By 1989, Isuzu had carved out a distinctive place in the import market with compact, efficiency-minded cars that still carried a sporty edge. The year's passenger-car lineup paired the practical I-Mark with the more style-forward Impulse, so tire choice depends heavily on which model you own. Across 1989 Isuzu passenger models, four radial sizes appear, and they are not shared across the full range: the I-Mark uses three different 13- and 14-inch sizes, while the Impulse uses its own 14-inch fitment. Before choosing a tire, confirm your exact model first, then match the correct size and decide whether you want a blackwall performance look or a more classic whitewall appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1989 Isuzu
Four tire sizes fit 1989 Isuzu passenger models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole range. The first decision is identifying whether you have an I-Mark or an Impulse, then confirming whether your car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/60R14 is a metric radial 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 uses a tubeless V-rated specification with a 149 mph ceiling. It suits owners who need the exact 14-inch I-Mark fitment and prefer a modern sport-compact radial profile rather than a vintage whitewall look.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155/80R13 is a metric radial 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 speed rating and tube status vary by product. It is the best match for I-Mark owners seeking a smaller, more traditional-looking 13-inch fitment, especially when whitewall appearance matters as much as overall dimensions.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial 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 with an H speed rating, giving it a 130 mph ceiling. It fits buyers who need the 13-inch I-Mark size but want a blackwall performance-oriented presentation instead of a whitewall style.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): Impulse|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14-in rim
205/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This Impulse-specific size appears as a radial fitment, with the key choice centering on matching the correct model and wheel diameter first. It is the size to focus on if you own the sportier 1989 Isuzu Impulse and need the broader 14-inch setup associated with that model.
Two 1989 Isuzu passenger-car models are covered here. They do not all share the same tire sizes, so identifying whether you have an I-Mark or an Impulse is the first step before narrowing the correct fitment. Select your model below to explore its specific tire sizes, fitment history, and available products.
1989 Isuzu I-Mark
The 1989 Isuzu I-Mark was Isuzu's compact entry, aimed at drivers who wanted an economical import hatchback or small sedan with clean late-1980s packaging. Its tire fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels, which makes exact model identification and wheel confirmation especially important before choosing a tire.
The 1989 Isuzu Impulse carried a more sporting identity, with sharp Giugiaro-era styling and a distinctly different personality from the more basic I-Mark. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the model uses a single size within this year-and-make grouping.
Six products are available across four tire sizes for 1989 Isuzu vehicles. The 185/60R14 has one Michelin radial in blackwall, the 155/80R13 has four radial choices from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow and wide whitewall styles, and the 175/70R13 has one Avon blackwall radial; confirm your exact size first.
These answers cover how 1989 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 fitment, storage, and highway use on an older import.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1989 Isuzu vehicles?
1989 Isuzu passenger models use four sizes: 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 205/60R14. The I-Mark uses 155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/60R14, while the Impulse uses 205/60R14. The 13-inch sizes mount on 13-inch wheels, and the 14-inch sizes mount on 14-inch wheels. Rim width guidance is available for several sizes: 155/80R13 appears on 4.00 to 5.50-inch applications depending on tire, 175/70R13 on 4.5 to 6.0-inch rims, and 185/60R14 on 5.0 to 6.0-inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct choice on 1989 Isuzu cars. Start by identifying whether the car is an I-Mark or an Impulse, then verify whether it carries a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel before narrowing to a specific tire. If your car has been restored, modified, or converted to a different wheel package over the years, check the actual wheel and existing tire sidewall rather than relying only on model name memory.
What does 155/80R13 mean on a 1989 Isuzu tire?
On a 1989 Isuzu, 155/80R13 is a metric radial size. The 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, the R means radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size appears on the I-Mark and is offered in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, which gives it a more traditional visual character than the blackwall-only 13-inch alternative.
That coding matters because a 155/80R13 is not interchangeable with every other 13-inch tire just because the wheel diameter matches. Section width and sidewall height affect stance, appearance, and the way the tire fills the wheel opening. On a 1989 Isuzu I-Mark, this size is the one to focus on if you want a smaller metric radial with whitewall styling choices rather than a more performance-oriented blackwall presentation.
Do all 1989 Isuzu models use the same tire size?
No, 1989 Isuzu models do not all use the same tire size. The I-Mark spans three sizes—155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/60R14—while the Impulse uses 205/60R14. Even within the I-Mark range, wheel diameter changes between some fitments, so the difference is not just a matter of tread width or sidewall style.
The practical takeaway is simple: identify the model before you choose the tire. A buyer looking only at 1989 Isuzu as a whole could easily end up comparing a 13-inch I-Mark tire to a 14-inch Impulse tire, which are not interchangeable. If you are unsure which model you have, the body style, VIN information, and the existing tire sidewall will usually confirm the right direction faster than guessing by overall vehicle size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Isuzu tires?
