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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  satisfied - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By isuzu guy - December 16 - 5:03 pm

  Just went over the 90k mile mark on my 04 Rodeo I purchased new almost 5 yrs ago (my 4th Isuzu since 88). Bought the extended warranty but never had to use it. Ive been extremely happy with this ride. No surprises (knock on wood). Still get over 20 mpg on trips and 15 mpg in town. With all the rebates, I keep my eye on new SUVs but really cant justify the expense as the equivalent value in todays market is just too steep. Id hate to unload this Rodeo, it still runs so well. Timely maintenance and an honest mechanic are key. I have no reservations about taking this Rodeo on long trips. I feel real fortunate to have owned this SUV, having a ride in the shop is no fun.

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  You can count on Isuzu - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Dkeller - December 15 - 2:00 am

  My Third Isuzu, other two were 94 and 89 Troopers. These things run without problems and low low maintainence.

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  0% can hurt - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rude Dog - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Decent auto. Enjoyed the comfortable leather and smooth ride. Was disappointed when a body seam broke after only a couple months of driving, which created an annoying rattle. Had it fixed no problems, but everyone knows how inconvenient is it to have your vehicle in the shop. Overall, I really enjoyed the SUV. We realized upon purchase, but with the 0% they offered, we knew that overabundance of Rodeos, the resale would be terrible. We purchased an LSE with all the added extras (was featured in the KC, MO Autoshow, so it was souped-up) for around $29000. Traded it in 2.25 years later for $14,500. Amazingly, thats about $750 over KBB.

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  Reliable - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By deckards - November 17 - 5:56 pm

  With a forward thinking grill design and overall body shape, this doesnt look like a 10 year old mid-sized SUV sitting in my driveway. Bought over a year ago, Ive put 30,000 miles on it...bringing the total to 161K. Major repair was a throttle body when idling issues appeared but has been running perfectly ever since. 200K shouldnt be a problem. Overall a really good purchase for a safe vehicle that me, the kids and the dog enjoy.

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  Isuzu Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By justme30 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I had this Rodeo 2000 LS 4x4 V6 3.2L manual since three years now, and 76,000 miles (mainly long rides on the hiways). They had to change some kind of bearings in the lower part of the engine, and I had to have the alternator replaced. Nothing else. But if you have this SUV, make sure you change the 4 original shocks for the Edelbrock hi-performer shocks. And make sure to verify the engine oil level frequently. It has been mostly reliable (for the price). Actually, for the price, it is a cute (exterior), roomy, and overall good SUV. But I didnt appreciate the cheap interior, especially the dash board material and the front seats confort.

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  GOOD AND CHEAP - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By ALAN CHARLES - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I FOUND IT TO BE THE BEST VALUE FOR ME 25% OFF STICKER 0%FOR 6 YEARS NO FRONT MONEY

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  Great Vehicle, Great Price - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Slane - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for more than a year and am very impressed. In fact, my wife and I own 2 along with a MB SL500- so I know cars. In sports mode, this vehicle rides as well as many entry- level luxury cars. Power is sufficient to send you on your way in a hurry. The price difference does not merit moving up to a Lexus RX or Mercedes ML for that manner- well maybe an ML55.

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  2000 Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sharon Lewis - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Rodeo! In fact, I will buy another when I need a new vehicle.

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  Most bang for the buck - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By eskimo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Have had the SUV since 11/01. Has all the bells and whistles. Not a bit of trouble with 8,000 miles on it. Fun to drive, has classic SUV look that I like.

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  Rodeo-4Play - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 4Play - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV if you like to off-road. Very capable off the showroom, fun, sporty, and very quick!