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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  2000 isuzu - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By stevenv - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and put 91,000 miles on it. I replaced the tires, brakes and battery. Very pleased.

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  Think twice before you buy! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By M. PERRINE - April 13 - 3:06 pm

  Within the 1st month of buying my 2002 Isuzu Axiom the A/C fan motor went out. Now two years later it has happened three times. The rear shocks are now being replaced, the fog lights have blown two times, the brake lights have gone out once, there has been a rattling noise in the engine for about six months, and now the display screen has started to black out. Not to mention the fact that the car depreciated over 50% within the 1st year of ownership which has forced me to keep it even though it always seems to be in the shop. Think TWICE before you buy this one!

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  great - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By great - April 10 - 3:46 am

  This suv has great power and works very well in mud and snow compared to others. If has much smoother ride than most real suvs and isnt a toy suv on a car frame.

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  2nd Trouper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By RiverRat - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd trouper. Both vehicles have been trouble free. I have used both trucks off-road and for pulling boats and sand-rails. The 2000 model with the larger 3.2 engine does a great job. The climate control has been a great bonus to truck, along with the heated seats retrackable mirrors.

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  THIS IS A GREAT SUV! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By apurplesquirrel - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt find a better deal than this and it has been a great choice so far! I have the 02 Rodeo LS 4WD and it looks and rides excellent! I have the factory stereo and think it is just fine, despite others poor reviews of it. The sliding sunrood and side tubes were a nice addition too. Highly recommend this one!!

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unknown - March 29 - 3:16 pm

  My second Rodeo was just as reliable as my first one.

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  Sports SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By sports suv - March 25 - 12:03 am

  This SUV has massive towing for its size, hard to put the trailer on with the spare. It gets great gas mileage while towing a trailer, almost as good as without. Designed to tow.

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  A Sexy and Functional SUV - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By Tiger Bait - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2001 Isuzu VehiCross. Have wanted one for almost two years, but not at previous sticker of 30k. Now you can find new one for 23-25k, and at that price a real steal. A truly unique SUV, capable off-road and comfortable on pavement, with real head-turning ability. If youre looking for an SUV and want to make a statement, buy a VX.

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  Very Happy - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Tam - March 18 - 3:56 am

  I unfortunately, had to lease my 2001 Isuzu Trooper but I can say that as of today Ive enjoyed having it. I have always wanted an SUV but didnt want to have one leased to me but all in all I am enjoying my truck, well itll be my truck the end of next year, ha! I had a little transmission problems after I got that fixed I ran into a small minor problem, mechanical; but after all that my truck has been driving really good. I get a little concerned with how quiet it was opposed to now its a little loud but not too loud. So I assume thats minor as well. I love the sunroof, it shows off the black exterior and the tan interior of the truck. I look sexy in my truck. But love my truck, love it.

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  Drive it before you buy it - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By great deal by Jeff - March 16 - 7:33 am

  Large suv, plenty of room for all sized people and cargo. Has plenty of power with 6 cylinder; if you are looking for a large suv check it out but drive it before you buy it. It is large, but you can get a good deal on pricing. Get the preferred package which adds to its good looks and you get lots of extra goodies.