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:

• 

  Thank God For My Isuzu - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dj2big - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Thank you God for my 2004 Rodeo. 3 of my new vehicals ever owned have been Isuzu, 1993 Pick Up best ever, Copper 2000 Amigo sitting on dubs and now my new 2004 Rodeo wow am I happy. Iv never ever have ever had a problem with them "add gas oil and go" should be there motto, 2004 copyright Juan J. Perez. With those legal things out the way. If your looking to get more for your money look no further, This is an SUV you can actually get tired of being so reliable, you never get to complain about it when all your friends talk about there SUV costing an arm and a leg to maintain or you might get stuck driving them on there errands while there SUV is in the shop.

• 

  GOOD FOR 1ST SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SMALLPAT - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THE RODEO. THE INTERIOR COULD BE BETTER.

• 

  go for it - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By csieka - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We like this vehicle, however we have already had it in for repairs on the a/c switch. It is suposed to have a monitor for the life of oil, but the mechanic manager said we should change oil every 3,000 miles anyway. As front passenger sometimes the consule proved to be uncomfortable when traveling long distances. Overall we are still very pleased.

• 

  My Isuzu Ascender LS Review - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Lancer95 - June 25 - 1:56 am

  I like Isuzu Ascender which is the same as the Trailblazer and Envoy, but I think that the Ascender is a lot better looking in design and has a better price and warranty.

• 

  solid suv - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By zippyputt - June 11 - 10:00 am

  A great solid Japanese built car. The quality shines through.

• 

  So much more than expected! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By AKennedy - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealership intending to purchase a different make SUV that is much larger. I would never be able to get all of the extras that I got in the Limited Ascender. This is a smooth ride with plenty of room, and it doesnt feel like a bus! We are so happy and ready for our first road trip.

• 

  This is my 2nd - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Lunatech - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a 92 and sold it at 140K-my 1st SUV. Before I bought my 02 I test drove- Trailblazer (aka the new Ascender), Expedition, Montero. The theory that the grass is always greener. I bought the Trooper because you get a lot for your money. This Isuzu is made completely in Japan and sadly, I feel this adds to its high build quality.

• 

  2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V6 Hard Top 2WD - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By FRED - June 1 - 4:03 pm

  What a fun ride. Bought mine used and love it. Handles great, looks great.

• 

  I keep thinking itll get better... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mkinma7 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  So far this car has been a headache to own. Its noisy cabin is just a start to the myriad of problems I have found with the Isuzu. Problems from paint flaking off of the tires to the radiator cracking during a particuarly cold winter have all added up to many more dollars of repairs than Id like to admit. Each maintenance problem is followed by another large maintenance problem. The deal I originally got when purchasing the car has been long lost with the thousands of dollars required to run it. Never again will I buy an Isuzu.

• 

  KY Sucker - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By KY Sucker - May 30 - 8:43 am

  We bought the Rodeo just in time for the engine to throw a rod a month after we bought it. We liked everything about it except for that misfortune. Since, we have heard Isuzu engines are prone to problems. I am disappointed in Isuzu for not standing behind their product. With so many problems, who will buy their vehicle? NOT ME!