The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark sits in the late-1980s import hatchback era, when small Japanese cars balanced economy, sporty styling, and trim-level variety in a compact package. That matters for tire selection because this exact model range used several distinct radial sizes depending on sub-model, including both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments. Some versions stay with modest metric sizes, while the RS Turbo steps up to a wider 205/60R14 setup. Available choices also vary in character, from blackwall performance-oriented radials to whitewall options in 155/80R13. The key is matching the tire to the exact I-Mark trim and wheel before comparing appearance, handling feel, or restoration-minded presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model as well as whether the car carries a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel. Because both rim diameter and tire width vary across the lineup, the first step is confirming the trim and the wheels actually on the car before choosing among available radial tire options.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark, this size is used on LS and RS sub-models, giving it a clear place in the sportier 14-inch portion of the range. Available choice in this size centers on a blackwall Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 with a 5 to 6 inch rim-width range. It is the size to evaluate when the car is an LS or RS and the goal is to preserve the correct overall fitment type for that trim.
205/60R14 is a wider metric radial, using a 205 millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim. For the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark, this size belongs to the RS Turbo, making it specific to that higher-performance sub-model rather than the full I-Mark line. The wider section gives this size a different fitment role than the narrower 185/60R14 used elsewhere on 14-inch wheels. It should be considered only after confirming the car is in RS Turbo configuration and still uses the correct wheel diameter and surrounding clearance.
155/80R13 is a narrow metric radial with a 155 millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This is the tire size used on the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark S, and it carries a very different visual character from the 14-inch sport-oriented sizes used on other trims. Product choices include blackwall-free traditional whitewall presentations, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel across several series. It is the size to focus on when the car has 13-inch wheels and appearance matters as much as basic fitment.
175/70R13 is a metric radial that combines a 175 millimeter section width with a 70-series profile on a 13-inch rim. On the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark, this size is tied to the XS sub-model, placing it between the narrower 155/80R13 economy-oriented fitment and the 14-inch setups used elsewhere in the range. The available option in this size is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, which gives the size a distinct product character compared with the whitewall-heavy 155/80R13 offerings. It is the correct place to start when the car is an XS and still uses its proper 13-inch wheel diameter.
Tire fitment varies across the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark lineup, so checking the exact sub-model is essential before choosing a size. The range includes both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications, and each trim uses one specific radial tire size rather than a shared fitment across all versions.
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1988 Isuzu I-Mark LS
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark LS uses the 185/60R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel. That keeps tire selection focused on matching the LS fitment first, then comparing the available product style and wheel-width compatibility within that exact size.
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark RS also uses 185/60R14, sharing its primary fitment with the LS rather than the other I-Mark trims. The main decision is confirming the car still has its proper 14-inch wheel setup before selecting among the available radial choices in that size.
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark RS Turbo uses a wider 205/60R14 radial tire, setting it apart from the standard RS and LS. That makes trim identification especially important, since a buyer should confirm both the turbo-specific size and the actual wheel diameter before moving into product selection.
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark S uses 155/80R13, a narrower radial size on a 13-inch wheel. That fitment opens up more appearance-oriented choices, especially whitewall styles, so the selection process often comes down to balancing correct size with the look desired for the car.
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark XS uses 175/70R13 on a 13-inch rim rather than the narrower S-model fitment or the 14-inch sizes. Tire selection starts with keeping that XS-specific size in place, then checking wheel width and overall setup before choosing the available radial option.
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 1988 Isuzu I-Mark Tires for Sale
Available 1988 Isuzu I-Mark tire choices span Michelin, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles represented across several radial series. The strongest variety appears in 155/80R13, while other sizes are more narrowly focused.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used across the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark lineup, along with rim fitment, trim-specific differences, product selection, appearance choices, and the checks that matter before putting a lightly used older car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
A 1988 Isuzu I-Mark does not use one universal tire size across the entire model line. The LS and RS use 185/60R14, the RS Turbo uses 205/60R14, the S uses 155/80R13, and the XS uses 175/70R13. All of these are radial sizes.
The practical first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the car has 13-inch or 14-inch wheels. Many older compact cars have been changed over time, so the tire on the car now may not match the correct trim-level fitment. Matching the right size to the right wheel diameter should come before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tread character.
What size rim does a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark use?
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. LS, RS, and RS Turbo models use 14-inch wheel fitments, while S and XS models use 13-inch wheel fitments. Tire size and rim diameter are tied together, so each trim needs the proper wheel size first.
Rim diameter is the key checkpoint because none of these tires should be treated as interchangeable across different wheel sizes. A 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch rim, and vice versa. Once wheel diameter is confirmed, it also helps to check actual rim width, especially on cars that may have aftermarket wheels or replacement steel wheels installed.
