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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  What a vehicle.. - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Scott Adams - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car can be summed up in one word. EXCELLENT. When people ask me to describe it, I tell them to imagine that a Volvo and a Hummer had a baby. You couldnt ask for more standard features.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By candleshow - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. All of the features I was looking for are included and the price was great! I could not have found a better SUV for the same price.

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  Axiom = More for your money - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Brian3B - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Cant beat the luxury-like appearance/feel for the money. 100 times nicer than the rodeo, and i got it cheaper! V-6 outruns just about every other SUV out there -- very responsive. handles very well, looks great, drives very good... dont believe all of those harsh reviews out there-- test drive one! the warranty backs it up!

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  Great Price, Great Ride - No Regrets! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By pbsoko - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been lookin for a Trooper for over a month; never was able to track one down because they would be sold within a few days of being at a dealership. Now I know why! These are excellent trucks. 4x4 TOD system rocks. Tackle anything really tough just shift to 4L and go for it. I have the luxury model. I would recommend the luxury model to everyone; it is really worth the extra bucks. The moonroof is huge, twice the size of a regular one. Engine performance is great. Regular driving on highway at 80 is nice & quiet & smooth. Gas mileage is as with any SUV, dont expect it to run on water; you can switch to 2WD which allows you to add a few MPG.

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  good so far - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By edf100 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  only had a short time but seems real solid.as a previous owner of 61 other vehicles I am more than qualified to give a realistic view.I have owned most sport utes including 4 grand cherokee v8s,4 runners,land cruisers,blazers and many others.feels light and agile compared to american sport utes and gas milage is at least 20% better.

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  Suitable for a Millionaire - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Allen - October 4 - 7:03 pm

  I looked at the Rodeo because a millionaire friend of mine loved his. I test drove it and loved it. It has been unbelievably reliable and trouble free. It has 55,000 miles in 2 1/2 years and runs like new. I havent put a dime into it.

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  Better than a Blazer - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Fezzmo - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Blazer prior to buying the Rodeo. The Rodeo is faster, more solid, more agile, and it goes better in the snow. I drive over 30K a year and I have had only one mechanical problem that required service. I will have over 70K by December 03. I get 20 miles per gal. so I dont understand other peoples issues w/ gas milage. The auto does "spark knock" on low octane fuel when the engine is strained (pulling a hill), but it does not create a mechanical problem. However, the 205HP engine does fine. I was surprised to see this auto rated below an 8 overall.

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  I LOVE THIS SUV!!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By drumkey86 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!

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  Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By davi - September 21 - 8:26 am

  This is the best SUV on market til 2005, Quality is Isuzus best selling point. I change oil every 7000 miles.

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  What a Vehicle! - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Pearl05 - September 16 - 10:00 am

  We own a 1992 Trooper, and when it came time to purchase another vehicle, we drove them all-Pathfinders, 4runners, Escapes etc. All paths lead back to the 2002 Trooper. We bought it used (14,000 mi)-it runs great, is roomy, sharp-looking and exactly what we need in an SUV-were sorry to see that Isuzu will no longer carry future models. The 1992? Oldest son now drives it. This vehicle will always have special place in my heart!