When GM split with Isuzu it lost access to the Isuzu-built Rodeo ute that had won such an enviable reputation for toughness and reliability with Australian ute buyers. The Japanese truck maker, the biggest selling truck brand in Australia, saw an opportunity and launched its ute as the D-Max, hoping to take advantage of the popularity of the Rodeo and Isuzu trucks.
New
Isuzu offered the D-Max in ute and cab-chassis forms, with dual-cab and single car, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with a broad range of models to cater for most buyers needs.
Its looks were workmanlike rather than flashy, but that's what the D-Max was all about. It was designed to handle the tough going, be that in the bush, the farm or the jobsite in town. At the same time it had a range of features that would meet the needs of most townies or grey nomads on the road with their caravan in tow.
The top-of-the-range models boasted things like air-conditioning, cruise, wheel arch flares, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer and front fog lights. One of the appeals of the D-Max was its three-tonne towing capacity, which was at the cutting edge at the time.
On the road it was comfortable and competent in all environments, whether weekday townie or weekend bush master
There was just one engine offered, an Isuzu 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel that delivered 120 kW and 360 Nm over a wide rev range for smooth, easy driving. Backing up the turbo-diesel was a choice of five-speed manual or 4-speed auto, and there was a choice of rear-wheel drive and dual-range four-wheel drive.
On the road it was comfortable and competent in all environments, whether weekday townie or weekend bush master. With its dual-range four-wheel drive system it was capable of tackling the most challenging offroad tracks, its gutsy turbo-diesel happy to slug it out on steep climbs and rough tracks.
Now
Most D-Max owners love their utes, few complain about them, and those who do usually complain about fairly minor things, like the power windows needing attention. One issue that does come to light occasionally is a high-pitched whistling noise, which is caused by the grease used on the oil seals on the front hubs by the factory drying out. Isuzu issued a service alert on it to address the problem.
Most owners acknowledge that there is nothing fancy about the D-Max; that the reason they bought it was its reputation for reliability and capability to get the job done. While the build quality from the Thailand plant is generally satisfactory, the complaints that owners do make would appear to be largely due to lapses in production.
The power windows are reported as one problem area, they regularly need attention for sticking or dropping.
One owner complained about the paint fading on the upper surfaces. This is a common problem with the paint used on most of today's cars, and regular cleaning, waxing and polishing is the way to combat it.
Regular servicing is also the way to ensure long life from your engine. Changing oil and filters regularly will help extend the life of the Isuzu diesel.
Some owners report problems with the DPF filter not automatically regenerating. It's usually because the vehicle is not being driven in a way that allows the filter to go through its regular automatic regeneration routine. When the light comes on the way to fix it is to drive the vehicle at 80 km/h or more for an extended period. The alternative is to have the dealer do the regeneration, but that can be a costly exercise.
Isuzu D-MAX 2008: EX (4X4)
Engine Type | Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L |
---|---|
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Fuel Efficiency | 8.1L/100km (combined) |
Seating | 3 |
Price From | $8,580 - $12,100 |
Safety Rating |
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Verdict
SMITHY SAYS
Might lack the bling of some others, but no-fuss workhorse gets the job done.
OWNERS SAY
Roy Hancock has owned his D-Max LS-U for four years and reports he has had no trouble at all. It has been used to tow a caravan and now tows a boat. Now having done 80,000 km he says it's still in perfect condition.
Sonny Joseph was largely influenced by his father-in- law's trouble-free experience with a 2005 Rodeo when he bought his 2008 D-Max LS-M. After a minor issue with the front hub lubrication, which Isuzu fixed, he hasn't had any trouble and feels his decision to buy the D-Max was the right one. It's a very capable and underrated machine is Sonny' summation of the D-Max.
The paint on Nicholas Alexandrou's 2011 D-Max cab-chassis is fading and Isuzu has said it is due to environmental factors rather than a production fault, and is not covered by the warranty. Nicholas says his car is has only done 30,000 km and is garaged all the time, and he isn't happy with Isuzu's response.
Chris Ward was encouraged to buy his 2011 LS D-Max on the strength of a report that the Australian Army had just placed an order for 500 of the same model. His has done just over 60,000 km, and he says it hasn't missed a beat. As a general work truck/off-road/cruiser, Chris reckons it's the ultimate. It's carried all kinds of loads over all kinds of roads, it's brilliant off road in the mud, and its low range torque is brilliant in the bush, over rocky country and around farm paddocks. In his view it is well designed, well made, and well finished.
Eric Brockhoven describes himself as satisfied D-Max owner. He bought his D-Max in 2011 for the express purpose of towing his 26 foot 5th wheeler. What convinced him to buy it was the twin-cam, 4-valve, low compression engine, which had a camshaft chain. It cruises easily at 110 km/h, delivers good fuel consumption when towing at an average of 90 km/h on the highway and around town.
So far there have been no mechanical problems, although he the brake pedal feels soft and mushy. Eric's summation of the D-Max is that it is a very good, honest vehicle, not spectacular, but a real workhorse.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
- TOYOTA HILUX – 2008-2012 Under attack on all sides, but it's still the benchmark and worth considering. Beware of engine problems with high kay diesels. Pay $7500-$40,000. 3.5 stars.
- MITSUBISHI TRITON – 2008-2012 Sloppy handling and sluggish performance dampen appeal, but value and long warranty make up some ground. Pay $7500-$28,500. 3 stars.
- FORD RANGER – 2008-2012 Will carry and tow with the best of them, but engine issues are a concern. Pay $7500-$46,000. 3.5 stars.
COMING UP
Do you own a Nissan Micra? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.
Isuzu D-Max 2008-2012
Price new: $23,300 to $42,500
Engine: 3.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 120 kW/360 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed man, 4-speed auto, dual-range 4WD, RWD
Economy: 8.1-8.4 L/100 km
Body: dual-cab ute, single-cab cab-chassis, dual-cab cab-chassis
Variants: SX, LS, LS-U, EX, LS-M
Safety: 3-star ANCAP
Expect to pay:
$13,500 to $26,500 for the SX RWD dual-cab ute
$16,000 to $26,500 for the LS RWD dual-cab ute
$19,500 to $27,500 for the LS-M 4WD dual-cab ute
$20,400 to $30,500 for the LS-U 4WD dual-cab ute
Pricing Guides

Range and Specs
Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
---|---|---|
EX (4X4) | 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SPEED MANUAL | $11,660 - $15,620 |
EX (4x4) Farm Mate | 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SPEED MANUAL | $8,800 - $12,320 |
SX (4X2) | 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SPEED MANUAL | $9,790 - $13,420 |