Based on the Isuzu Faster (TF) pickup truck of 1988, both the three- and five-door models shared bodywork and most internal components from the front doors forward.

There were very limited options for the early Amigo including air conditioning, seating for two or four, and two trim levels to choose from, S or XS.

Some of the model year changes throughout production included: A limited number of XS-F editions (with the "F" standing for "Frontera") were produced which had additional options such as power windows and locking as well as four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), which were inactive in low-range 4WD mode and only active on the rear wheels in 4WD high-range.

This version of the Amigo had only 49-state emissions (reasons unknown) and there are no official sales numbers, although most dealers agree there were fewer than 75 sold.

The vehicle's lug wrench was stored under the seat bottom, concealed by a carpeted Velcro flap.

A secret locking compartment was fitted in the depths of the center console below a removable cassette storage bin.

For the 1993 model year, Isuzu replaced the GM V6 engine with their own 3.2-liter 24-valve SOHC V6 which was rated at 174 hp (130 kW).

Also for 1993, a Family II 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine from Holden was introduced, and the Rodeo gained a third brake light above the rear window and a more refined center console.

For 1996 Isuzu increased the power of their 3.2-liter V6 up to 194 hp (145 kW) and 262 N⋅m (193 lb⋅ft) of torque, and the top level trim LS received the same 16-inch aluminium wheels as the Trooper, and was available in two-tone exterior colors.

[4] The first-generation Isuzu Rodeo and its twin, the Honda Passport, received a rating of "Poor" in the IIHS frontal offset test conducted at 40 mph due to a poor safety cage and dummy movement, and excessive footwell intrusion that contributed to injuries to both legs.

In the 1980s the plant had come under joint control between Isuzu and General Motors, with the Frontera being built alongside a number of other commercial vehicle models.

The Frontera was Vauxhall's answer to the growing demand for 4X4 vehicles in Europe - particularly the right-hand drive British market - during the 1980s, where Japanese imported products from Daihatsu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki and Toyota had proven hugely successful, not to mention the success of the long-running British Land Rover and Range Rover.

Designated the UT or M7 series, the Holden was based on the three-door body and manufactured in the United Kingdom.

In 1999, Isuzu Thailand decided to have a major change for Cameo and gave it new name Vega, equipped with four-wheel drive only.

In 2004, Isuzu added the optional 3.5-liter V6 gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine with 250 hp (186 kW) and 246 lb⋅ft (334 N⋅m) of torque.

The second generation Isuzu Rodeo and its twin, the Honda Passport received a rating of "marginal" in the IIHS frontal offset test conducted at 40 mph (64 km/h) due to a possible injury to the right leg and the head, but dummy movement was reasonably well controlled.

The Amigo made a comeback in the US for 1998 after a three-year hiatus with the second generation model alongside the redesigned Rodeo.

Standard rear-mounted spare tire, ABS, and removable sunroof rounded out the feature set.

The Rodeo and Amigo 4WD models came with a modified Dana 44 rear axle and push-button four-wheel drive.

In October 2010, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalled 1998–2002 Rodeos, 2002 Isuzu Axioms, and 1998–2002 Honda Passports due to corrosion of the vehicle's frame in the vicinity of the rear suspension.

In some cases, corrosion was so severe that repairs could not be made, resulting in Isuzu and Honda purchasing vehicles from the owners.

The Frontera was discontinued from production at IBC Luton in 2005 (the final models in the UK were produced in Olympus trim).

[9] Holden in Australia and New Zealand also retailed the second generation model from February 1999 as the UE or MX series Frontera.