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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 1,099.00-
Nice Vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
By bigbad2001 - January 12 - 2:00 amI got the Special Edition and I love it. I have not had any big problems, except a few annoying things that the dealership fixed right away. The drive is nice, it is not like a car, but then again, I didnt buy a lexus. The engine is quiet and drive is smooth, especially with the Intelligent Suspension Control. I would have liked the interior to be a little more spacious, My friends who are 6 feet or taller have some space issues - also the moonroof takes away about 1-2 inches of headroom. The looks are definitely nice, it is black with grey lowers and grey aluminum wheels. It gets attention wherever I go.
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2nd Rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
By judi - January 5 - 12:53 pmI love my 98 Rodeo; its my 2nd, the first was a 97. I have had some costly problems with it however. At 97,000 miles, a transmission, numerous sensors, fuel indicator, and other small things. The body, living in the sun, is still in fantastic shape and the truck is large enough to fit my family but not too bulky. Can go just about anywhere in it. The gas mileage could be a little better.
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GOOD SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
By CRAIG - December 28 - 10:00 amJUST PURCHASED IT AND I LOVE IT. FOR THE PRICE YOU CAN GET BETTER.
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A True Sport-Utility - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
By sjbass - December 20 - 2:00 amI have driven a 98 S V6 model for over a year now. 200+ ponies is useful when you have to commute L.A.s toughest freeways, and the rear cargo area is large enough to hold all my musical equipment. The only problems I had so far is: 1) fuel gauge is inconsistent, and 2) ABS and Check Engine lights go on and off intermittently. Thats it. This is the only SUV that works hard and gets 19+ mpg...
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Good Buy - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
By hulak - December 18 - 9:56 amNo problems to date. For the money, this SUV has a lot of space & features. Great warranty. Great styling. The ride is a little rough. Could get better mpg.
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satisfied owner - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By dunca85 - December 14 - 10:00 amfinally an suv that looks great and has power!! and one that doesnt look like a box on wheels like most suvs.
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its a blast to drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By tel1441 - December 8 - 10:00 amBought this car to be a third car for 2 drivers. What a blast. I enjoy getting in this car. Improved the gas mileage by going 100% sythetic oil and using 89plus gas. Saw my average fuel economy go up by 2 miles per gallon. I drive alot of city with ac on.
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My Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Alex23 - November 26 - 2:00 amOverall a great SUV for the money. Comfortable, but truck-like in its ride Isuzu really has done a god job. Ive had two different Troopers prior to this and they dont even compare. Also, this is just an overall great looking ride.
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2003 Isuzu Ascender Ltd - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
By Alfred T. Child - November 22 - 6:36 pmBetter interior lighting is needed.
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Bargain for a solid SUV - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
By John - November 22 - 4:20 amA solidly built SUV at a great price is good choice for anyone who wants a basic utility vehicle. The engine is great, with lots of power and good gas mileage. Speaking of gas mileage, remember, if you live in a cold climate and have a lead foot, every SUV will eat gas, but GMs powerful engine lets you use a light foot and still get sufficient power. I average 19 mpg in everyday driving, 21 on the highway as long as you keep it below 80. Thats probably as good as real-world results for most crossovers. So if what you want is a car that has more room, get a crossover. If you like to haul, tow and drive on dirt, these GMs are good choices, and the Isuzu has the best warranty (pre 2007).
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Isuzu Amigo 5 Reviews
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Isuzu Ascender 124 Reviews
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Isuzu Axiom 238 Reviews
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Isuzu Hombre 2 Reviews
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Isuzu Rodeo 473 Reviews
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Isuzu Rodeo Sport 45 Reviews
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Isuzu Trooper 192 Reviews
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Isuzu VehiCROSS 20 Reviews