Originally Posted by
nfpgasmask
Fair enough, and that is a good point indeed. However, I think we are both right and wrong; as stated in the Wikipedia article on the VX:
"The VehiCROSS was highly regarded for its cross-terrain performance. It combines a computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system for on-road driving and a locked-differential low gear four-wheel-drive system for off-road driving. Its computer controlled "Torque on Demand" system, with 12 independent sensors detecting wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction, gives the VehiCROSS a high level of traction on wet and icy roads. It also has a high level of performance for its height. While possessing on-road nimbleness, its body-on-frame truck construction, suspension and 4WD gearing made it very capable off-road."
I don't know the ACTUAL Isuzu thought process behind the VX, but I do believe initially it was designed to be a rally vehicle, at least structurally, while it was a HALO vehicle commercially. By the inherent nature of rally-cross, the VX needed to be good for both speed and hard off-roading. As I said before, I agree completely that the VX was never meant to be a hard-core rock crawler, but personally I cannot deny the VX's birthright to be off the pavement. IMO, It's hardly a "novelty".
Bart