control and enhanced infotainment systems. The driving position is commanding, giving excellent visibility in all directions which proves invaluable when maneuvering in tight spaces or busy traffic.

The Isuzu Forward is an outstanding choice if you prioritize reliability, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity in a medium duty truck. It successfully delivers a professional commercial vehicle experience that makes demanding workdays more manageable. The powertrain options are well matched to commercial needs, offering excellent fuel economy and proven durability that many competitors struggle to match. The trade off is a more utilitarian interior and higher purchase price compared to some van based alternatives. It’s not the most refined truck to drive, but refinement isn’t its primary purpose. Its purpose is to be a dependable, economical, and capable commercial vehicle. It achieves this with distinction, earning its reputation as one of the most reliable trucks in its class. If your business demands maximum uptime and minimum operating costs, the Forward is an easy recommendation that will serve you well for many years.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Isuzu Forward?

As a commercial vehicle, the Forward’s running costs are generally reasonable and predictable. The efficient diesel engines are the standout here, delivering exceptional fuel economy for the class. Real world consumption typically ranges from 8 to 12 mpg depending on body configuration and loading, which translates to significant savings at the fuel pump over the vehicle’s working life. Maintenance intervals are generous, helping to minimize downtime and servicing costs.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which reflects the Forward’s commercial grade construction and proven reliability. However, this investment pays dividends through lower operating costs and strong residual values. When it comes to dependability, the Forward has an excellent reputation in the commercial sector. Regular servicing using genuine parts is essential for maintaining warranty coverage and ensuring optimal performance. Overall, while the Forward may not be the cheapest truck to purchase, its excellent fuel economy, reliability, and strong resale value make it a sound investment for serious commercial operators, especially with competitive finance options available.

Is the Isuzu Forward Practical for Everyday Use?

For commercial operations, the Isuzu Forward excels in practical capability. The chassis is available with numerous wheelbase options and can accommodate a wide variety of body styles from box vans to flatbeds and specialist conversions. Maximum payload capacity ranges from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes depending on configuration, easily handling substantial loads that would overwhelm lighter commercial vehicles. The robust chassis construction ensures excellent durability even under demanding operating conditions.

Where the Forward shows its commercial DNA is in everyday usability. The high driving position provides excellent visibility, while the tight turning circle makes urban operations straightforward. For operators running mixed urban and highway routes, the Forward offers an ideal balance of maneuverability and highway stability. It’s perfectly suited for delivery companies, construction firms, and municipal operations that need reliable daily service. Compared to other used Isuzu cars, the Forward represents the brand’s commitment to serious commercial applications with proven durability and low lifetime costs.

The Isuzu Forward stands out in the competitive medium duty truck market by offering genuine commercial capability wrapped in proven reliability. It combines Isuzu’s renowned build quality, efficient powertrains, and practical design into a package that serious commercial operators can depend on. While it may not be the cheapest option initially, it delivers where it counts through exceptional fuel economy, minimal downtime, and strong resale values.

You choose the Forward because you need a truck that works as hard as you do without complaint. Its robust construction, excellent payload capacity, and outstanding reliability record make every working day more productive. It’s perfectly suited for demanding commercial applications but remains manageable for everyday operations. If you’re looking for a commercial vehicle that offers genuine value through proven dependability, the Forward should be at the top of your list, especially with affordable commercial vehicle finance making ownership more accessible.