The last new vehicle sold in the United States equipped with a carbureted engine was the 1991 Isuzu pickup truck. This distinction marks the end of an era for automotive technology, as electronic fuel injection became the mandated standard for all new passenger vehicles starting with the 1991 model year to meet stricter federal emissions regulations.
While major American manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge phased out carburetors from their light-duty trucks for the 1988-1990 model years, Isuzu continued to offer a carbureted 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in its base model pickup for the 1991 model year. This made the Isuzu the final holdout, not a domestic brand like Ram or Ford.
The transition from carburetors to fuel injection was driven by the need for more precise fuel metering to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy and drivability. The 1990 Clean Air Act amendments further solidified this technological shift. Today, carburetors are largely relegated to classic cars, small engines, and niche applications.
