When was the last Chevy LUV truck made?
The last Chevy LUV was built in 1982.
The Chevrolet LUV, short for Light Utility Vehicle, was a badge‑engineered small pickup sold by Chevrolet in North America. It originated from a partnership with Isuzu and served as Chevrolet’s entry in the compact-truck segment during the 1970s and early 1980s. Its production ended as GM shifted to a new platform and introduced a successor in the market.
Production timeline
Key dates in the LUV’s production and its replacement are laid out below.
- 1972: LUV is introduced in North America as a badge‑engineered Isuzu pickup.
- 1982: The final Chevy LUV is produced, marking the end of the model line.
- 1983: Chevrolet replaces the LUV with the S‑10 in the U.S. compact-truck market.
The timeline highlights the LUV’s roughly decade-long run and its transition to GM’s newer compact-truck strategy with the S‑10.
Context: origins and replacement
Origins and badge engineering
The LUV originated as a Chevrolet badge for Isuzu’s light pickup trucks, produced under a collaboration between General Motors and Isuzu. It carried Chevrolet branding and shared core mechanicals with contemporary Isuzu designs, catering to buyers seeking a smaller, practical truck.
Market impact and replacement
As GM reorganized its small-truck lineup, the LUV was phased out in favor of the Chevrolet S‑10, which debuted for the 1983 model year and provided a more modern, unified platform for GM’s compact trucks.
Summary
The last Chevrolet LUV rolled off the assembly line in 1982, closing a chapter that began in 1972. GM subsequently introduced the Chevrolet S‑10 for the 1983 model year, signaling a shift toward a newer generation of compact pickups.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Chevy LUV get?
For 1972, the Chevy LUV was powered by a 1.8L SOHC four banger good for 75 horsepower, which was enough giddayup to give the LUV around a 1,200 pound payload capacity. But the bigger news was the engine's fuel economy—north of 30 mpg highway, which was a serious benefit as the 1970s gas shortage dawned.
What engine came in a Chevy LUV?
All LUVS come equipped with an overhead-cam 1.8 Liter (110.8 Cu. In.) engine that burns unleaded gas. It has a cast aluminum head and fine tri-metal, steel-backed main bearings.
When was the Chevy LUV discontinued?
The last model year for the Chevrolet LUV was 1982. Chevrolet replaced the LUV with its new, domestically produced S-10 pickup for the 1982 model year.
- Chevrolet sold the LUV in North America from 1972 until the 1982 model year, when production ended.
- The LUV was an Isuzu-built and imported compact truck that was rebadged for the American market.
- The launch of the Chevrolet S-10 in 1981 effectively ended the LUV's time in the U.S. market.
How much horsepower does a 1975 Chevy LUV have?
75 horsepower
Peppy overhead cam 4-cylinder engine. Here's an overhead cam engine rated at 75 horsepower (SAE net) that can handle loads, highway speeds and even carry a lightweight camper. The cast aluminum cylinder head saves on weight and helps LUV deliver economical gas mileage.
