Isuzu Forward

The Isuzu Forward (Japanese: いすゞ・フォワード) (also known as the Isuzu F-Series) is a line of medium-duty commercial vehicles manufactured by Isuzu since 1970, following the earlier TY model which occupied the same slot in the market. All F-series trucks are cab over designs and the cabin comes fully built from the factory. Most models come with a diesel engine; but, some markets get CNG derivatives as well. The F-series is available a variety of cab styles, engines, 4WD or 2WD depending on the market it is sold. While Isuzu's main plant is in Japan, these trucks are locally assembled from CKD kits in numerous countries.

Most mid-size and big-size models of the truck are distinguishable by a front 'Forward' badge; but the common Isuzu badge is usually used on the rear. Confusingly, the smaller Isuzu Elf (N-Series) has been sold as the "GMC Forward" in the United States and other markets.

The Isuzu Forward is among the commercial grade trucks used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for rear line duties.

Isuzu TY (predecessor)
Isuzu released the 4 t TY-series in May 1966. This semi-cabover design was Isuzu's first medium-duty truck. The original engine fitted was the D370, a 3644 cc inline-six diesel engine with 100 PS. The types were TY20, TY30, and TY40 depending on the length of the chassis. That engine was later replaced by the 3988 cc D400 engine with 102 PS, accompanied by a change in model codes to TY21/31/41. In August 1967 two 3.5 t models, TY31(S) and TY41(S), were added. There was also an extra long wheelbase model (available with an extended cab) called the TY51. The TY range received a light facelift in March 1968, including a redesigned grille.

First generation (1970)
The first generation Forward (TR) was launched in April 1970, replacing the original TY-series. All of the original models came equipped with Isuzu's D500 diesel engine, a 4978 cc inline-six with 125 PS. In July 1971 this engine was upgraded to produce 130 PS. In September 1972 the Forward received a facelift and a new model code (SBR). The D500 engine was largely replaced with the new 5393 cc 6BB1 direct injection inline-six producing 145 PS. Only certain lighter duty versions, such as the fire truck, retained the smaller D500 engine. The glowplug equipped 6BB1 had the smallest displacement per cylinder of any direct injection diesel engine in the world at the time and went on to power a large number of the Forward, the Elf, and many other Isuzu vehicles for the coming decades.

A variety of weight ranges, bodies, and types were on offer, including a tractor unit and dumpers, on wheelbases ranging from 3.2 to 5.6 m. While most of the first generation Forward range was replaced in August 1975, the lighter short cab versions continued in production as the "Forward S" until replaced by Forward Juston in 1986.

Second generation (SBR/JBR/FBR) (1975)


The Second Generation Forward (SBR-series) was released in August 1975. The original range could carry between 4 and 4.5 t and was powered by the same Isuzu 6BB1 diesel engine that had been used in most of the first-generation Forwards, a 5393 cc diesel inline-six with 145 PS. The SBR was later complemented with new heavier-duty versions (J- and F-series) equipped with the larger 6BD1, 6BD1T, and 6BF1 engines.


 * JBR/JCR/JDR (6-7t)
 * FTM (10t)

Semi-tractor


 * VDR (4.5t, 5t)

4WD


 * SCS (4t)

Third generation (JCR/FTR/FVR/FSR/FRR/FVZ) (1985)


The third generation Forward was launched in June 1985, with a cab design based on that of the 810. It was the first truck to win the Good Design Award.

The FTR, FVR, FSR and FRR are all equipped with naturally aspirated and turbocharged Isuzu 6BG1 and 6HE1 engines mated to the six-speed manual or NAVi6 six-speed automatic gearbox with an optional ABS. A 1992–1994 Isuzu Forward truck appears in a scene of Studio Ghibli's 1994 animated movie Pom Poko.

Fourth generation (1994)
The fourth generation Forward was released in February 1994 with all SOHC engines starting with the naturally aspirated or turbocharged 6HE1 until 1999 and replaced with the new 8.2 litre 6HH1 and 7.8 litre 6HK1-TC (also shared with the American-developed Isuzu H-series) engines mated to the six-speed manual or Isuzu's 'Smoother F' automatic gearbox, with Power Shift and HSA are standard equipment, only the ABS/ASR are optional.

For the Chilean and Peruvian markets, the trucks were shipped from Japan as CKD kits to Huechuraba, Chile, where up to two a day could be assembled by a team of 13 workers. They were badged as Chevrolets and GMCs until 2009.

Models
 * FTR (8 t)
 * FRR (4 t)
 * FSR (5 t, 6.5 t, 7 t)
 * FVR (9 t)
 * FVZ (10 t)
 * FRD (4 t)
 * FSD (5 t, 7 t)

Fifth generation (2007)


The fifth generation Forward was launched in May 2007; all models are equipped with Isuzu 4H/6H engines. A new 6x6 variant was exhibited at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show in 2013.

In North America, it was introduced in 2017 for the 2018 model year.

In Thailand, the 2022 model year saw the LED projector headlight and interior updates for some models, and they also introduced the FRR 210 Max Torque as well.

Sixth generation (2023)
The sixth generation Forward was launched in March 2023 and went sale in August 2023. The 6th generation Forward also has powertrain updates to meet the upcoming fuel efficiency regulations.

Current lineup
Japan/Worldwide
 * FRR
 * FSR
 * FSA
 * FTR
 * FVR
 * FVM
 * FVZ
 * FSS
 * FTS
 * GSR
 * GVR

Australia
Isuzu is the market leader in Australia and makes models unique to that market. It includes Crew cabs of popular models with options like 4X4 and PTO. Australia also receives slightly larger versions codenamed FX-series.
 * FRD
 * FSR
 * FSD
 * FTR
 * FVR
 * FVD
 * FVM
 * FVL
 * FVZ
 * GVD
 * FSS
 * FTS
 * FXR
 * FXD
 * FXZ
 * FXY
 * FXL
 * GXD

North America
The fifth generation class-6 FTR launched in the United States and Canada in 2017. It featured the Isuzu 5.2L 4HK1-TC engine developing 215hp and 520 lb-ft of torque paired to an Allison 2000 series 6-speed automatic transmission. Wheelbases range from 152 to 248 inches accommodating truck body lengths from 14 to 30. A Chevrolet-badged variant was launched as the LCF 6500 XD.

In 2022 the class-7 FVR was launched in addition to the FTR. Both the FTR and FVR now use the Cummins B6.7 engine featuring 260hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. The FTR is paired with an Allison 2550 RDS transmission with parking pawl, while the FVR features an Allison 2500 RDS without parking pawl. The same year Chevrolet launched its class-7 variant as the LCF 7500 XD.

The Isuzu FTR won "Medium Duty Truck of the Year" for 2018.