Overview & Reviews

For now, Isuzu SUVs and trucks are all that you'll see at your local Isuzu dealer; it's been quite a few years since there's been an Isuzu car. The company's specialized lineup is more a function of circumstance than choice. In recent years, Isuzu has seen its share of hard times; a lack of funding for both new product investment and marketing has forced the company to rely heavily on its partnership with GM. Both of the models in its line are derived from existing GM products.

Isuzu, which means "50 bells," is the name of a river that flows through a province dotted with ancient Shinto shrines in Japan. The company's roots date back to 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company first decided to broaden its business to include automobile manufacturing. The company forged a technical union with the U.K.-based Wolseley Motor Company in 1918. Its debut licensed offering, the A9 car, soon followed, as did its first truck, the CP. By 1949, the company's name had been changed to the more succinct Isuzu.

In the postwar years, production of Isuzu trucks boomed. The company's vehicles played a significant role in Japan's reconstruction effort, and were used to ferry clothes, food and other essentials. In 1953, Isuzu rolled out the Hillman Minx passenger car, the product of a technical union with Rootes, a U.K. outfit.

The 1960s saw the launch of passenger cars like the Florian, the Bellett and the 117 Coupe, as well as trucks like the WASP. In 1971, Isuzu entered into a partnership with General Motors. The Gemini, released a couple of years later, was the first Isuzu vehicle to be produced from the pairing.

By the 1980s, Isuzu had landed on American shores. The Pup was the first Isuzu sold in the U.S. market. The Trooper, an SUV available in two- or four-door form, was introduced in 1983 and quickly became popular in that new market segment. The company entered into a joint venture with Subaru in 1987, a union that spawned the Isuzu Rodeo and the Isuzu Pickup. Less popular than the trucks were the cars, such as the dated I-Mark sedan and the handsome, Italian-designed Impulse sport coupe.

The company's sales were relatively strong in the 1990s, thanks in part to the increasing success of the Trooper, which by that time had grown in size and luxury. The Trooper was one of the models responsible for the massive popularity of the SUV vehicle category during that decade. In 1999, GM upped its stake in Isuzu to assume the role of majority shareholder.

The new millennium brought bad news, however. Previous bestsellers like the Rodeo and the Trooper were outclassed by newer, fresher competition, and sales plummeted. The Rodeo and the Axiom (a crossover SUV) were dropped from the lineup in 2004. Currently, Isuzu's lineup comprises just two vehicles — a truck and an SUV, both of which are based on GM products.

User Reviews:

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  I hate this car!!!! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By pesystems - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I had to have the clutch replaced at 22000! I have driven stick shift cars for over 15 years, and never had a clutch go out that fast. My 96 GMC Somona was a 5 speed; had over 120,000K - and I traded for this crap! This truck rides horribly - you feel each and every bump. The original stereo was a piece of crap. Its had at least 4 recalls. It does get very good can mileage - about 20 MPG. The worst thing about this car is the devaluation! My car was purchased for about $19,500 in 1999. The car is currently in Outstanding condition, but is only worth about $5000 per Edmunds & Carmax - so Im stuck with a car that Im about $2000 upside down on.

• 

  Longest Ive ever owned vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Good Enough - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing used with 12,000 miles on it. Ive had the same issues it seems everyone has with the Rodeo. The check engine light has been on since it had 65,000 miles on it. The gas gauge issue was fixed once with about 85,000 miles on it. Now the same problem is back. I ignore the check engine light and just reset the tripometer each time I fill it up and put gas in when I get to 250-275 miles to be safe. Ive had no major mechanical issues. I had the transmission serviced at around 85,000 to replace the gaskets. Nothing more. After reading others reviews I consider myself lucky. This is the third Rodeo Ive owned. I still get around 18 MPG and it still tows camper and small boat.

• 

  Durable/needs added appointments on inte - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Shanda - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great value. I love the comfort and design. This is the third Trooper we have owned. This is a very dependable ride. The only thing lacking is the sparce interior. The Trooper needs to be spiced-up and a little more luxerious. The ride could use a more car like suspension. Other than that it is the best value on the road.

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  Broken-in - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Broken-in - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fun to drive. Off road it handles well. However, Ive lost 2 sets of front bumpers with minor taps. The seats are very unconforibel for long drives.

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  rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By theresa girard - October 17 - 10:00 am

  i love my new rodeo. this was the best purchase i have made and was very happy with the deal i got.

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  Dont be fooled - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Napertucktim - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The Isuzu warranty isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. 3/50 doesn’t cover major brake components (not talking about pads) along with many other parts and 10/120 appears to be a joke. Dealership lied about warranty and build quality is sub-par at best. Isuzu customer service is horrible and will not stand behind their product and will blame dealer for problems. Buy a Subaru or spend a little more to get a quality vehicle because low price reflects poor quality and reliability at Isuzu.

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  Hope you like Gas Stations - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By garodeo - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this vehicle. The exterior design is attractive, and the interior is comfortable. However, the gas mileage is nowhere near what is listed on the window sticker. I am driving mostly highways and am barely getting 17 MPG. I have to fill up every 4 days or so. Edmunds lists 23 MPG as well, I would love to hear from someone who gets this kind of mileage.

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  Love this thing - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Kelly26 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive never even considered owning an SUV, but this thing did it...Ive got plenty of power, more space than an apartment I once had, and it looks stunning...people are constantly asking me what it is, and where they can get one! All this and excellent reliability...Im really happy with the decision to buy!

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  Total Lemon of a Car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Suckered in NC - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned. Two weeks after I purchased the car new, the gas pedal broke. The next thing that broke was the lever used to recline the drivers seat. At 48,868 miles (11/02), the ABS module went bad. At, 55,886 miles, the intake gaskets on the engine are leaking which is causing the 3rd cyclinder to misfire. Additionally, the AC compressor is going bad and the sending unit in the fuel system is bad causing the feul light to blink continously and the gas needle to stay on empty. DONT BUY IZUZU IF YOU WANT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!!!!

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo Girl - September 25 - 2:56 pm

  This is a great SUV for a small family. I had absolutely no problems with it until it reached 173,000 miles. The transmission begin to slip. I have been in a accident in 2007 and it still ran great until the end of 2009 now I am having the transmission rebuilt and will hold on to it as long as possible. I love my vehicle.