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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  sporty fun - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mlk7 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  The Rodeo handles like a truck (go figure!) and is very fun to drive. Safety ratings are above average and repairs have been routine and minimal. The only drawback is the fuel economy... a problem inherent to most affordable SUVs.

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  My Truck - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rebecca - August 11 - 12:06 pm

  I love this truck. I drove from Virginia to California and it was the most comfortable ride I have ever had. Even with towing a U-haul trailer this truck had no problems going up the mountain and was so easy to handle. I am a person who trades vehicles in every 2 years, I believe I will have this truck for a lot longer.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Love My Truck - August 4 - 10:50 pm

  Other than the usual maintenance at 100,000, it has been great! Transmission rebuild at 135000, but no other problems. I really wish that Isuzu was still selling this model here in the US. I would love to have a new one. (After another 100,000!)

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  axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By CAROL M - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great value and style

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  1999 Original Trooper Owner Review - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By cknott - July 10 - 12:36 am

  We have had no problems with this vehicle and have nearly 45k on the odometer. The vehicle is built solid, has no rattles, has exceptional visibility, enough power, and excellent brakes. The brakes should easily reach over 75k based on an inspection at 40k..Fuel mileage averages 17 mpg. This vehicle can go places in 2wd that most of its competition can only traverse in 4wd.I expect 200k out of this vehicle without any replacement of the powertrain.

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  130k mileage, uber-dependable in Colorado - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Lesmon - June 26 - 9:50 am

  Bought it used in 2000 with 13k miles; now have 130k. This car is a beast in Colorado, smashes through blizzards and snow, pulls out cars when in 4 Lo, carries lots of stuff when skiing. Still have original brakes at only 50% usage and that includes lots of driving up/down the mountains to ski and a few 4WD drives up to 13,000 feet. Also holds my 3 kids in the backseat nicely. Love the tons of interior space; its like having a Suburban without the excessive length. Truely have had only two post- warranty repairs: Transmission seal and Torque-On-Demand vaccum replacement. Total cost around $900. It does burn oil as others say but I can live with that and hope to for another 5 years.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By free4all - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 4 cylinder stick and in a flat environment it works fine. I took it in the mountains and it is way under powered. The is great looking and extemely comfortable. My next Rodeo will be a 6 cylinder.

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  my redeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By harleygirl - May 26 - 10:00 am

  After test driving all the other suv there really was no difference in them except for the price and the warranty. The other mauf. should take lesson in standing behind there products like Isuzu offers. Maybe then the dealers would not have to pressure people into buying. There was no pressure from my dealer at all.

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  I love this SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mztalker19 - May 19 - 4:33 am

  I have a family of five now and we need a van. I am going to hate to see my truck go. It has been so good to me. I have made multiple trips to Missouri from Michigan in this truck. I have not had any problems with this truck. Helpful reminders is to make sure you tighten the gas cap past three clicks and keep oil in it is about all. I have noticed that the oil tends to burn a little quicker than other vehicles BUT it doesnt leak it. Has never been a big deal. I am VERY impressed with this truck and whomever buys it from me is going to be happy! Good luck, you wont regret it.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Bimmer-7 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does what we wanted it to (handle snow and ice) better than any other weve owned. Its like a mountain goat.