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OPEL Monterey Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1992
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
OPEL Monterey LTD photo gallery

In the late '80s, General Motors, together with Isuzu and Honda, worked on a badge-engineering project, and the Opel Monterey was one of the products.

While GM delivered the chassis, Honda came with the V-6 gasoline engine, Isuzu brought the turbo-diesel versions, and GM delivered the chassis. At that time, the American carmaker held one-third of Isuzu's stocks and already had other agreements with the Japanese company. In Europe, GM had two brands: Opel for the continental side and Vauxhall in the U.K.

GM designed the two-box design of the big Opel Monterey, and it was similar to the Acura SLX and Isuzu Trooper. The car featured body-on-frame construction, with a low-range gear fit for off-road. Its front fascia featured squared headlights with corner-mounted turn signals and a rectangular, chromed surrounding for the grille, which sported the Opel lettering. It was unusual for the German brand to place its name, not its badge, at the car's front. The design team made a tall greenhouse with a simple design and a thicker C-pillar, while the doors featured grab-handles. Despite the car's length, the Monterey had its spare wheel mounted on the tailgate in the back.

Inside, the base model featured cloth upholstery, while the upper trim level received leather. The instrument cluster featured the same layout as Isuzu or Honda, with six gauges and the tachometer and speedometer larger than any other gauge, with the automatic transmission indicators.

Under the hood, the carmaker offered the Monterey a choice of two engines: a 3.2-liter carried over from Honda and a 3.1-liter turbo-diesel made by Isuzu.

full description and technical specifications
OPEL Monterey RS photo gallery

Developed together with Honda and Isuzu, the Opel Monterey was GM's attempt to get a piece of the Land Rover Discovery market on the European continent.

By the time Opel launched the Monterey, GM already had over 32 percent of the Isuzu's stakes. Both companies agreed that since the Japanese brand was almost unknown in Europe, Opel should take the badge and sell the Trooper. Moreover, GM considered that a three-door version, named RS, could be a very good chance to enter the hard-core off-road segment. Things didn't go that well since the big SUV proved to be unstable on swift lane changes.

Unlike the Discovery, which was already a well-known product built by a well-known off-road carmaker, the Monterey was completely new on the market. Its soft lines might have looked better for those trying to find a vehicle for their families. It had big windows and even a C-pillar behind the rear seats, like the 3-door Discovery. But the boxy style was not that attractive anymore, and a few rounded edges didn't make the car sell well.

Inside, it was a vehicle well equipped. It featured all the comfort features a 1992 vehicle could have, such as the air-conditioning, power mirrors, windows and sunroof. Even though the three-door version had a shorter wheelbase, there was still plenty of room for three in the back and a large trunk good to carry all the needs for a weekend in the woods.

Under the hood, GM dropped a 3.2-liter V-gasoline engine built in Australia and a 3.1-liter turbo-diesel inline-four built in Japan. They were both paired to a five-speed manual and sent power in all corners via a transfer case with a low-range gear. A four-speed automatic was on the options list.

full description and technical specifications