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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  Update on ole reliable - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Charbojr - September 29 - 9:56 am

  Its been over a year now with over 20K miles clocked and the Axe is holding up nice. We got new tires and that has made a tremendous difference in the handling of this vehicle (Bridgestone Dueler Alenza tires). No more tire squeal or front end plow in the rain and has smoothed out the ride a bit. However the fit and finish on this car is still unnerving. Our sunroof is shot and the door seams (stuffing) is pulling away from the doors. Not exactly the things you want happening to a $28K truck. Still the warranty has saved us and this SUV doesnt mind being abused. Thanks Isuzu.

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  Some late developing problems - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By OhioMike - September 19 - 2:26 am

  I love my car...until 1000 miles out of warrenty (60000), when I got a cracked cylinder head and I had to get the top half of my engine replaced. Isuzu did cover the parts $1800, but I had to pick up the labor, which was $900. Over all, thats been the only major problem. I also had a problem with the paint on my rims, but they replaced them for free so I really cant complain.

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  Great value - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Isuzu owner - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a wonderful value. The LS is loaded with goodies I would never pay for and I got it for a steal at 25k,and low interest rate. The interior could use some dressing up, but for an active family the Ascender meets all my requirments. Not to many on the road and my wife is asked often about the SUV. Carbon Copy of Envoy, but lower cost and exterior is more appealing.

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  my suv - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wpc3 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best suv for small families and single people because its not big and over baring like some others,but instead it is a midsize giant if you were to ask me and has a lot of power for a v6.And the four wheel drive is great for off roading or just getting around in the snow,I will be a repeat buyer as long as they keep making the rodeo. Yours Truly WPC3

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  Where Oh Where Does All The Oil Go? - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Kristofer - August 22 - 9:10 pm

  I bought my Trooper late in 2005 with 53K after researching for value. Too bad I didnt check reliability as well, but hey its Japanese! The 3.5 six cylinder consumes copious amounts of oil... as much as a quart per week. The EGR valve required replacing, ($1000), at 70K because of burning all that oil. Shocks were replaced ($280), two weeks ago and last night at 81K the starter failed ($670). It handles great in the snow and carries scuba gear for 4 including 8 tanks, with room to spare. Im going to drive this until it falls apart as resale value is laughable.

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  what a great vehicle! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By COLBY VANSCOY - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MY AXIOM SINCE 11/02. IT IS BY FAR THE BEST SUV I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE VALUE IS OUTSTANDING.

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  Pretty happy - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Paul - August 12 - 11:00 am

  I now have over 100k on my Rodeo and its only been in the shop 1 time for a new heater. Its been very reliable. Gas mileage is so-so, seats could be more comfortable, but all in all, Ive been happy with it. Bought it at 0% for 72 months. I plan on buying a new Yukon soon...I hope it is as reliable as my Rodeo has been.

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  Lots of SUV for the money - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Harhir - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck half a year ago and I it was a great buy. Lots of space, good off road capabilities, high payload, huge trunk, low trunk level thanks to the outside mounted spare tire, great 4WD system. Even the base model gives you all you need and nothing you dont. Low price: I got a brand new 2001 Trooper S with 4WD for less than $22K.

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  Good SUV - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Solid SUV - July 30 - 5:20 am

  Bought this SUV to replace another one (99) of which was totaled (not my fault!). Very confident in the vehicles safety as I was not injured seriously despite being hit in the drivers side door by a car going 55 mph. There were very few changes to the 01 compared to the 99, but the subtle changes were good, like the rear wiper automatically returns to its off position when the truck is turned off. Overall this was the best SUV for the price that we could find. It doesnt have many of the "frills" of other midsized SUVs but for the price is pretty well equipped. We use it a lot for towing an RV and it performs flawlessly.

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  3rd Isuzu -- Best Value for an SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kdive98 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned three Isuzu Rodeos--a 94, 97, and now an 04. Ive never had a serious problem with them and the previous two that I had were both at 150,000 when I traded them in. Comfortable, reliable, and stylish-- all for a great price. Edmunds missed the mark when they gave this model a poor review!