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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  Driving fun - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By MICAH MAISAMARI - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Being new and few on the road Iam regularly asked about its handling. I tell people how much fun to drive.

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  Excellent - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By alb_1974 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 600 miles on mu Isuzu Ascender and I love it, the ride is very smooth, quite and very confortable inside.

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  Loving it - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By HGW - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve had virtually no problems, we love this vehicle. This is our second Rodeo (97 LS got wrecked, we loved it too, RIP). Weve only just recently had a nuisance problem with the back windshield wiper (gets caught when closing back glass, then gets out-of-whack a little, now its only working hit-and-miss, I havent taken it in for service yet). The transmission has just recently started shifting funny too (seems to shift up/down a gear for no reason at low speed), so Ill get it looked at asap too. Neither of these problems are bad enough to shake my faith in my Rodeo though!

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  My Review on 02/10/2007 - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Harry - May 18 - 12:56 pm

  Purchased my 2001 Rodeo LS 4WD used on 10/02/2002 with 15,000 miles on it. The 4WD did not work right off due to a bad actuator that had to be replaced. About a year later the Transmission Position Sensor went out and had trouble putting in gear. Ran fine for the following 3 years without one problem. About 6 months ago the TPS went out again, and fixed it myself by cleaning out the dirt. About a month later or 5 months ago at 78,000 miles, the transmission had to be replaced at a cost of $2000.00. Aside from the transmission, cant complain too much. Power is good, the integrity of chassis is good, and rides a little bumpy. Would not purchase again though.

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  Too many squeeks.. - 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By Charley - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Love the looks I get, but there are squeeks everywhere.

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  Quality Product!! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By blumers - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Highly recommend this SUV for the discriminating buyer who is looking for a quality built product. Not only does it have classic body lines, but plenty of power and room to spare. The decision to buy this vehicle was easy.

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  good suv for the price and warranty - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By herrerahnj4 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  nice exterior look,interior looks a little plain but acceptable. over all truck looks pretty sharp

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  8 yrs old - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By J. D. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1994 Trooper S. Only mechanical breakdown was the starter at 132000. Most reliable vehicle I have ever had. Great SUV.

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  A Must Have! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By AxLoVe - May 4 - 8:10 am

  I wanted a truck, but I came across the Axiom, it surprised me; average gas mileage but real fun to drive. I recommend it for anyone.

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  No Major Complaints - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By alrich - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought one of the first "new Style" rodeos in late 1997 just after the birth of my first child and now after 2 other kids just cant get rid of it. The damn thing keeps going with just doing regular mtc. no major repairs or down time. Never babied it either. Still have it today as my "beater" an will drive it over my 2003 Audi A4 and 2003 Honda Oddyssey on occassion cause it feels so damn good. I wish I could fit all 3 car seats in it and I wouldnt have bought the van.