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:

• 

  Good Choice - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Endewardt - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Axiom w/h mixed feelings. There are a lot of choices in this Price range. I liked the looks and styling. I do not regret buying this car. Its a lot of fun to drive and it moves - quick - . My friend bought a Ford Explorer at the same time and has been back for repairs twice already. Yes, It was a good choice. I am still having fun driving it.

• 

  like the energizer bunny - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By vpm24 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My car seems to be a disaster magnet- people hit it, bump it, scratch it, a car I was parked next to even caught on fire and melted half of my Rodeo. No matter what happens, I get in the the car and it starts right up, quietly, every day. Even with 111000mi, the only thing I have had to replace was a $17 pulley!

• 

  Underwhelmed by internet reviewers - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Jake4551 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  The big problem with this vehicle is some of the ridiculous reviewers comments throughtout the internet. Do yourself a favor checkout, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Fourwheeler magazine, or their respective dotcom sites for a true review. Purchased this vehicle because I wanted a crossover, but I wanted a truck frame like my previous 2000 Grand Cherokee. Loved the styling, the interior, biggest complaint, drivers seat doesnt slide back enough, power seats should be six way not four way. Ride is no more rough in sport mode than my Grand Cherokee. Compared this to Durango, ugly front end, horrible gas mileage, 14 on the highway,and an Envoy,uninspired

• 

  Great for what it is and price - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By reconjack101 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I did not need avehicle for off road so I got 2 WD. I did not need room for extra passengers. In fact I took the back seat out and cut out plywood to fit and put carpet over it. If you need to use the back seat it night be ok for kids but not adults. Too hard to get in and out of. But it was just what I wanted and needed. But I would say there are not many people would use it like me. Its not a family vehicle.

• 

  love the rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Connman27 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  i really enjoy the isuzu rodeo

• 

  Overall - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By answerinstl - March 13 - 9:10 am

  I have put over 35K miles on my Rodeo in less than 2 years. I love this SUV. It is comfy, roomy, and economical. 95K miles currently and still going real strong with no signs of slipping. I would buy another no problems here.

• 

  Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ralf52 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any problems. My service has been excellent and I drive every day 60 miles. The car has now 10000 miles.

• 

  RETIAL - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ROSENDO DIMAS - March 7 - 10:00 am

  LOVE IT ,BEST BUY FOR MY MONEY

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By surf23 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I received my 2001 black Trooper for my birthday in September. Going from a car to the Trooper was the best decision. It travels long distances well and puts my parents at ease when I make trips to and from college. For outdoor lovers, it accomodates for many activities. I can fit 3 or 4 surfboards easily in the back.

• 

  GREAT SUV!!!! - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By smiley - February 13 - 10:00 am

  great sporty suv, fun to drive, no problems well built