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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  perfect mix - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By pbrsbnsr - May 27 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle combines the best of two worlds (SUV/Sedan) Isuzu has done a great job with this vehicle. The storage capacity is better than many other SUVs I have owned.

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  Fun truck - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shakey - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Axion last week, and it has been really fun to drive. It is comfortable and powerful. I love it.

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  Not made for bumpy roads! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By golfbald70 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the way it looks after its cleaned and the 6-Disc In dash CD is great. Thats where my admiration for this SUV ends. The suspension BITES! I had a persistent problem with the slip yoke. Isuzu knows admits its an engineering flaw but will not do much to fix it. No recall. The worse thing about this beautiful looking car is that it drinks gas like no bodies business. How about 12-16 mph HIGHWAY for a small V6! And I may be giving it too much credit with those estimates. My next car is going to be a Honda Civic or some hybrid. Thats what this beast has done to me.

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  Surprise!!! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By tix6174 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle!! Had already been looking at the Envoy XL and Trailblazer EXT, but didnt really care for the stylings of those. Stumbled across the Ascender here on Edmunds and discovered it was the same truck, so had to find one to test drive. What a difference!!! The GMC "felt" smaller inside and I dont like the look of the TB (plus there are hundreds around here). The ride was much better too! So for about $5000 less, I got a better warranty and up-level options (Limited minus leather), plus that great V8.

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  1999 Rodeo "The Best" - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RJP - May 17 - 6:23 am

  Bought my 99 Rodeo about 7 years ago "used" with 30K miles. Been the BEST Auto I have ever had and I have owned many ...... !! Serviced and changed oil regularly as scheduled. Now has over 135,000 miles and still runs great and is nice and tight. Only repairs made during my 105k ownership aside from tires & brakes is a starter replacement and gasket leak to sealed transmission about $400.00 cost. and a couple of batteries. Made many long trips it is a pleasure to drive. Average Hwy 21 mpg at 70 & 75 miles an hour. Wish I could find another with lower miles would buy it in a heart beat ..... You gotta shoot-em to kill - em ..... Great Mid-Size SUV ... !!

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  Model prone to Frame Rust-through - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By MA Axiom Driver - May 12 - 5:36 pm

  02 Axiom with 85K miles. We live in central MA and driven by my wife who babies the car. Rear Trailing Arm/Stabilizer completely rusted off the frame. Completely unacceptable on todays car. Same frame as Rodeo and Honda Passport. Do NOT BUY this car until you physically check for frame rust and specifically on the rear trailing arms.

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  Whered this come from? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Army Aviator - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I happen to notice the Axiom while looking at the Rodeo. The Rodeo was too heavy, so I test drove the Axiom because I thought it looked cool. To my surprise it had everything that was missing from the Escap, Xterra, Rodeo, Explorer. It has the best of all worlds. It rides nicely, however, not like any car. Interiro/Exterior designs are unique. Colors and included accessories are tops.

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Land - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Ford Explorer prior to my Rodeo. I would rate the overall performance and ride equally, despite the much higher price tag on the Explorer. What the Rodeo gives up in space, it more than makes up for in looks, performance, pricing and warranty coveage.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Julie - April 25 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Trooper - I have driven it over 60,000 miles and it has never gone into the shop. We moved across the country 2 times - the Trooper provided for a comfortable ride, and handled mountains wonderfully. The Trooper was large enough to fit our 2 large bloodhounds comfortably - for 2 days of driving (never heard a peep out of them). I especially love how well I can see the road from my Trooper.

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  enjoy - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By cliff - April 20 - 11:06 am

  Wonderful but needs cruise control.