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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  Its fun - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By imazman - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Had it for almost 5 years without trouble. Its time to trade it in and I am planning on getting a Rodeo again...but price IS everything.

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  Best Looking SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Chris - June 27 - 8:13 pm

  My wife and I decided to purchase a Rodeo after looking at several other SUVs. The major reason we decided on it was that it was the only vehicle we could agree on. In my opinion (which my wife gave me permission to have), it is the most muscular and attractive SUV ever built. The 3.2L V6 is not an astounding powerplant, but it is lively and reliable; it makes plenty of torque for light-duty towing and trips up the canyon, but it wont set any speed records. We have been very pleased with the simple and intelligent layout of the interior and the seats are supportive on long drives. Look for a Rodeo in a lighter color to really see the muscular fender flares and appreciate the design.

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  Very happy - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tom_2004 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Wanted good price, ACTUAL off-road, occasional mid-weight towing vehicle. ENGINE: Got DI 3.5. Great power/mileage & runs regular. Get almost sticker mileage (conservative driver). INTERIOR: Comfy sit, even on long trips. Dash is nice looking and simple. 81cf of space-blew away larger competitors. Roomy back seats. Roof rack you can load w/o having a ladder. 4x4: Works well. INS: Cheaper to insure than most SUVs. SAFETY: Standard anti-lock brakes/4-wheel ventilated disk. GENERAL: I like the sleeker look of the Rodeo. Easy to get in and out of, baby seat loads easy. Glass lifts up to let oversized items hang out. Compared/did practical test. Great vehicle & Price.

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  JAVELIN SST - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Javelin sst - June 21 - 10:00 am

  IT,S A HEADTURNER. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND IMPRESSIVE VEHICLE IVE EVER SEEN, A JEWEL OF ENGINEERING. ON THE ROAD IT FEELS LIKE RIDING OVER CLOUDS. NO MAINTENANCE EXCEPT OIL AND FILTER CHANGE. ITS MY SECOND TROOPER AND I LOVE IT.

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  Isuzu - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shuz - June 16 - 10:00 am

  its nice and beautiful but, they have a few problems

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  the first 1000 miles - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Paul126 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Dont understand why Editors rate this truck at a 6.6. I traded dwon from a Suburban, and I find it a great vehicle. Handles well, has a nice short turniing radius, the seats are comfortable and its just the right size. I do miss the Burbs arm rests however!, Yes, the suspension is a bit spongy.......gas shocks may help that situation. But otherwise, Im lovin this SUV.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kleeper - June 1 - 3:10 am

  I bought my Rodeo brand new in 1999. I have had it almost 10 years now. I have been very consistent with maintaining the vehicle. I get the oil changed every 3k miles. I had it tuned up at 50k and 100k miles. I now have 139k miles on it. I am starting to have to replace things. I expect this with a car that is almost 10 years old and has high mileage. It was not fun to replace the air compressor this week! However, how long should one last? At least I dont have a car payment! :)

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  NEVER buy Isuzu. Worst make ever. - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By NeverBuyIsuzu - May 27 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new. The paint was defective from day one; rust permeates throughout. Dealer also failed to take responsibility for what it called "paint swirls" which were really a bad paint job. Car shakes constantly, probably due to rotors which have been machined twice. Worst fit and finish of any car I have ever owned. The car strangely idles at a high RPM. Defrost function works terribly. Terrible mileage, even by SUV standards. Burns oil. Seats are uncomfortable. There are cars much cheaper than this which are much better in quality. If there were any justice in this world Isuzu would be bankrupt and out of business. I wish this manufacturer nothing but the worst.

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  I love mine - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wendy - May 24 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had my car for about 3 years, I still love it. Only problem Ive experienced is with the passenger window getting stuck up or down. Its very roomy and comfortable.

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  Love this vehicle - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By choirboy1948 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in March (NEW) and proceeded to put 5000 miles on the way from Illinois to Arizona.No regrets except for lower than expected MPG. I constantly get looks and inquiries on what make it is. Handles and brakes well and accelerates quickly I am sick and tired of "editors of magazines and Edmunds" berating this vehicle. By far and away the best SUV on the road for the money. Looks like no other SUV. Buy one!! You wont be sorry.