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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  Excellent SUV Choice - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kori - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned an SUV before and I love the Rodeo. It rides great and I love the design of it. Now that Im in it I cant imagine myself in anything else. Thanks to Isuzu and Champion Isuzu Houston.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Buyerbeware - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Rodeo in the shop a dozen times. The drive shaft and airbag had to be repaired 4 times each. It had begun to rattle and squeak badly. This, by the way, is not a warranty item after a year the dealer tells me. Unfortunatly, what started out as a great bargain has turned out to be a bad deal on my part. No wonder Isuzus sales slipped over 40% last year.badly. Which, by the way, is not a warranty item after a year the dealer tells me. Unfortunalty, what started out as a great bargain has turned out to be a bad deal on my part. No wonder Isuzus sales slipped over 40% last year.

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  Trooper Believer - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Pory - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trooper. The first is a 94 LS. Theres not another SUV out there to compare feature and price to. I bought my Limited with a few thousand miles on it for $20.5K and its screamin loaded with all the goodies. Its quite solid and has enough oomph to get you around (more on that).

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  I love my axiom:) - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By scorpiobelle - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Axiom EXCEPT- It feels like its going to tip over sometimes. I wish that the center of gravity were a little lower...

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  Built like a tank - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By SteveK - November 25 - 12:46 pm

  Bought this used a year old 17,000 miles for 1/2 price of new. At 78,000 miles torque converter bearing failed costing me $900 at a trusted transmission shop, dealer wanted $4500 for a whole transmission. Other than that this car has had zero problems , absolutely no work other than one brake job, a few light bulbs and regular fluid changes..well over 100k now. It really is built like tank. I use it to haul family, lots of gear, and towing. 4WD low gear combined with high ground clearance is useful if you need it. Not for everyone but a good off road vehicle priced very low. Maybe Im lucky, but have many friends with Ford/Chevy SUVs who had to replace everything but the engine by 100K

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  Good Experience - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James - November 22 - 7:13 am

  Only problem we experienced with this car was an EGR valve. Other than that, its been an nice reliable SUV that has permitted fun excursions that would not otherwise be available from a smaller car.

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  Superb!! - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By DaveM - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Impeccable build quality; Perfectly sized - Im 63" and the unusual driving position (upright seating) is not only comfortable but well thought- out; cavernous inside; classic, subtle styling. Ride & handling roved when I replace shocks and installed poly bushings.

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  horrible transmissions - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Danstrooper99 - November 12 - 4:13 am

  Truck is great for function. Built tough and comfortable. I have owned 5 Troopers and cannot imagine another vehicle matching its looks, comfort, functionality and cost. The only thing is that the tranny is waaaay too small and craps out. Rebuilds are junk and there is no real alternative to them. Those trannys are best left in France. Nothing but Giant paper weights.

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  Best Vehicle (SUV) - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Joe Walsh - November 11 - 4:33 pm

  I now have over 22,000 miles with no problems other than a TPS sensor (Throttle Valve Position Sensor) which I replaced myself. I also installed an "Alpine Supercharger" with about 4lb. of boost which give about 50 HP at the tires. I can run away from the Honda 255 HP Pilot as I did while going over Donner summit, on my way to Reno, NV. Overall, Trooper has been just great for me. Looking forward to 06 or 07 when they, hopefully, will have a new Trooper for U.S. market. Fruther, I have seen 22.22 MPG 56-70 MPH with the supercharger and a low of 15.4 while going over Donner summit.

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  2000 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Isuzu Trooper - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Well, here it goes: I bought it used, when i was 16 (im 18 now). It had only 22,500 miles on it, and for $17,500 i bought it. The transmission went around 30,000, luckily it was under warranty so Isuzu replaced it. But to not have a car for 2 weeks was crazy. Then recently I had my check engine light come on. (49,000 miles). Took it to the dealer and it ended up being a coil that held one of my spark plugs. Replaced it and the cost was originally $410.00, I complained and got it for 318.00. I was angry but hey, I need my car. The Trooper is now driven mostly on the highway because Im away at school. Nice to drive too.(GREAT in the SNOW!).