The Chevrolet LUV (for Light Utility Vehicle) was a captive import compact pickup truck produced by Isuzu. Sales began in March of 1972 as a response to the Toyota Hi-Lux and Datsun pickup, as well as Ford's Mazda-built Courier. The LUV was replaced by the US-built Chevrolet S-10 after 1982.
The LUV used a traditional truck chassis with a ladder frame and leaf spring/live axle rear suspension. In front, an independent suspension used a-arms . The 102.4 in (2.6 m) wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the six-foot (1.8 m) bed. The only engine was a 1.8 L SOHC straight-4 which produced 75 hp (56 kW).
The LUV's exterior was updated a bit for 1974, but the first real refresh came in 1976. A 3-speed automatic transmission and front disc brakes were added that year. Power was up to 80 hp (60 kW) for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a 7.5 ft (2.3 m) bed option, with 117.9 in (3 m) wheelbase, brought sales up in 1978 to 71,145.
The addition of four wheel drive in 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of Motor Trend magazine, which awarded it their second Truck of the Year award. Sales peaked at 100,192.
The truck was redesigned for 1981 with the wheelbase stretched by 1.9 in (48 mm) to 104.3 in (2.6 m). The engine remained the same. Chevrolet stopped selling the LUV after 1982 in favor of their own S-10 compact pickup, but Isuzu picked up sales in the US as the Isuzu Pup that same year.
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