Why does the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark have more than one tire size?
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark range spans several sub-models, and each one uses a specific radial size that matches its wheel diameter and intended fitment. That is why the lineup includes 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 205/60R14 instead of one shared tire size across every version.
For a buyer, that means trim identification matters more than general model identification. An RS Turbo should not be approached the same way as an S or XS. Checking the sub-model badge, existing wheel diameter, and the tire placard or vehicle documentation can prevent ordering a size that belongs to a different I-Mark configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark uses four different radial sizes across the lineup. After size and rim diameter are confirmed, the next considerations are wheel-width compatibility, the visual style of the tire, and whether the car is being kept close to its original late-1980s presentation or refreshed with a different look.
A 155/80R13 S model opens the door to several whitewall choices, while 185/60R14 and 175/70R13 options lean more toward blackwall presentation. Product differences such as rim-width range, weight, and load capacity can also matter. Those details are worth comparing once the correct size is locked in, especially on a car that may not still wear its original wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Isuzu I-Mark tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used by the specific 1988 Isuzu I-Mark sub-model. Blackwall tires are available in 185/60R14 and 175/70R13, while 155/80R13 offers more appearance variety with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options. That makes the S-model fitment the broadest choice for a more styled presentation.
The best sidewall style is usually the one that matches the way the car is being presented. A blackwall keeps a clean, understated late-1980s look, while a whitewall can push the car in a more custom or restoration-minded direction. Sidewall choice should still come after size, wheel diameter, and wheel-width compatibility are confirmed for the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
Available brands for 1988 Isuzu I-Mark tire sizes include Michelin, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Brand coverage is not spread evenly across every size, though. The 155/80R13 fitment has the widest mix of brands, while the other I-Mark sizes shown here have much narrower product choice.
That means brand selection often follows the trim and size rather than the other way around. Once the correct size is established, compare each brand's available series, sidewall style, and rim-width range in that specific fitment. A buyer shopping for an S model will have a different comparison set than someone selecting tires for an RS, XS, or RS Turbo.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
A period-style choice for a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark starts with keeping the correct trim-specific size in place. From there, appearance becomes the next filter. Blackwall radials generally suit the late-1980s small import look, while 155/80R13 opens up narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options that create a more stylized presentation than the typical sporty hatchback approach.
The most authentic-looking result usually comes from matching the car's sub-model, wheel diameter, and intended visual direction rather than choosing by brand alone. When exact originality matters, factory literature, original photos, or marque-specific references can help narrow the right sidewall treatment. Tire appearance can change the whole stance of a compact car, especially on 13-inch wheel fitments.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
On a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial across the range. That means the visual difference usually comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the size itself, the sidewall profile, and whether the tire is a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall design.
A shorter-profile 14-inch radial like 185/60R14 or 205/60R14 gives the car a more contemporary late-1980s sport-compact stance, while the 13-inch sizes can look softer or more traditional. For a restoration-minded owner, the important thing is preserving the correct size and wheel diameter first. Appearance details should support that fitment rather than override it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark, even when the car started with one of the correct factory-size ranges. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, offset changes, lowering springs, or bodywork changes can alter the space available around the tire and make the original trim-based fitment a less reliable guide on its own.
That is especially important on a car with multiple original wheel diameters across the model line. A buyer should confirm the actual wheel diameter, measure wheel width, and look at fender and steering clearance before choosing tires. Clearance at full lock and under suspension compression matters just as much as matching the nominal size printed on the sidewall.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark on new tires?
Before driving a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify lug hardware condition, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the car's actual sub-model and rim diameter. It is also wise to check valve stems, alignment condition, and whether the suspension or brakes show signs of wear that could affect how the new tires behave.
Once the tires are mounted, look for even clearance to the struts, inner fenders, and outer bodywork, then confirm inflation pressure and recheck torque after a short initial drive. Older cars that have spent time parked can also hide issues such as loose wheel bearings or dry suspension bushings. Those problems should be addressed before relying on the car for regular road use.
How often should tires on a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark be inspected?
Tires on a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark should be inspected regularly, and any collector or lightly driven example deserves closer attention than a daily driver. A visual check before use is sensible on a car that sits for long periods, with periodic inspection for tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear patterns, and signs of slow air loss.
A scheduled inspection is especially important when the car has older wheels, has been stored indoors for long stretches, or only comes out seasonally. Tire age and condition can matter just as much as remaining tread depth on an infrequently used car. Checking pressure, rotating when appropriate, and keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight and ozone sources all help preserve the tires.
