By 1988, Isuzu had carved out a distinct place in the import market with compact cars that balanced efficiency, sharp styling, and a slightly sportier edge than many economy rivals. The 1988 Isuzu lineup here centers on the I-Mark and the Impulse, two models that shared some tire fitment overlap but did not use one universal size across the board. Across these two models, four radial sizes appear, with the 205/60R14 shared between both models while the I-Mark also spans several 13-inch and 14-inch fitments. For a 1988 Isuzu, the first step is confirming the exact model and wheel diameter, then narrowing the choice to the size and sidewall style that suits your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1988 Isuzu
Four tire sizes are used across 1988 Isuzu vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel, since the I-Mark spans both diameters while the Impulse uses only 205/60R14. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct car.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/60R14 is a radial metric size with a 185 millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This I-Mark-specific size is available from Michelin in a blackwall radial, and the product carries a V speed rating with a 149 mph ceiling. It suits an owner who needs the correct 14-inch fitment for an I-Mark and prefers a modern-looking blackwall presentation.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): I-Mark, Impulse|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14-in rim
205/60R14 is a radial metric size with a 205 millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. It is the one size shared by both the I-Mark and the Impulse. This fitment is the key size to confirm if you are sorting between those two models, since it is universal to the Impulse but only one of several possibilities for the I-Mark.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155/80R13 is a radial metric size with a 155 millimeter section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This I-Mark-specific size is available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, and tube requirements and speed markings vary by product. It is the right direction for an I-Mark owner who needs the smaller 13-inch fitment and wants a stronger restoration-style appearance than a plain blackwall delivers.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a radial metric size with a 175 millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This I-Mark-specific size is available from Avon as a blackwall radial, and the product carries an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling. It fits buyers who have confirmed this exact 13-inch size on their I-Mark and want a more sporting blackwall presentation.
Two 1988 Isuzu models are covered here. Tire size does vary by model, and in the I-Mark's case it can also vary within the model itself, so year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes that apply to your car.
1988 Isuzu I-Mark
The 1988 Isuzu I-Mark was Isuzu's compact passenger car, positioned as an efficient import with a mix of everyday and slightly sportier variants depending on body style and trim. Its tire fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels, which makes wheel diameter the first thing to verify before choosing a replacement tire.
The 1988 Isuzu Impulse carried a more distinctive, sporty identity within the Isuzu lineup, with styling and character aimed above a basic economy coupe or hatchback. It uses a 14-inch wheel fitment here, centered on one tire size rather than several alternatives across the model.
Six products are available across four tire sizes for 1988 Isuzu vehicles. 185/60R14 has one Michelin radial in blackwall, 155/80R13 has four radials from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow and wide whitewall styles, and 175/70R13 has one Avon radial in blackwall. Confirm your size first, since sidewall styling and speed markings vary by size.
These FAQs cover how 1988 Isuzu tire sizes split between the I-Mark and Impulse, what the metric size codes mean, which sidewall styles are available, and what to check for storage, setup, and regular road use on an older import car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1988 Isuzu vehicles?
1988 Isuzu vehicles use four sizes across the I-Mark and Impulse: 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 205/60R14. The I-Mark uses all four of those sizes depending on version and wheel package, while the Impulse uses 205/60R14. The 13-inch sizes mount on 13-inch rims, and the 14-inch sizes mount on 14-inch rims.
That means the first fitment question is not brand or sidewall style, but whether your car is an I-Mark or an Impulse and whether it carries 13-inch or 14-inch wheels. If you have an I-Mark, checking the existing tire size or wheel stamping is especially important because the model spans more than one diameter and more than one overall fitment.
What does 155/80R13 mean on a 1988 Isuzu tire?
On a 1988 Isuzu, 155/80R13 means the tire is 155 millimeters wide, uses an 80-series aspect ratio, has radial construction, and fits a 13-inch wheel. That size appears on the I-Mark and is offered in whitewall variations, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Some versions also carry load information of 959 pounds at 35 psi.
For an I-Mark owner, 155/80R13 is more than a set of measurements because it also shapes the car's visual character. Whitewall versions can push the car toward a more period-flavored appearance, while the exact brand choice affects rim-width compatibility, so it is worth checking the wheel before settling on one specific tire.
Do all 1988 Isuzu models use the same tire size?