1989 Isuzu tire choices include both blackwall and whitewall styles, depending on size. The 185/60R14 and 175/70R13 appear in blackwall form, while the 155/80R13 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That gives I-Mark owners the widest appearance range, from a clean late-1980s blackwall look to a more classic whitewall presentation.
Sidewall style does not change the basic fitment, but it changes the personality of the car. A blackwall tends to look more contemporary and understated on a late-1980s import, while a whitewall gives the car a softer, more nostalgic visual tone that some owners prefer on preserved originals. If appearance matters as much as size, narrow your choice by sidewall style early so you are comparing the right tires from the start.
What brands make tires for 1989 Isuzu vehicles?
1989 Isuzu fitments are available from Michelin, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Michelin covers 185/60R14, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel cover 155/80R13, and Avon covers 175/70R13. Those brands span modern radial replacement needs as well as classic-style whitewall options for buyers who want a more distinctive period look.
Brand choice usually becomes easier once the correct size is settled, because each size has its own character. The 155/80R13 gives the broadest brand and sidewall variety, while the 185/60R14 and 175/70R13 are narrower, more focused choices. If your main goal is matching the visual theme of the car, compare sidewall style first; if your goal is preserving the exact size already on the car, match the sidewall code before comparing brand names.
What is the difference between the whitewall 155/80R13 choices for a 1989 Isuzu?
Within 155/80R13 for the 1989 Isuzu I-Mark, the main differences are sidewall treatment, brand, and rim-width coverage. Travelstar offers a 14mm narrow whitewall with a T speed rating, BFGoodrich offers a 2-inch wide whitewall, Maxxis offers a 0.625-inch narrow whitewall, and Tornel also offers a 0.625-inch narrow whitewall. BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel each carry a 959-pound maximum load at 35 psi, while rim-width ranges vary from 4.00-5.00 inches up to 4.00-5.50 inches depending on tire.
That makes the decision less about basic fit and more about the finished look and wheel match. A wide whitewall creates a stronger vintage appearance, while the narrow whitewall options look subtler and more restrained on a late-1980s compact. If your wheels are on the narrower side, compare the stated rim-width range carefully before choosing, especially if you are trying to preserve both correct fit and the appearance you want.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1989 Isuzu tires require?
Rim width varies by size on 1989 Isuzu applications. The 155/80R13 fits ranges from 4.00-5.00 inches on some tires to 4.00-5.50 inches or 4.50-5.50 inches on others, the 175/70R13 fits 4.5-6.0-inch rims, and the 185/60R14 fits 5.0-6.0-inch rims. Each tire should be matched to a wheel that falls within that tire's approved width range rather than assuming every tire of the same diameter uses the same wheel width.
That matters most on the I-Mark, because it appears in both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments and the approved width range changes with the size and brand. Before ordering, measure the wheel or confirm the wheel specification if the car has aftermarket rims. Staying within the tire's intended rim-width span helps preserve proper tread profile, steering response, and sidewall behavior.
Do 1989 Isuzu tires require inner tubes?
Tube status is not the same across every 1989 Isuzu tire. The 185/60R14 Michelin carries a TL marking, which identifies it as tubeless, while the 155/80R13 group varies by product because some carry fuller sidewall coding and others do not specify tube status in the same way. All of these sizes are radial passenger-car fitments, but that alone should not be used to assume every version is handled identically during installation.
The safest approach is to check the sidewall marking on the exact tire you choose and match it to the wheel condition on your car. If the wheel is original and older, have the bead area and valve-stem opening inspected during mounting. That extra step is especially worthwhile on a collector-driven 1989 Isuzu that may sit for long periods between drives.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1989 Isuzu when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1989 Isuzu should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors and battery chargers, and on a clean, dry surface. Tire pressures should be maintained during storage, and the car should either be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long static loading. Radials generally resist flat-spotting better than older bias-ply designs, but any tire can age prematurely if it sits underinflated in heat or dampness.
For a collector car that is driven occasionally, the goal is to protect both the rubber and the wheel assembly. Rotate the car's position from time to time, check for sidewall cracking before returning it to service, and keep petroleum-based cleaners off the rubber. If the car will sit for an extended season, a breathable cover and a stable indoor climate do more for tire life than frequent cosmetic dressing.
How long do tires on a 1989 Isuzu typically last?
Tires on a 1989 Isuzu should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone, because many collector and hobby cars see limited use. A good rule is to begin close inspection at about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks acceptable. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the quickest way to establish the tire's actual age.
That timeline is especially important on a low-mileage I-Mark or Impulse that may look roadworthy at a glance. Rubber hardens, internal materials age, and long periods of inactivity can be just as important as wear. If the car is new to you, verifying tire age should be one of the first checks you make before planning any regular driving or longer highway trips.
