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 Vehicle - So So Company - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS - October 22 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS new in Oct 01. I have had some issues, but nothing too bad. 3150 - Front Axle Shift Motor. 14800 - Left Front ABS Sensor. 65000 - Rear Wiper Motor. 80000 - Fuel Tank Sending Unit. 87000 - #5 Cylinder Gaskets. 95000 - Right Front ABS Sensor. 98600 - Idler pulley 99000 - Cooling fan gear. I have done all the major maintenance, diff fluid changes, bearings packed, timing belt, etc. I regret having a vehicle that is in warranty, but there is no dealership nearby. Isuzu has been TERRIBLE to deal with with on the Fuel sending unit. They were rude, unrealistic, and changed their story... I would not buy another Izuzu due to that only.

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  Isuzu Rodeo rating - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Raymie - October 19 - 10:00 am

  As a 2nd geneartion buyer of Isuzu, I am very satisfied with this vehicle. Isuzus are low maintenance and I will buy a 3rd one. Other well known companies use Isuzu trucks and market them as their own. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is the Isuzu Ascender. The Honda Passport is the Isuzu Rodeo. This should tell the sceptics something about the quality.

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  Why Isnt The Axiom More Popular? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Dan H - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is an excellent value if you can get it with both dealer and manufacturer rebates. Peppy engine, great fuel economy for an SUV (17% better than my 97 Jeep Gr. Cherokee), nicely equipped, the best warranty anywhere, unique & attractive styling. I dont understand why they arent selling better!

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  Take out a 2nd mortgage on your home! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Robyn&Chris - October 5 - 10:00 am

  $1,200 THIS MONTH in repairs not incl $320 to replace fuel gasket they claim needs to be replaced. Gets more expensive the higher your mileage. Nothing falls under warranty; customer svc non-existent. Once vehicle hits 50,000 miles, get out your checkbook. Check engine light on, transmission jerking, erratic/rough shifting. In shop 4 days, no loan car. $300 that trip. Engine light on again in 2 days, another $400 & 2 days in shop. This time svc dept had to call Isuzu to figure out all the error codes. 2 days later car wont start; $520 for alternator! Ridiculous parts prices. Bought new in 99 with ext.warranty; runs like a 20-yr old clunker.

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  pleasant surprise - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By paulb208 - October 1 - 3:50 pm

  Weve had our Trooper for just over a year now, and have been pleasantly surprised at the quality and reliability of the vehicle. It had low miles on it when purchased, and we just recently had the 60,000 mile service performed. Im 64" and fit just fine in both the front and rear seats. My wife is a wildlife and landscape photographer, so the combination of on-road comfort and off- road capability is just what we need.

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  WARNING - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sean - September 30 - 1:36 pm

  I loved my Trooper. I drove it often and drove it hard. I would have been the first person to recommend this vehicle. However, following a recent accident - I will be the first to warn anyone about it. My wife went into a ditch at low speed and rolled the Trooper. It totaled the vehicle, with the worst damage immediately over the drivers seat. It was by pure divine providence that she wasnt injured.

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  My 2001 Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By alex - September 22 - 6:00 pm

  My second Isuzu, the first being a 1985 Trooper, which I loved. My present 2001 Rodeo, with 39,000 miles has been 100% reliable. In fact, its 6 cylinder engine is absolutely dry, no oil seeps or leaks. I have never owned a vehicle with a dry engine after almost 40,000 miles. I have driven cross country twice and both were good trips. I also drive motorcycles and that is why my mileage is low. I have maintained the vehicle properly and plan to keep it until one of us dies. The 120,000 mile drive train warranty was the first high mileage warranty offered in the USA.

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  Get the Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rlfuzz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded a completely reliable 1994 Trooper for a 1999 LS 4WD Rodeo. BIG Mistake. This thing has a problem every other month. Brakes, ABS Unit, Transmission, more squeaks and rattles than a covered wagon. I will be happy to give it back to Isuzu when my lease is up. I hate that the Trooper replacement is on a GM platform!

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  Still solid - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Green Giant - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall a solid vehicle. At 55k miles, its tighter than friends explorers, trailblazers etc. Had an early problem with the front right wheelbearing loosening up but they replaced it. My rodeo has been tight as can be. No squeeks or rattles, engine is clean. 52K I had the brakes and undercarriage loked at. 60% wear left on rear brakes, 50% left up front. No rust, no leaks, exhaust is fine. For the money its a great value. Still one of the best looking mid sized SUVs out there. Paint is great, body hardware has been great. Not the smoothest ride, but not bad.

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  Isuzu Trooper-like a rock, really - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jasiu - August 29 - 7:56 pm

  Someone used the expression Storm-Trooper. Despite its ambiguous connotation it is quite adequate. No-nonsense tough guy on wheels! Goes ANYWHERE. Smoothly covers highways and country roads. Gas mileage is certainly not great - but this is a vehicle that is ALWAYS ready to fight the elements, bad weather, and inaccessible corners. The only other vehicle (car or SUV just does not fit the description) in this league is the Land Rover, but it is made in Britain...