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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  great - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By great - April 10 - 3:46 am

  This suv has great power and works very well in mud and snow compared to others. If has much smoother ride than most real suvs and isnt a toy suv on a car frame.

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  THIS IS A GREAT SUV! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By apurplesquirrel - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt find a better deal than this and it has been a great choice so far! I have the 02 Rodeo LS 4WD and it looks and rides excellent! I have the factory stereo and think it is just fine, despite others poor reviews of it. The sliding sunrood and side tubes were a nice addition too. Highly recommend this one!!

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  Sports SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By sports suv - March 25 - 12:03 am

  This SUV has massive towing for its size, hard to put the trailer on with the spare. It gets great gas mileage while towing a trailer, almost as good as without. Designed to tow.

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  Very Happy - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Tam - March 18 - 3:56 am

  I unfortunately, had to lease my 2001 Isuzu Trooper but I can say that as of today Ive enjoyed having it. I have always wanted an SUV but didnt want to have one leased to me but all in all I am enjoying my truck, well itll be my truck the end of next year, ha! I had a little transmission problems after I got that fixed I ran into a small minor problem, mechanical; but after all that my truck has been driving really good. I get a little concerned with how quiet it was opposed to now its a little loud but not too loud. So I assume thats minor as well. I love the sunroof, it shows off the black exterior and the tan interior of the truck. I look sexy in my truck. But love my truck, love it.

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  Drive it before you buy it - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By great deal by Jeff - March 16 - 7:33 am

  Large suv, plenty of room for all sized people and cargo. Has plenty of power with 6 cylinder; if you are looking for a large suv check it out but drive it before you buy it. It is large, but you can get a good deal on pricing. Get the preferred package which adds to its good looks and you get lots of extra goodies.

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  Sad to see it go - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By nopvntv - March 16 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VALUE!!! paid 20K for a brand new 4WD with 10 year/120,000 mile warantee. that is 2wd Rav4 territory, and this is a full frame truck with limited slip diff. true 4WD, and 5000lb. tow capacity. 65k so far and reliability has been perfect. Has awsome breaks(compared to other trucks) when towing. suspension is a little soft for my taste but is probably perfect for most drivers. Rear end never side steps even over bumps mid- turn. Not sure what I will buy next time around since this is no longer avail. I will just have to wait and see.

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  Give it a chance!! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Buzzard - March 6 - 10:00 am

  If you dont have one;GET ONE!! Same as Trailblazer & Envoy.Better warranty and price.Same engine,same transmission.If you are considering Chevy or GMC,it would be worth your time to check one out.I have 4 kids.has plenty of room.

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  My second Rodeo, just as great!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Melanie - February 17 - 9:50 am

  This is my second Rodeo. My first was a 2002 LS. I never had any problem with it. Another driver hit me and I think I would have been killed if I were not in my Rodeo. So I bought another one with the insurance money. This one is newer and has the 3.5L engine, the gray trim, upgraded sound and fog lights. I love it even more than my old one. It has great pick up, great interior. I love the controls for the stereo on the steering wheel. The price was great and it is in perfect condition. I know it will last forever too. My old one never had any problem. These vehicles are such great quality and value and low maintenance that I cant understand why Isuzu quit making them. I love mine!

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  Love My Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By radixlecti - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Trooper I have owned since 1986, and I will drive it until the tires fall off. I have 108,000 miles on it and only have had to replace the oxygen sensor, (50 bucks). All SUVs should be this reliable!

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  No problems!! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By raven166 - February 13 - 7:20 am

  I have had my black Rodeo LS for 5 years now. All I have had to do was buy new tires. And that was because after 5 years all tires need replacing. My Rodeo still looks and runs the same as when I bought it. I have never had a problem with this vehicle and I am very happy that I chose to buy it! It has been worth every penny. I am sorry they quit making them because I would buy another one. I will keep it forever. I might even buy a used one someday to have another one. They are so reliable, I never worry on the road that my Rodeo will break down on me or not start. I really do love it!!