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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  Excellent for the price - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kevin James - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Rodeo and I love it so far. It has great power and handles like a champ!! The six disc changer is very cool and volume audio controlls are similar to the cherokee laredo.

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  Built like a tank - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By SteveK - November 25 - 12:46 pm

  Bought this used a year old 17,000 miles for 1/2 price of new. At 78,000 miles torque converter bearing failed costing me $900 at a trusted transmission shop, dealer wanted $4500 for a whole transmission. Other than that this car has had zero problems , absolutely no work other than one brake job, a few light bulbs and regular fluid changes..well over 100k now. It really is built like tank. I use it to haul family, lots of gear, and towing. 4WD low gear combined with high ground clearance is useful if you need it. Not for everyone but a good off road vehicle priced very low. Maybe Im lucky, but have many friends with Ford/Chevy SUVs who had to replace everything but the engine by 100K

• 

  Good Experience - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James - November 22 - 7:13 am

  Only problem we experienced with this car was an EGR valve. Other than that, its been an nice reliable SUV that has permitted fun excursions that would not otherwise be available from a smaller car.

• 

  Superb!! - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By DaveM - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Impeccable build quality; Perfectly sized - Im 63" and the unusual driving position (upright seating) is not only comfortable but well thought- out; cavernous inside; classic, subtle styling. Ride & handling roved when I replace shocks and installed poly bushings.

• 

  horrible transmissions - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Danstrooper99 - November 12 - 4:13 am

  Truck is great for function. Built tough and comfortable. I have owned 5 Troopers and cannot imagine another vehicle matching its looks, comfort, functionality and cost. The only thing is that the tranny is waaaay too small and craps out. Rebuilds are junk and there is no real alternative to them. Those trannys are best left in France. Nothing but Giant paper weights.

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  2000 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Isuzu Trooper - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Well, here it goes: I bought it used, when i was 16 (im 18 now). It had only 22,500 miles on it, and for $17,500 i bought it. The transmission went around 30,000, luckily it was under warranty so Isuzu replaced it. But to not have a car for 2 weeks was crazy. Then recently I had my check engine light come on. (49,000 miles). Took it to the dealer and it ended up being a coil that held one of my spark plugs. Replaced it and the cost was originally $410.00, I complained and got it for 318.00. I was angry but hey, I need my car. The Trooper is now driven mostly on the highway because Im away at school. Nice to drive too.(GREAT in the SNOW!).

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  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.

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  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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  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.