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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  An educated review - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By the truth be known - November 24 - 12:13 pm

  Neat SUV! I would say that this is one of the most unique SUVs that I have ever seen. It is nice to own a vehicle that not everyone has. This truck is awesome. I did have to replace the front shocks and rear brake rotors when I purchased my Axiom, but I can honestly say that this comes with all USED vehicles. If you expect a vehicle in mint condition, get a NEW one. I thoroughly enjoy all that my Axiom has to offer.

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  Rodeo an excellent choice - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mervin - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned for four months. Used mainly as an urban family hauler. Excellent reliability. Except for oil changes, no servicing required.

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  2002 Isuzu Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By uofpittpanthers - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with vehicle...actually over 23 mpg highway mileage with reg. gas,,,,compare to dollar for dollar against highlander or other comparable mid size and you wont think twice about buying this vehicle.

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  Great value/Great price - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Paul Favorite - October 21 - 3:33 am

  Great truck

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  One of the few remaining true SUVs - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By kboyfrommd - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Nowski - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how much power the 3.2 engine has. A recent trip to Yosemite, fully loaded down with 5 backpackers + gear, we were passing cars going uphill from Yosemite Valley up to Tuolomne Meadows at an elevation of 8400. Air conditioner full blast, 95 degrees outdoors, sunny, smoke-filled air from forest fires, this Rodeo just took the corners and muscled up the hill faster than other Explorers, Blazers, 4Runners, Tahoes, etc. (I still got 20 mpg for the trip...not bad at all for an SUV) Id prefer more leg room in the back, but...I guess you cant have everything.

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  Wonderful vehicle/fun to drive - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rays baby - September 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just returned from a 8,500 mile, 17 state road trip. We were looking for a midsize SUV that looks good and performs well. We noticed a lot of SUVs on the road and especially many Isuzu Rodeos. On arrival home, we looked at and purchased a new 2004 Rodeo. It is a wonderful vehicle. My wife is 5 feet tall and she loves to drive it. We have to draw straws to determine who is going to have the pleasure of driving this vehicle. We love the exterior and interior of this SUV. We have the running boards and roof racks, with spoiler over the rear window. We have driven 3,500 miles so far, our MPG averages 23 long distance, and between 18 and 21 around town. We love the engine power.

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  Upgrading to the Ascender - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bob Ransom - September 26 - 10:23 am

  I recently upgraded from the Isuzu Rodeo to the Ascender, what an improvement! The overall ride comfort, suspension, brakes, and space were noticeable from the initial test drive. After taking the vehicle on a 600 mile trip, other positives such as the air-conditioner and low level of outside noise became apparent. Purchasing this vehicle has been the best decision Ive made all year!

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  My Review - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By donster - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Every week someone in a parking lot will come up to me and ask me about this car. I used to own Saabs just because they were unique. Now that the family is a little larger, I was looking for an SUV. The Axiom is unique in its styling both inside and out.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By who knew - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding SUV that is not run of the mill. Its distinctive looks and strong performance are great. All the options for a final price in the mid 20s after rebate. This includes a 6-CD changer. There is very good reliability and warranty to provide piece of mind.