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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  Best Friend - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sharon - December 15 - 12:40 am

  My 98 has about 200k ... my check engine light is on due to two sensors needing to be replace both costing $200-$300 but other than that, there is virtually nothing else wrong with the car......since Ive had it (2.5yrs) Ive had to change the breaks, timing belt, spark plugs/tune up.. very satisfied

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  2001 Isuzu Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Vermillion - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I like my Trooper! I can not say enough about the vehicle itself. I remember traveling on icy roads and putting it into 4 wheel drive and the the feel of security hitting you.

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  Nice for a while - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Gelinas - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000 Trooper Limited. Nice truck, very comfortable, great for vacations, etc. Horrible gas milage, we live in a very hilly part od the country and the up and down hills killed me a the pump, averaged 12 MPG.

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  LS V6 3.2 5sp MT - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kylel012 - December 13 - 7:56 pm

  There seem to be many issues with high mileage. We bought brand new. Did not however have any problems til now. With 213600 miles on it, I just had to replace the wiring harness @ $2000.00 and this morning it would not move. It pulls a horse trailer with no problems.

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  Accidental Purchase - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Frank G - December 12 - 10:00 am

  My S10 pickup blew its enging and I needed a vehicle right now. Saw the Rodeo LS 4WD at the Dodge dealer and it only took a few minutes to purchase. Its a solid feeling very good handling auto that pleased both my wife and I. Ride is a bit rough, mpg only so-so (16 city 22 high way) but a very easy to operate vehicle. Took it on a 1200 trip first week and loved every mile.

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  A dependable sturdy working ride - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By texas - December 12 - 1:30 am

  I purchased my Rodeo new and have loved every minute of owning it. I have taken great care of it with regular checkups and changes. I am at 225k all orig. parts. I live in the country on a farm and work 30 miles in town and it has served me well. The great part is it is still going. I have just recently purchased a small car for work and to save on gas but have no complaints with my Rodeo. It has lived up to its name in all aspects and I am sure it will go well over 300k.

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  Holding My Breath - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vamc2004 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Except for the pronounced rock & roll Im very impressed with this car. The two ride settings dont seem to be quite right. One too stiff, the other too soft. Many positive comments about the interior and especially the exterior. Somehow, paper litter seems to find its way from the glove compartment to the a/c blower unit. Probably bad design.

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  One of the better values + big warranty - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jim in StL - October 13 - 2:00 am

  After 25,000 miles this vehicle still drives as new. Very solid build quality - much better than seen on Explorers or Blazers. Gas mileage could be better but lets face it, it isnt the most aerodynamic shape... We are very happy with this vehicle and would have purchased another (in time) had they not discontinued them.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rodeoowner - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a little over six months. I have the 4 cyl. and if is slow on take-off. Engine whines a bit when accelerating. I have a model that doesnt have tilt and although it doesnt bother me (I am only 5" tall) my husband (6" tall) hates it. It rubs his leg while he drives. Overall it is has been a good vehicle - only had to return to dealer once when the latch/lock on the rear door broke off in a automatic car wash. Gas milage is much better than my last SUV (Durango), I get about 18 mile to the gal.

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  Great little SUV! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By NewIsuzuFan - October 8 - 7:56 am

  I just bought one and I love it! A lot of fun to drive. Love the removable hardtop and multiple removable moon roofs. Very sporty. Has good acceleration and gets decent milage. Very fun and different from your run-of-the-mill SUV!