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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  Jeep/SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Oz - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt make up my mind between a Jeep and an SUV, so I got both. The Rodeo Sport Is a great mix between the two. It has the suspension of a jeep with the comfort of an suv. Overall I think its a great buy. Oz

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  Still in progress - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By bob - August 20 - 1:50 am

  Bought this Rodeo with 49000 miles on. The first year it was my baby, I loved it. But as time goes on and I learn its soft spots I wonder if I was smart in buying it. Gas gauge never worked right, now not at all. Stalls when trying to start when warmed up. Tried several tuneups to fix. Now am told it might be intake gasket. Very disappointed in quality of drive train makeup. Tuned up but made no difference.

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  2003 Isuzu Ascender LS 2WD 5.3 V8 - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By robertabf - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned an Envoy, but was looking for the V8 engine. The GM Envoy/Trailblazer has great front leg room for a tall person, so it had to be either the Envoy or Trailblazer XL models since they are the only ones available with the V8.until I saw the Ascender that is!...WOW It is the only way to get two-tone paint and that really makes it look great. The V8 is very powerful and much more fun to drive than the I6. Very quiet running and the ride is great...Really appreciate the details put into this vehicle. Great stereo and rear air too...I think Isuzu could sell a lot more of these if they were more available.

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  Best kept secret - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ridge - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Isuzu is actually my second. I owned a 2000, which I bought used and it was great, however, I wanted to start with a new one. I think its a great vehicle, sure it doesnt have all the bells and whistles that some of the more expensive Suvs have, but just enough for me. It handles well in all conditions, and roomy enough for 5 large people. Of course..the outside design is the best..and in my mind is better than all the other Suvs in that size and price range. Thanks Isuzu..great job

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  Axiom is cool! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vuzl - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun to drive, capable on- and off- road vehicle. Very quick to accelarate. I love it. For a good price it has everything that any luxury vehicle has. Well, there two drawbacks that i see: the rear door glass part doesnt open separately and the driver sit has limited ajustments.

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  A great buy - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tiffany - June 30 - 4:06 pm

  My husband and I bought this vehicle over 3 years ago. It already had 107,000 miles on it, but the dealer assured us it still ran great. I must admit, in the 3 years we have driven it, we have never had a single problem with it. It now has 161,000 miles and still runs great.

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  Served me well despite issues... - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By denmar68 - June 27 - 6:36 am

  I purchased my 04 Rodeo in Oct. 2006 with 22K miles on it. Four years later, it now has 86K on it. The only cons are the "check engine" light going on and off sporadically for no apparent reason, the car has problems starting maybe once a month (but it always starts), the gas mileage is not very good, and Ive had to replace the battery once. I love the style of the exterior, but the interior is plain, basic and cheap looking. It has plenty of room for me and it will haul alot of stuff. My fiance does all the maintenance work on it and its been overall, a pretty nice car.

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  Love it! - 2000 Isuzu Amigo
  By Tammy R - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is horrible on V6, but very fun to drive. Top can come off, but its a hassle. You only want to do it at the beginning and end of summer, as it will need a new gasket each time. Tows like a champ. V6 will tow 4,500 lbs. Tows my 18 bass boat, no problem.

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  Assender Review - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By C. Finch - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had several electrical problems. Back wiper works sometimes other times you must turn key off start again and it will work. Rear windows hardware in door was replaced electric window dropped in door. (broken hardware, happened with 3600 miles. serpentine belt went bad, was replaced at 10000 miles.

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  Great Winter with it - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Michael2K - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a used 99 Rodeo and just went through the first Winter with it in N.Y. The 4X4 was worked excellently and got me going on the road and in and out of snow.