Chevrolet LUV

The Chevrolet LUV (stood for Light Utility Vehicle) was a compact pickup truck that was produced by Isuzu for Chevrolet, introduced in 1972 (same year Ford introduced the Mazda-produced Courier). It was a basic, (very) no-frills pickup that was made to appeal to the younger generation who otherwise would normally shun the larger, gas-hungry full-size pickup offerings. It had one redesign in 1981 and would eventually be replaced by the domestically-built S-10 after 1982.

1st Generation (1972-1980)
1972 models had quad headlights with the taillights below the tailgate, and would initially offer one engine combination, by way of a 75 hp 1.8L (111 cid) I4 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. 1973 models differed very little from the 1972s, but 1974 LUVs had new taillights and were relocated from below the tailgate to vertically-mounted on the sides. A new upper-level Mikado package debuted this year, offering a nicer interior and exterior trim than the base models. 1975 LUVs had no change, 1976 models introduced a 3-speed automatic transmission for the first time, as well as front disc brakes. Engines gained 5 hp for 1977, for a total of 80.

1978 had its first noticeable change up front, going for dual headlights instead of the former quad design. Along with the new nose came a new, optional longer bed (7.5' in addition to the 6'). The dashboard was also revised. 4 wheel drive became an option in 1979, broadening its appeal even further, but on standard bed models only. Dodge had finally thrown its compact-pickup hat in the ring this year with its Mitsubishi-produced Ram D50, so its competition was getting more fierce, but sales topped 100,000 for the first (and only) time, making 1979 the most popular sales year. There were no changes to the 1980 models, but an all new redesigned LUV would debut for 1981.

2nd Generation (1981-1982)
An all new LUV debuted for 1981, and while the previous LUV was indeed getting long-in-the-tooth, critics nonetheless derided this new LUV design as "boring" and "uninspired". The wheelbase was stretched 2 inches on the standard models, the long beds still had the 118" wheelbase. 2- and 4-wheel-drive models were still available, and despite the all-new design, the standard drivetrain was still the same 80 hp 1.8L I4 carried over from the previous version.  An all new diesel engine became optional, a 58 hp 2.2L (137 cid) I4, and was available with either a 4-speed or a 5-speed manual transmission (the only 5-speed ever offered on the LUV).  The diesel was not available with the automatic.  Isuzu now introduced its own version of the LUV this year, called the P'up.  1982 models had no changes and would be the LUV's final year, although its twin, the Isuzu P'up, would live on.  The LUV was effectively replaced by the all-new U.S. built S-10, which made its debut this year (Ford would also replace the Courier with the all-new Ranger in 1983).

Main Competitors

 * Datsun Pickup
 * Dodge Ram D50
 * Ford Courier
 * Plymouth Arrow
 * Toyota Pickup