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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  Izusus best years... - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jays cars - December 7 - 10:40 am

  Our family has owned our Rodeo since new and as of 01/2010 it has 81400 miles and the only thing we had done was the fuel pump had to be replaced in 07 (under warranty), but it has outlasted all our cars and trucks. I love that its soo strong and reliable, Im not sure if i will ever find a vehicle like it again or if they even make them anymore. I think the 1999- 2009 Isuzu our one of the best SUV made. So wish i could find a used one at the right price, would buy it in a minute.

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  Solid Truck - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jeffk - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Good solid truck. Interior features a little hoakie. No climate control option. No Mechanical issues.

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  2000 Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By timmy - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle looses about one quart of oil every 500-1000 miles and all the mechanics Ive talked to say this is normal. So if you dont feel like counting miles to change oil, this is not the car for you.

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  My Twitch - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By sidless - November 29 - 7:46 pm

  My girlfriend bought the Rodeo since we wanted something that would haul a pop up camper and also offered covered storage for all our stuff. Twitch has been a great little ride. The Bridgestones are a bit loud, but nothing that turning up the radio wont cure. Had to replace rotors and brakes at 51K; put powerslots and ceramic pads on her and now shell stop on a dime! The shocks wore out quickly in the rear, so I replaced F/R shocks with Bilsteins and now all is well. Good acceleration, and 22mpg average gas mileage. Seats are comfortable for short hauls but a little uncomfortable on long trips. Overall, we love our little Twitch!

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  02 Trooper better than Edmmunds thinks - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By John H - November 27 - 2:00 am

  So very much interior space, I do not know what to do o fill it. It is box like in app. but I like it the aero stuff is not worth it. Only wish the diesel was avail here... the six has more than enough power and tow my air stream with ease. best value for the most capable on off road SUV. Drive it love it.

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  I Love this SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jenwind - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Roadeo last weekend, and I love it. It drives smoothly, and comfortably. The stereo system is great. It is very comfortable on the inside. Overall it is a great vehicle. I looked at a lot of other SUVs and for the money this was the best that I could find. It comes standard with a lot of great ammenties, that others charge for!

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  GREAT vehicle for the price! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By lanetk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in March of 02. I have really been pleased with the performance and features. I did alot of research and you cant get more for your money. 35k miles driven with only one minor problem. Highly recommended !!!

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  great space on wheels - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By hermie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  i love the size of this vehicle, very versatile for packing kids to college, yard saleing and doing grocery shopping. fits kids or dogs very nicely.good driving visability.but doesnt feel like you are driving a huge thing

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  New Axiom Owner - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By RDL - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for about a month now, and I am very pleased with it. It handles very well. I drive on mountain roads with switchbacks and the handling for this type of vehicle is fantastic. The acceleration is great, and I like the Pwer Drive mode for passing uphill. The gas mileage has also been very good, averaging 18.5 MPG. I think one of the best things about the Axiom is the comfort of the cabin. I have the leather package and the seats are very comfortable with all the controls within easy reach.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Art - November 1 - 5:20 pm

  Excellent SUV - 100K miles, and still going strong. A little shy on leg room for a tall person, but otherwise comfortable. Very reliable, have had a couple of problems getting the starter to engage in hot weather - dealer not able to fix. mileage is about 18.5 on hwy, could be better. However, other traits make up for this. Very good in snow and ice. Highly recommended.