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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  good family room and value - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By kent - July 20 - 5:46 pm

  Great comfortable ride and the fuel economy is pretty good, 6 of us and luggage on a trip over 21 mpg, in comfort. Pleased with the value and the 7 year warranty. And got a great price, $24,250 bucks for this 7 passenger and all the features. We enjoy it more than our Chrysler minivan that we never could feel safe about, or always worried when the infamous Chrysler quality and transmission would break down. Pleased with the Ascender.

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  Thank God For My Isuzu - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dj2big - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Thank you God for my 2004 Rodeo. 3 of my new vehicals ever owned have been Isuzu, 1993 Pick Up best ever, Copper 2000 Amigo sitting on dubs and now my new 2004 Rodeo wow am I happy. Iv never ever have ever had a problem with them "add gas oil and go" should be there motto, 2004 copyright Juan J. Perez. With those legal things out the way. If your looking to get more for your money look no further, This is an SUV you can actually get tired of being so reliable, you never get to complain about it when all your friends talk about there SUV costing an arm and a leg to maintain or you might get stuck driving them on there errands while there SUV is in the shop.

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  My Isuzu Ascender LS Review - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Lancer95 - June 25 - 1:56 am

  I like Isuzu Ascender which is the same as the Trailblazer and Envoy, but I think that the Ascender is a lot better looking in design and has a better price and warranty.

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  So much more than expected! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By AKennedy - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealership intending to purchase a different make SUV that is much larger. I would never be able to get all of the extras that I got in the Limited Ascender. This is a smooth ride with plenty of room, and it doesnt feel like a bus! We are so happy and ready for our first road trip.

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  This is my 2nd - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Lunatech - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a 92 and sold it at 140K-my 1st SUV. Before I bought my 02 I test drove- Trailblazer (aka the new Ascender), Expedition, Montero. The theory that the grass is always greener. I bought the Trooper because you get a lot for your money. This Isuzu is made completely in Japan and sadly, I feel this adds to its high build quality.

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  2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V6 Hard Top 2WD - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By FRED - June 1 - 4:03 pm

  What a fun ride. Bought mine used and love it. Handles great, looks great.

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  perfect mix - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By pbrsbnsr - May 27 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle combines the best of two worlds (SUV/Sedan) Isuzu has done a great job with this vehicle. The storage capacity is better than many other SUVs I have owned.

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  Fun truck - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shakey - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Axion last week, and it has been really fun to drive. It is comfortable and powerful. I love it.

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  Whered this come from? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Army Aviator - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I happen to notice the Axiom while looking at the Rodeo. The Rodeo was too heavy, so I test drove the Axiom because I thought it looked cool. To my surprise it had everything that was missing from the Escap, Xterra, Rodeo, Explorer. It has the best of all worlds. It rides nicely, however, not like any car. Interiro/Exterior designs are unique. Colors and included accessories are tops.

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  enjoy - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By cliff - April 20 - 11:06 am

  Wonderful but needs cruise control.