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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  Good so far - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Billy Dwyer - May 27 - 6:06 pm

  We traded in a 2002 Ford Explorer. The Ascender rides smoother and has more options than the aforementioned. I like the towing capabilities and options that are available on the Ascender. So far we have no complaints.

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  not bad - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By FRUITYPEBBLES - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The rodeo sport is nice. In winter conditions and mud it is great to have 4WD. It looks nice and the stereo system is awesome. My dog actually loves to ride in it. He likes all the windows to look out. Plus the cargo area is big enough to haul his kennel. On long road trip it could be a little more comfortable. Need lumbar support.

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  good - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James T Prescott - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable vehicle

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  nothing to complain about - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By JayDLaw - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I only had my Axiom 1 week. It has been great! The interior give the vehicle a luxorious feel. The steering, and excelleration is great. Both my father and sister own Blazers and they love my Axiom. gas milage is not a concern considering that it is an SUV, you want better milage buy a civic. Everyone complements me on my purchase. Accellerates and turns much better in sport suspension mode.

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  Safety - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By BISBISS - May 13 - 12:36 am

  I was rear-ended; I was at a stand still and was hit from behind at about 70 miles per hour. My Axiom was thrown into the guardrail at a great rate of impact. I walked away. There is nothing left of my SUV except an untouched driver and passenger seat. Way to go on safety. The fireman told me he had seen three Axioms involved in bad accidents like mine and the drivers all lived.

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  Just what I wanted - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooper Fans - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Trooper for its TOD, Size and most of all, the fact that it really was a truck under the Sport Utility skin. My wife and I love this car much more than the 1990 Jeep Cherokee it replaced (200k on that one). We plan on keeping this one just as long.

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  Very Unique - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By JohnnyLunchBox - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have 1600 miles already, a few problems. Squeaky rear suspension, blower motor needs replacing, stock tires are terrible. Well engineered and build quality is OK, but not as good as my Nissan Frontier that it has replaced. The transmission works well, and towing ability has been excellent. Despite the minor problems I still love my Axiom!!! I use it as a weekend vehicle and look forward to driving it.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By rd - April 20 - 12:23 am

  Purchased new with Performance/Luxury pkg. Its been great. Very good legroom in back seat. Reliability has been excellent. Changed front differential fluid today, wear was as expected, no problems. Interior design is simple, still looks good, not real dated. Oil use is not too bad, but some gone at each oil change. TOD works well.

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  Great SUV for the price - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo driver - April 2 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased LS 4X4 new, in 1999. With just over 90,000 miles, it continues to look great and run well. Some of the paint has been "dinged" by off road work. Ive been pretty fanatical about keeping a good wax coat on it. Nothing unusual - normal wear items replaced (brakes, tires, shocks, battery). Because the dealer has an excellent reputation, there are many of these running around town and most drivers say they are happy. Gets about 15mg in town, 21-22 on highway. If one really needs an SUV, this is a good deal, given low resale price compared to 4Runner and others.

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  1999 Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jim in Georgia - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car. Good power. Fair Gas mileage. Fuel pump and ABS replaced. Was a little stressful having them go bad, but the dealer replaced them without any questions. 2nd fuel pump making the same noise as the first one. Good dealer support.