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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  Gas in city - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Me - November 1 - 12:40 pm

  The only operational problem I have had with this vehicle is the transmission. It was covered under warranty since it was only three months old. I believe since then Isuzu has corrected the transmission problems on other 2003 models.

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  LENS Review - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Ach - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have oewned a number of Isuzus and i cannot say enough about their reliability. Their looks are so-so but their engineering is superior.

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  Fun With Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooperfan - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Coming from driving a car all the time it was a little different at first but I fell in love with it when Denver Colorado got almost four feet of snow in march 2002. I was one of the only people in the area to get out of my complex. It did excellent in the snow and when my buddies and i go off- roading it does incredible. I jumped it 2 feet off the ground and went through tough terrain and never had any problems with it. It also has very good power for when I drive through the mountains. Its comfortable for myself and passengers when going on road trips. When it is windy it bucks the wind pretty hard and kills your gas mileage.

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  Reliable and Durable!! "Bullet Proof" - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jimmy G. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best Vehicle I have owned for the last 7 Years! This 2002 Trooper is my third and I will not consider purchasing any other Suv in its class. I put 276.000 miles on my last Trooper without having to do anything but normal maintenance, change oil (every 3000 miles) and Timing belt (every 75000 miles)and 4 sets of tires. Simply the best Suv....Bang for Buck!

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  solid truck- meant to work - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By zoomer - October 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a very comfortable solid truck. the 4wd system is sophisticated, easy to use, and very effective. the interior is spacious, the ride surprisingly comfortable, and the quality of fit/finish is typically japanese. the engine is strong although a bit raspy during acceleration, and there is more wind noise than i would like. overall, a solid 8/10 vehicle, and for the price (i bought mine used with 14K miles for 17,250) the value is unbeatable. sure, a honda pilot would be nice, but for twice the money i dont think so!

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  98 Izuzu Rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SharkyTheKid - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a 94 rodeo prior to purchasing this vehicle used in 99. The 94 rodeo had a few mechanical problems and rode somewhat rough. The 98 rodeo has been a very good vehicle, virtually no problems. It rides fairly good for a truck/suv, and has been on many long distance trips (1000+ miles per trip).

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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By BSCox - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I previously owened a 2001 Rodeo Sport and got fed up with the rattles and uncomfortable seating. Finally invested in the LS full-size model. I absolutely love it. The styling of the interior and exterior are very eye- catching and sophisicated. Smooth ride, with no rattles. I should have bought this last year. The "LS" makes a huge difference in comfort.

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  Love this SUV! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Baluroses - October 27 - 12:13 pm

  I love this SUV. I have previously owned a few others and this would be my favorite of the lot. Its perfect for my life style and *knock on wood* the only issue I have had so far has been with the clutch. It has been very reliable and a good all around vehicle to drive for the past few years.

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  Problems to come - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lisa nichols - October 24 - 10:00 am

  No problems for 2 1/2yrs. In the last six months the fuel gauge has broke, excessive oil burning, shuddering when changing gears, musty air conditioner, rattling back window, bumpy shocks, back speaker broke, seems to be getting louder everyday. I have not had to replace or pay for anything outside of regular maintenance, except recalled items(under warranty). It was great while it lasted but I believe theirs problems coming. Time To Trade at 80,000.

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  fun to drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By bill - October 23 - 7:16 am

  Great power and good handling. Very reliable except that tranny out at 48,000 but is being replaced under warranty. Good amount of storage in back. Heavy sturdy feel but overall mpg suffers from weight and averages about 15. Blows around a bit in the wind.