No, 1988 Isuzu models do not all use the same tire size. The Impulse uses 205/60R14, while the I-Mark can use 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, or 205/60R14. The 205/60R14 is the only size shared across both models.
That overlap can cause confusion because a buyer may know only the year and make and assume one size fits every car in the range. On a 1988 Isuzu, the model matters, and on an I-Mark the wheel package matters too, so confirming the exact model and existing wheel diameter should happen before you compare brands or sidewall styles.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Isuzu tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size you need for your 1988 Isuzu. The 185/60R14 and 175/70R13 options come in blackwall form, while 155/80R13 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That gives the I-Mark the widest cosmetic range, especially if appearance is part of the decision.
For many late-1980s import cars, blackwalls look most natural for everyday factory-style presentation, especially on sportier applications. Whitewalls can still make sense on an I-Mark if the goal is a more customized or period-themed look, but the best choice depends on the character you want the finished car to project rather than on fitment alone.
What brands make tires for 1988 Isuzu vehicles?
Tires for 1988 Isuzu vehicles come from Michelin, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon across the available sizes. Michelin covers 185/60R14, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel cover 155/80R13, and Avon covers 175/70R13. Those brand choices span both straightforward replacement-style options and more appearance-specific whitewall offerings.
Brand selection becomes much simpler once the size is confirmed, because each size has its own personality and range of choices. An I-Mark owner looking at 155/80R13 has the broadest mix of looks, while buyers with 175/70R13 or 185/60R14 are really choosing within a more focused blackwall radial lane.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 for a 1988 Isuzu?
For a 1988 Isuzu using 155/80R13, the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 share radial construction and the same 959-pound load figure at 35 psi, but they differ in sidewall presentation and rim-width range. The BFGoodrich uses a wide whitewall and fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, while the Maxxis uses a narrower 0.625-inch whitewall and fits 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims.
That makes the BFGoodrich the more dramatic styling choice, especially if the car is being built around a stronger whitewall look. The Maxxis keeps the whitewall effect subtler and starts at a slightly wider wheel recommendation, so wheel width and visual taste are the two practical points to confirm before choosing between them.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1988 Isuzu tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1988 Isuzu tires. The 185/60R14 Michelin fits 5 to 6.0-inch rims, the 155/80R13 BFGoodrich fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, the 155/80R13 Maxxis fits 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims, the 155/80R13 Tornel fits 4.00 to 5.00-inch rims, and the 175/70R13 Avon fits 4.5 to 6.0-inch rims. Those ranges are not interchangeable across every product even within one size family.
Wheel width matters because it affects tread profile and how the tire sits on the rim. If your 1988 Isuzu still has original wheels, measure or verify the wheel before choosing among brands, especially in 155/80R13 where one tire may accept a narrower rim than another even though the nominal tire size is the same.
Do 1988 Isuzu tires require inner tubes?
A 1988 Isuzu does not have one universal tube answer across every tire choice. The 185/60R14 Michelin is marked TL, meaning tubeless, while tube marking is not consistent across the other available sizes and should be confirmed on the exact tire before installation. That is most important when comparing older-style whitewall offerings with modern passenger radial products.
The practical takeaway is to treat tube use as product-specific rather than assuming it from the car alone. If your wheels are original, have the wheel condition and valve area checked at the same time, because the correct tube or tubeless setup depends on both the tire construction and the wheel you plan to run.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1988 Isuzu when the tires are fitted?
A 1988 Isuzu stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires at proper inflation, avoid parking on wet soil or bare concrete for long periods, and move the car periodically so one contact patch is not carrying the load for months at a time.
Because every fitment here is radial, long static storage is generally less troublesome than with older bias-ply tires, but flat spotting and cosmetic weathering can still happen. If the car will sit for a season or longer, rolling it occasionally or supporting it properly can help preserve ride quality and sidewall condition.
How long do tires on a 1988 Isuzu typically last?
On a collector-driven 1988 Isuzu, tire age usually matters more than mileage. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
Many older import cars are driven lightly, so tires can look usable long after the rubber has hardened or begun to crack internally. If your 1988 Isuzu sees occasional weekend use, annual age checks are more valuable than simply watching tread depth, especially before any longer trip or sustained highway driving.
How often should tires on a 1988 Isuzu be inspected?
