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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  Diamond in the Rough - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By twocar - March 28 - 10:00 am

  For anyone who hasnt considered the Isuzu Axiom a worthy competitor, I say...Drive One!! Isuzu hasnt put much into advertising this baby (and I could care less to remain one of the lucky exclusive folks to own one) but for power, looks, durability, etc. this is one potent pony. I got the base model with some options since the vehicle comes so well equipped anyway. The longer I drive this truck, the more pleased I am with my purchase. Am approaching the 6k mark and it has been extremely pleasant. This is one outstanding vehicle and if you were to compare Isuzus warranty to many competitors that makes its value another 2-3k.

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  Great buy - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By susan - March 27 - 5:40 am

  Car has always been good for me. I live out in the country and always having to drive on bumpy roads and this car has always drove well without any problems at all. The mpg is decent I get around 20-22 I also love the way this SUV looks unlike most.

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  10,000 miles with no problems - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dcguy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is under-rated. The styling will turn some people off, but styling is one the major reasons I chose it (I like being different). Its a great value compared to other SUVs (blows away Jeep and Pathfinder). The ride is tough, so make no mistake you are definitely buying a TRUCK, it just happens to look more car-like, with very car-like amenities. The interior is a bit cheap and plastiky for a $30k MSRP. Im a bit worried now about the resale value. But this truck has a lot going for it, and in 10,000 miles has given me no problems except a few minor squeaks and rattles.

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  Nice & Quiet - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By walid - March 21 - 8:23 am

  I bought it September 2007 with 73,000 on it, currently I have 85,500. Its a reliable little suv, and I wouldnt give it up for any similar suvs. Ive only had two major things done on it, drivers side axle was cracked, was caught in time, and I had the engine flex pipe changed. Mine does eat up oil for some reason, I cant complain about this car, its pretty much perfect, if they still made them I would buy a new one.

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  engine misfires - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By betrayed - March 18 - 10:00 am

  the direct inject engine stated to misfire at 3500 miles. after 8 trips to the dealer, the repair person says " this engine was designed to misfire". nearly had a couple of accidents when entering traffic and the engine misfires. now have a data recorder because they are not able to duplicate the problem even though the codes show engine misfire. i expected more.

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  Piece of Junk - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By djsiek - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It is a good thing Isuzu gives an extended warranty. You will need it. We have had one electrical problem after another. Because these problems are not the same in 3 or more cases we can not say this falls under the lemon laws of our state, but believe me we consider this car to be a lemon. The front passenger seat is extremely uncomfortable. The maximum gas mileage we have been able to get is 17mpg. Several exterior pieces are plastic and extremely easy to damage. Within 6 months of buying this vehicle started having squeaks that sound like loosing of hinges etc.. Do Not Buy an Isuzu Ascender if you are smart.

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  We bought 3 so far......... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoriD - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 1995 4cyl Rodeo and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I traded for a 1997 V6. I liked it, but longed to have the newer body style, so I traded again for a 1998 V6 4x4 with 88,000 miles, fully loaded. The car now, has 105,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed was the a/c unit. Of course, the vehicle is maintenaned by the book, and that keeps this puppy really humming. No problems what so ever. Paint, engine, trans, interior, and electrical are original and in working order. Guess what is going to be my next car............

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  We bought 3 so far......... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lorid - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 1995 4cyl Rodeo and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I traded for a 1997 V6. I liked it, but longed to have the newer body style, so I traded again for a 1998 V6 4x4 with 88,000 miles, fully loaded. The car now, has 105,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed was the a/c unit. Of course, the vehicle is maintenaned by the book, and that keeps this puppy really humming. No problems what so ever. Paint, engine, trans, interior, and electrical are original and in working order. Guess what is going to be my next car............

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  My Experience - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kerrie Cornett - March 8 - 3:10 am

  I love my Rodeo, but it doesnt love me. I have had it in the shop for warranty work 7 times since I bought it on November 28, 2003. It is going in this week for its eighth trip. I have had sensors go bad, the catalytic converter replaced, the transmission rebuilt, the exhaust manifold replaced, and this week its getting a new fuel pump. The clutch is tricky and there is still a knock in the rear end, but Ive gotten used to that noise and learned the secrets of the clutch. I may have just gotten a lemon, but based on the amount of time that Ive spent in the service lounge I wouldnt buy another Isuzu Rodeo.

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  Axiom - Best SUV buy for the money! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By russ carroll - March 7 - 6:16 am

  After testing almost all of the mid size SUVs, the AXIOM was, by far, the best overall value for the money. ISUZU offered 0% financing or $4500 off MSRP making it cost around $23,500 with a moonroof, leather, 6 CD changer, Power everything, full size spare, and a very attractive interior black and tan trim. The 10 year/120,000 powertrain warranty was the icing on the cake for this SUV shopper. I highly recommend test driving the AXIOM and it should fit most empty nesters needs.