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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  Driving my Rodeo - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DebsZuZu - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Well i suppose you could say my Rodeo has served its purpose. To haul people and kids around, but it doesnt do to much than that. Its nicely confortable front and back, it has alot of leg room front and back, and it has enough head room for both my 6 foot boys in the back seat. But if you decide to get a sunroof, there is alot less room, and as gas goes. Its not economical what so ever. If you drive more than 20,000 miles per year, prepare to be visiting to gasoline station about every 2/3 days. But other wise the rodeo is very stylish and roomy and seems to be very well built. Its very bumpy, you can always tell when you hit a little bump in the road.

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  Good SUV - 2007 Isuzu Ascender
  By AYGARCIA - September 21 - 5:56 am

  I like my ASCENDER 2007, but dont like the front seat belts. They scratch my neck and I have to keep pulling them away for a while. The seat belts are too low. Also, the tire maintenance sensor lights went on the first week I bought it and theyve been on for 3 years, even though the tires are brand new, including the spare tire! I wish it had keyless entry and better sound system. The center console is too fragile. Other than that, it is a good car to drive.

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  kayser trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By tim kayser - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive been very pleased w/this vehicle

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  GREAT SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shakey077 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Axiom for 1 year now and have logged 12k miles. It has been flawless. Very fun to drive, plenty of power. Gas mileage could be a bit better but it is an SUV. The stock tires however are not so good, they squeel on any turn at ant speed and slip in the rain. The only other complaint would be driver leg room, I am 6 tall and it is just a tad tight.

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  The suv that can! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Peter Y. - September 7 - 4:36 am

  Bought my Axiom as a 2002 left over for a great deal, $21,000 for leather interior and 4WD(TOD). Love the look of this SUV, people stop and always take a second look, great peppy engine! Tires were cheap, replaced with wider tires, looks/drive better.

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  7 passanger Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bill Manes - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car handling on the road. Plenty of power and very comfortable. Visability is very good. Seems to be classier than the other similar GM models built on the same frame.

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  Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By pilot781 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Tires wear unevenly even after all wheel alignment. Orginal stereo needs upgraded. Rubber gas pedal fell off, but was replaced under bumper to bumper warranty.

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  Consumes Oil - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mr. Mapes - August 22 - 7:00 am

  Purchased used at 58,000 miles for $9500. Found out later that engine was defective and consumed 1qt of oil every 500 miles. Not original owner, so no warranty. Further research revealed 2 different types of 3.5 engine problems for model year 2000. Oversized bores and not enough piston ring drain back holes. Currently have 93,000 and am using 20w-50 synthetic to reduce the consumption rate. Overall a good vehicle for what we paid for it. No real issues other than oil consumption.

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  Sporty & Fun - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TBird - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I, like most others, checked my options before deciding on the Rodeo. Though I havent had it long - I love it so far. It is a great size for me (however, my husband seems a bit cramped when he rides or drives it.) My only concern is that, when parking on a hill, after releasing my foot from the brake....it doesnt sound quite right. I am not sure exactly what it is, but it makes a groaning noise and rolls back a little. Having never owned an SUV, maybe that is common. I have thoroughly enjoyed my sporty mid- size and would definately recommend it to others. Great price (in comparison to others) and GREAT warranty!

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  Great - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By allison milford - August 15 - 10:00 am

  It has been great!!!!!