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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  Wonderful, Very Underrated Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By R. OD - February 4 - 1:56 am

  Ive been driving 26 years and this is by far the finest vehicle I have ever owned. The emphasis on quality overcost savings is readily apparent. Its been coast to coast twice and to Alaska once. Even at 97,000 miles ithasnt hiccuped even once. It drives and rides smoother than many cars Ive owned. It hasnt developed any squeaks or rattles at all. The engine is smooth quiet and powerful, the transmission is equally impressive. The four wheel ventilated disc brakesare phenomenal.

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  Axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By bill1446 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great power smooth ride in either mode, easy to drive and see out of. Controls are very easily accesed. Great looking SUV

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  Isuzu Rodeo Sport - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By jennifer faulknor - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a great car, it is very reliable and has a lot of power.

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  Wanted a Tahoe - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By CHKeith - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Since the $35K asking price for the new Tahoes was too rich for my blood, I "settled" for a Trooper. For $10K less, including tax and tags, I couldnt be happier. Although it weighs 1200 lbs more than my Blazer, my Trooper has superior pickup and its 230 hp outruns any truck with less than 8 cylinders. The AC is a little under powered on sweltering afternoons and the gas mileage is pathetically poor. Still and all, it is an excellent truck and Im glab I bought one.

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  I love this truck - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Lepperd - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Axiom...it is rarer than a Lamborghini, or Bentley and it gets lots of looks!

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  This is one cool truck!!! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Custo - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my rodeo used a few months a go. Havent had any problems with it jet, althoug the truck had 90,000 miles on it.

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  Reliable beyond belief - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Grendeldad - December 12 - 4:46 am

  I currently also own a Subaru WRX STI, a 03 Corvette convertible, and a 73 Trans AM. This variety only begins to indicate how many kind of cars I have owned - including Jeeps, Durangos, etc. This car is the most reliable car or truck I have ever owned by a mile. It has been driven 25,000 miles a year, including in Chicago winters, and not a single bolt, nut, or trim piece - much less anything mechanical - has broken, shaken loose, or quit. Not a single thing wrong. The pick up is very good and balance mileage. Yes, it rides a bit more like a truck, but we abuse this like a truck. Every person I have talked to who owns an Isuzu says the same; why they didnt sell more is a mystery.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By sc owner - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for over two years now without a single problem. Mechanically the truck has been flawless. I have taken several long road trips and found it to be quite comfortable, and it has plenty of cargo space. Handling is not so great, but itÂ’s a truck.

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  I like it! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By postal worker - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a Jeep Cherokee Sport model 4x4, so the handling, ride and quiet interior really shows up to me. I drove a lot of SUVs while I was shopping for this, and comparing quality, comfort and price, I am extremely happy with the value of this vehicle.

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  My Rodeo - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ronda - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Awesome, but mine is a 1999 model. I bought it in October 1999