Tires on a 1988 Isuzu should be checked before every drive and inspected more thoroughly before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and pressure loss, and make sure the spare is also serviceable. Valve stems deserve attention too, since age and heat can harden them even when tread wear is minimal.
A quick walkaround is often enough to catch problems before they become trip-ending issues. On a low-use older car, time and storage conditions can age tires faster than normal commuting would, so regular inspection is one of the simplest ways to protect the car, the wheels, and the rest of the suspension from preventable trouble.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1988 Isuzu I-Mark?
A 1988 Isuzu I-Mark belongs to an era when radial construction was already standard practice for mainstream passenger cars, and the fitments here are all radial sizes. Within the I-Mark range, that includes 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 205/60R14 depending on version and wheel package. The most accurate starting point is the size shown on the car's original placard, owner's literature, or surviving factory wheel-and-tire equipment.
Original-equipment appearance is not always just about the size itself. Sidewall style can change the car's visual feel, and a blackwall usually aligns more closely with typical late-1980s import presentation than a wide whitewall. If you are restoring a specific market or trim variation, a marque club or original sales material is the best way to confirm the exact factory intent.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1988 Isuzu?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when a 1988 Isuzu is judged for originality. Size, construction type, and sidewall style all influence how authentic the car appears, and judges often notice when a car wears a visibly different profile, a non-era-correct sidewall treatment, or a tire size that does not match the wheel package the model should carry. Even on late cars, those details can affect the overall impression.
A clean driver can still wear a practical replacement tire and look right, but serious show preparation usually means matching the car's proper size first and then choosing the sidewall style that fits the period. Event standards vary, so if points judging matters, compare your intended tire to original brochures, survivor cars, and Isuzu enthusiast references before mounting a full set.
What is the difference between Travelstar UN106 and Tornel Classic for the 1988 Isuzu?
For a 1988 Isuzu using 155/80R13, the Travelstar UN106 and Tornel Classic both use radial construction and both can serve an I-Mark, but they differ in presentation and in how much wheel-width guidance is spelled out. The Travelstar uses a 14 millimeter narrow whitewall and weighs 13.51 pounds, while the Tornel uses a 0.625-inch narrow whitewall, carries a 959-pound load figure at 35 psi, and fits 4.00 to 5.00-inch rims.
That means the choice is less about broad fitment category and more about the exact look you want plus how closely you need the tire to match your wheel width. If your car has a narrower 13-inch wheel, the Tornel's stated rim range becomes especially relevant, while the Travelstar may appeal when a lighter tire and subtle whitewall treatment are priorities.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1988 Isuzu tires safe for highway driving?
1988 Isuzu tires can be suitable for highway driving when the tire is the correct size, in sound condition, and operated within its rating. Among the available products here, 185/60R14 appears with a V rating, which carries a 149 mph ceiling, and 175/70R13 appears with an H rating, which carries a 130 mph ceiling. Those figures are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, assuming the rest of the car is mechanically healthy.
On a 1988 Isuzu, tire condition often matters more than headline speed capability because age, storage, alignment, brakes, and suspension condition all shape real-world safety. Before regular highway use, make sure the tires are fresh enough, properly inflated, and free from cracking or damage, and remember that an older car's overall mechanical state should set the pace.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1988 Isuzu tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1988 Isuzu should follow the car's factory recommendation for the original fitment, while staying within the tire maker's maximum rating. Where tire figures are available here, several 155/80R13 products carry a maximum load of 959 pounds at 35 psi. That number is a tire capacity reference, not an automatic across-the-board running pressure for every 1988 Isuzu tire size.
The safest approach is to start with the original vehicle placard or owner's manual, then compare it with the individual tire's sidewall information. Do not transfer a pressure figure from 155/80R13 to 175/70R13 or either 14-inch size, because each tire's construction and service rating can differ even within the same year and make.
What should I check before taking a 1988 Isuzu on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1988 Isuzu, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, punctures, uneven wear, bulges, and proper inflation. Make sure valve stems are in good condition, confirm lug torque, and look for any sign that the car has been sitting long enough to create flat spots or pressure loss. A quick visual check is not enough if the car has been stored for months.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip routine on an older Isuzu, but they are the easiest place to catch a problem early. Pair the tire inspection with checks of brakes, fluids, belts, lights, and suspension, because a sound tire cannot make up for age-related issues elsewhere in the car when the trip includes sustained speed or heat.
