The 1987 Isuzu Impulse came from an era when import sport coupes balanced crisp styling, compact dimensions, and everyday drivability in a very distinctive way. Its Giugiaro-shaped body and road-focused character make tire choice especially important, because the right fitment helps preserve both stance and handling feel. For this exact model, the primary tire size is 195/60R14, a modern metric radial on a 14-inch rim. Available choices in this size lean toward a clean blackwall presentation, including the Michelin MXV3-A series. For an owner bringing an Impulse back to the road, the key is matching the correct size first, then confirming wheel condition, tire age, and overall fitment before regular use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Isuzu Impulse
The 1987 Isuzu Impulse uses one primary tire size: 195/60R14, and it is a radial fitment on a 14-inch rim. The covered sub-model shares that same size, so the main decision is not between multiple primary fitments, but which tire best suits the car's road use, appearance, and wheel setup.
A 195/60R14 size identifies a metric radial tire with a 195 millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. On the 1987 Isuzu Impulse, this radial format matches the car's more modern late-1980s tire sizing and supports a low-profile sport-coupe presentation. In this size, available product choice includes Michelin in the MXV3-A series with a blackwall sidewall style. That makes the real selection process less about decoding an older bias-ply designation and more about staying true to the correct dimensions while confirming wheel condition and intended driving use.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the covered 1987 Isuzu Impulse range. The listed sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so the main task is confirming that the car still has its correct 14-inch wheel setup before choosing a tire.
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1987 Isuzu Impulse Base
The 1987 Isuzu Impulse Base uses the same 195/60R14 radial fitment as the model core. Tire selection therefore comes down to choosing the right product within that size and making sure the car has not been changed to a different wheel or suspension setup over time.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1987 Isuzu Impulse Tires for Sale
Available 195/60R14 choices for the 1987 Isuzu Impulse include Michelin in the MXV3-A series. The fitment shown here uses radial construction and a blackwall sidewall, giving buyers a focused comparison around brand character and correct size rather than multiple vintage-style variations.
These 1987 Isuzu Impulse tire FAQs focus on the exact 195/60R14 fitment, 14-inch rim compatibility, product selection, and the checks that matter before putting a lightly used collector-era sport coupe back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Isuzu Impulse?
The 1987 Isuzu Impulse uses a 195/60R14 tire size. This is a metric radial size, meaning it is built for a 14-inch wheel and uses a lower-profile sidewall than many older vintage fitments.
That makes size confirmation fairly simple as long as the car still has its correct wheel diameter. An Impulse that has been fitted with aftermarket wheels, replacement rims, or suspension changes should be checked carefully before buying, since the right answer depends on the actual wheel and vehicle setup now on the car.
What size rim does a 1987 Isuzu Impulse use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1987 Isuzu Impulse is built around a 14-inch rim. The 195/60R14 size itself confirms that wheel diameter, and the covered fitment uses radial construction.
Wheel diameter is the first number to verify before choosing a replacement tire, but it is not the only one. Wheel width, overall wheel condition, and any prior modifications still matter, especially on older cars that may have changed hands several times or received non-original wheels during routine service or cosmetic updates.
Does the 1987 Isuzu Impulse Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1987 Isuzu Impulse Base uses the same 195/60R14 radial tire size as the model fitment shown here. That keeps sub-model tire selection straightforward for the covered application.
Even with shared fitment, it is still wise to inspect what is actually on the car before replacing tires. A previous owner may have changed wheel size or installed a different tire profile, so matching the tire to the existing wheel diameter and checking clearance can prevent ordering the correct stock size for an altered setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 195/60R14 tire for a 1987 Isuzu Impulse?
Start with the correct size and construction. The 1987 Isuzu Impulse uses a 195/60R14 radial, so the first goal is preserving that fitment rather than substituting a different profile or wheel diameter without checking the car.
After that, compare the tire's overall character for how the car will be used. An owner focused on occasional fair-weather driving may prioritize period-appropriate appearance and clean sidewall presentation, while someone planning more regular road use may focus on brand preference, condition of the wheels, and the age and health of the rest of the chassis.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Isuzu Impulse tires?
The available 195/60R14 fitment shown for the 1987 Isuzu Impulse uses a blackwall sidewall style. That gives the car a clean late-1980s look without introducing whitewall or vintage stripe treatments that belong more naturally to earlier eras.
Sidewall appearance matters because it influences how the whole car reads visually, especially on a compact sport coupe with relatively low-profile tires. If maintaining a restrained period-style presentation is part of the goal, staying with the correct size and a simple blackwall look usually keeps the tire from distracting from the Impulse's original design character.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Isuzu Impulse?
Michelin is represented in the available 195/60R14 fitment for the 1987 Isuzu Impulse, including the MXV3-A series. That gives the buyer a recognized radial option in the correct size and 14-inch wheel format.
Brand is only one part of the decision, though. The better approach is to confirm the exact tire size first, then consider the tire series, sidewall appearance, and how the car will actually be driven. On a collector-era import coupe, the right fitment and a healthy wheel-and-suspension setup matter more than choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Isuzu Impulse?
A period-style approach for a 1987 Isuzu Impulse starts with the correct 195/60R14 radial size. Because this car uses a modern metric radial rather than an earlier bias-ply format, staying with the proper dimensions is the most important step in preserving the car's intended stance and visual balance.
From there, focus on a tire that suits the Impulse's late-1980s character rather than trying to force a more vintage look onto it. A clean blackwall presentation aligns naturally with the available fitment, while owners pursuing exact restoration details should compare tire appearance against period photography, marque references, and other vehicle-specific documentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Isuzu Impulse restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because tire size has a strong effect on ride height, visual proportion, and the way a restored 1987 Isuzu Impulse sits on its wheels. Using the proper 195/60R14 radial size helps keep the car aligned with its intended late-1980s sport-coupe character.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. A mismatched size can alter clearance at the fenders or suspension and make the finished car feel less settled on the road. Even on a cosmetic restoration, it is worth checking wheel diameter, wheel condition, and the age of any existing tires before assuming a replacement choice is appropriate.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Isuzu Impulse?
Yes. A 1987 Isuzu Impulse may have originally used 195/60R14 tires, but aftermarket wheels, lowered suspension, replacement springs, or body changes can alter what fits the car now. Even small changes can affect clearance and how the tire sits within the wheel opening.
That is why the actual wheel diameter and width should be checked before replacing tires on an older enthusiast car. Steering clearance, suspension travel, and the tire's relationship to the fender edge all deserve a quick inspection, especially if the car no longer appears to sit at stock height or carries non-original wheels.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Isuzu Impulse on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure the tires clear suspension and bodywork through the steering range. It is also smart to look over the brakes, shocks, and steering components on a 1987 Isuzu Impulse that may have spent long periods parked.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for age-related problems elsewhere in the chassis. Checking alignment condition, lug hardware, and any signs of fluid leaks or sticking brake components helps the car use the new tires properly and reduces the chance that an old mechanical issue will spoil the first longer drive.
How should 195/60R14 tires on a collector 1987 Isuzu Impulse be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cracking or bulges, and periodic tread review even if the mileage stays low. On a 1987 Isuzu Impulse, long storage can age tires quietly, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread depth.
Storage habits make a difference too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long-term flat spotting. A tire that still looks acceptable at a glance deserves closer inspection before extended road use after a long dormant period.
