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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  Great Value - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sastisfied Owner - July 3 - 10:00 am

  After 2+ years of ownership and 40K miles of road use Ive yet to experience the first problem. It is a great vehicle for long distance travel, especially if carrying camping/other gear.

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  pros & cons - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By d cant. - June 10 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 1998 Izusu Rodeo overall has been Good. It drives well. Fairly dependable and is a nice vehicle to look at.

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  ok so far - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Billl32001 - June 6 - 6:33 am

  Bought new, has 90000 miles. 60000 had intake manifold go, which is very common. 70000 had egr go, not a big deal. 88000 had to put new starter in, $500. Thats it so far, except basic stuff like pads, muffler and lights. Did timing belt early, I notice a lot of used ones have bad belts.

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  Major fun, but no navigation system - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By everettr - April 28 - 4:16 am

  The Vehicross has cool, futuristic styling; lots of power, and good torque. But, GPS is not an option (a good nav system is a must if you live in the city). And, it has U-Haul like rear visibility.

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  Great Deal - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By J in SD - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I checked out the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Isuzu Ascender. Preferred Envoy/Ascender over the Explorer and neither could touch the deal I got w/the Ascender. On similar equipped Envoy I couldnt get the dealer under 30k. I picked up my Ascender for just over 23k on almost the exact same vehicle and received a better warranty.

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  good for the price - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By peycan - March 22 - 10:00 am

  First SUV Ive bought. For the price, its great. Plenty of interior room. Nice looking outside. Not too big to park in a normal parking spot, but not too small either.

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  awesome lil monster - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By rick - March 11 - 7:13 pm

  VehiCROSS is fun to drive and awesomely reliable. Of the three years, total repair cost was only for a fuel pump. Very impressed with workmanship and engine. Plan to keep it no matter the gas mileage.

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  2000: Original owner. - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By DN - January 29 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had mine since it was new. I too had the problem with losing oil (1qt/1000mi) which the dealer claimed was "normal". At about 48,000 it threw a rod so the engine was replaced under warranty though I had to fight with Isuzu over some minor charges. The new engine does not have a problem losing oil like the original. The driver side window got stuck and cost $300 to fix. The CD changer only lasted about 3-4 years before it broke.

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  Fun to drive- Expensive to own! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By fettj - January 6 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased my Trooper with 72,000 miles on it and immediately had the transmission flushed and service. Throughout its life I changed oil every 3,000 miles and used Valvoline Max Life. I blew the tranny at about 135,000 miles, and Im not sure why. I took very good care of the vehicle. Besides that, I had a lot of problems with the vacuum 4 wheel drive system, which cost me a lot of money. The AC also went out at 85,000 miles. When the tranny went out the rear struts were shot and the exhaust system had a big hole in it just behind the caddy. Since Isuzu discontinued their automotive line, part prices have gone up significantly.

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  LUV IT - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By beautifulj - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle 11/2003 and so far so good. I was a little apprehensive about purchasing this vehicle because of reviews that Ive seen. I love the exterior look and the interior look except for a few minor things. Rides smooth & makes me enjoy being in my ride.