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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  One great SUV! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Scottl29 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 axiom and had it end up being a lemon. Dont believe that it can really tow what it saws. I towed my boat at 2500 lbs total and it bent the axles, ruined the brakes, and had problems with the drive shaft. I stepped up on trade to the Ascender. Awesome. You can tell it is manufactured differently. A lot sturdier, more power, and more comfortable as well. I love everything about this SUV and would buy another one in a heart beat!

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  Power ! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Nitrox - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The V6 in the truck is awesome! I really love the response this engine has. One word, GREAT ...

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  Isuzu Axiom SX - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By APK1973 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Good truck. I bought it for work.I put over 75000 miles on it for 2 years. I would give it B- overall rating.

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  Too many little things, one big problem - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By nateasu - March 10 - 9:56 pm

  Bought the car, was happy. Turns out the headrest was broken and wouldnt stay up. Dealership told me theyd have to unstitch the seat to get to the problem and Id be without a car for a week. Hood had dimples in it like someone sat on it with quarters in their back pocket. 100 miles after the warranty, the CD player broke and ruined my CDs. Parking brake never really worked. Probably caused by the dealership drove around with the parking brake on because the rear brakes needed to be replaced the first time I had them inspected. Oh yeah, 4 years into owning the car, it wouldnt shift out of 1st gear. I had an emergency repair done then the manufacturer wouldnt honor the warranty. Cost me $4k.

• 

  Awesome - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sandy - March 5 - 2:23 pm

  We purchased our vehicle new in 1999. Since then we have accumulated 172,400 miles. Accomplish recommended maintenance when required and keep driving. Agree it burns oil but which it states it would in the owner manual. I have driven many SUVs over the years and have yet to find one that I enjoy as much as my 1999 Trooper. If the engine should go out, I would not hesitate to replace the engine and keep driving. Car looks like it did the day we bought it. No corrosion and the paint is beautiful. The only way I would get rid of my Trooper is if they made another one.

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  Just what the doctor ordered - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By columbia rodeo - March 4 - 6:56 pm

  For me, with a towing package, this is the ideal suv for the money. I dont know where you can find an equal value in todays market. To date, other than oil changes, Ive only replaced the drive belt and tires. This is my 4th Isuzu since the mid 80s, I average about 120k mi/truck between purchases. With routine attention to maintenance theyve all been reliable rides. Like many others on this site I can not understand the low ratings from editors. Id like to see Isuzu revive the Trooper and Rodeo in the US soon.

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  Sweet Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Qdogg - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Trooper. The first was a 94 LS that had too many things that I didnt need such as the headlight wipers. I have the 2 grand S that would be excellent if it had the arm rests, luggage racks and side steps as standard features. Other than that you have a combination of beauty, speed & power.

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  Its really a truck... - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Macario - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its not really built for luxurious SUV driving...its really a better riding truck. Lots of power with the V6 engine and great towing capabilities. Pretty good offroad capabilities for 2WD.

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  great car - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By gordon - March 1 - 10:46 pm

  Satisfied totally; small. powerfully fast truck. Some corrosion underneath because of salt - not a big deal but irritating. Overall very good car for those who like the outdoors.

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  AC Compressor and Cruise Control - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By grockford - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I, like a previous reviewer, need a new AC compressor. AC compressor went 1500 miles out of warranty. Cruise control also engages itself when the car is running primarly at a speed less than 20 mph, and they can not find the problem. Had a 97 rodeo prior to this one and never had any problems with it even when it got to 90,000 miles.