How often should tires on a 1989 Isuzu be inspected?
Tires on a 1989 Isuzu deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between uses. Valve stems also deserve attention, especially on an older car where the wheels, stems, and mounting hardware may have aged alongside the tires.
Regular inspection matters because a hobby-driven car often spends more time parked than moving, and problems can develop without adding many miles. A visual check takes only a minute and can catch the kind of age-related issues that do not show up as tread wear. If the spare is still part of your road-trip plan, inspect it with the same care as the four tires on the ground.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1989 Isuzu I-Mark?
A 1989 Isuzu I-Mark would have been a radial-tire car from new, which matches the radial construction used across its 155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/60R14 fitments. Depending on the exact version of the car, the visual character could range from a simpler narrow-profile tire to a lower-profile 14-inch radial. Original-equipment brand and exact trim-by-trim fitment can vary, so marque-specific references are the right place to confirm details beyond the core size and construction.
For restoration purposes, the biggest authenticity decisions are matching the correct size for the exact car and choosing the right sidewall look. A blackwall generally aligns with the late-1980s import aesthetic, while a whitewall gives the car a more stylized presentation that may suit certain owner preferences better than strict factory appearance. If you are building for marque judging, confirm the tire style against period brochures or club knowledge before final selection.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1989 Isuzu?
Correct tire fitment can matter quite a bit when showing a 1989 Isuzu, especially in preservation-oriented or marque-focused classes. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car has the right basic size, the right construction type for the era, and a sidewall style that suits the vehicle's period character. A mismatched wheel diameter or an obviously off-theme sidewall can stand out even when the rest of the car is well finished.
The level of scrutiny depends on the event. A local cruise night may be more forgiving, while marque and concours settings tend to reward choices that look consistent with how the car would have appeared when new. If show accuracy is a priority, use your exact model as the starting point and compare your choice against period photos, factory literature, and event rules rather than picking strictly by modern taste.
What is the difference between the 13-inch tire choices for the 1989 Isuzu I-Mark?
The two 13-inch I-Mark sizes serve different visual and dimensional roles. The 155/80R13 is a narrower, taller-profile radial with whitewall choices from several brands, while the 175/70R13 is a wider, lower-profile blackwall radial available from Avon with an H speed rating. Both fit 13-inch wheels, but they do not create the same stance, sidewall shape, or overall appearance on the car.
For authenticity, the key is matching the size that belongs on your exact I-Mark configuration rather than treating every 13-inch option as interchangeable. The 155/80R13 is the natural path if you want a more restrained or classic presentation, especially with whitewalls. The 175/70R13 suits owners whose priority is the correct lower-profile blackwall look associated with a more sporting late-1980s presentation.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1989 Isuzu tires safe for highway driving?
1989 Isuzu tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in good condition, properly inflated, and used within their speed rating. The sizes here are all radial passenger-car tires, and the speed-rated examples include T at 118 mph, H at 130 mph, and V at 149 mph. Those ceilings are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, so on a sound car the tire's published rating is usually not the limiting factor in ordinary road use.
The bigger concern on a 1989 Isuzu is often the condition of the entire vehicle after decades of service or storage. Brakes, suspension, alignment, wheel condition, and age-related wear can influence real-world confidence as much as the tire itself. Before any sustained highway driving, make sure the car tracks properly, holds pressure consistently, and has no age cracks, vibration, or imbalance that would suggest a setup issue.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1989 Isuzu tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1989 Isuzu should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation for the exact model and size, then be checked against the tire manufacturer's maximum sidewall rating where that figure is stated. In the 155/80R13 category, several tires carry a maximum load of 959 pounds at 35 psi. That 35 psi figure is part of the tire's rated load capacity and should not automatically be treated as the everyday running pressure for every 1989 Isuzu application.
Use the owner's manual, door-jamb placard if present, or a marque reference to establish the car's intended operating pressure for the exact size on your model. Then verify pressure with an accurate gauge when the tires are cold. If you are moving between different I-Mark sizes or comparing I-Mark and Impulse fitments, do not transfer one tire's pressure assumption across all four sizes.
What should I check before taking a 1989 Isuzu on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1989 Isuzu, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Check the valve stems, confirm the spare is usable, and make sure each tire is appropriate for the wheel diameter on the car. A quick glance at tread alone is not enough on an older import that may have spent long periods parked between outings.
Treat the tires as one part of a broader readiness check. Wheel bearings, brakes, cooling system condition, charging system health, and basic fluid levels deserve the same attention before a road trip in a late-1980s car. If the car has recently come out of storage, a short local test drive is a smart way to catch vibration, pull, or pressure-loss issues before committing to a longer run.
