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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 1,099.00-
Good, but - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
By TCope - June 9 - 2:20 pmWe bought a 4-cyl Rodeo brand new, loved the exterior design; paint is still good at 82k miles. Almost immediately had trouble with brake drums and rotors that Isuzu would not cover. Harder to get service now that they are out of business. Had to replace exhaust manifold twice, and now EGR valve and fuel tank sensor have gone bad. Used to get 26-30 mpg highway, now 16-17 mpg in town. 4-cyl just doesnt have enough power, and with rear while drive it is terrible in the snow. If youre buying, look for a 6-cyl with 4WD. We loved driving the truck, but were through with the repair bills.
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Probably the best SUV around. - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
By I_luv_isuzus - June 4 - 4:43 amI have loved this car. I think it is very capable of off-roading, driving around town, towing and driving around passengers. It has great features for the price. When compared to competitors, best bank for your buck. I would definitely consider buying another Rodeo when the time comes.
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Mikes baby - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By Mrivardns - May 21 - 10:00 amI rate this vehicle below average in terms of Japanese quality vehicles. The paint finish is inferior and my drivers side door does not line up flush to the body of the vehicle. My vehicle is a 2002 first year intro. The side door faux finish chrome bumper guards are deteriorating and the clear plastic covering on them is coming off. Sloppy handling and very numb and sluggish stearing.
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KC Fan of Rodeos - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
By Al Ayala - May 2 - 8:06 amI have driven my Rodeo for the last 4 years, with no problems at all. Besides oil changes and other types of preventive maintenance you have to do on all vehicles my Isuzu is tops. I had a problem with the fuel pump, but with the extended warranty I had on the vehicle it was taken care of immediately. After four years that is a pretty good track record in my book.
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Still Love My Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By Philbrah - March 29 - 12:16 amThis is the second writeup Ive done for my Trooper since buying it 5/2003 with 52k miles. The truck has been easily the most dependable vehicle Ive owned and that has been over 30 vehicles. Its still one of the most comfortable, dependable, off-road ready vehicles available today and it carries people and cargo with room to spare. Yes, it burns approximately 1 quart of oil every 2-3k miles, but Ive owned Jeeps, BMWs, Toyotas that did the same. Use Seafoam and watch it, you wont have any engine problems. Yes, gas mileage is about 15-16mpg, but Ive hit 18mpg on the highway. If you want the real 4WD, buy a Trooper. If not, buy an Explorer.
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Happy so Far - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
By Jung - March 28 - 8:20 pmBought new in 2001. Our Rodeo has been a good truck so far. Minimum problems. Only 1 warranty repair (engine sensor)and one repair after warranty (abs sensor). Great family vehical. Nice handling for SUV, good power. Have noticed some salt damage on rims. Depreciation was very bad first year, but looks to be stablizing. Would recommend if to someone buying used.
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Not an explorer - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Axme a question - March 19 - 10:00 amPros: -Fun to drive... -Decent power and brakes. -TOD is a great feature for everyone. -Often mistaken for an Audi $$$. -Trailer towing no problem. -Smooth shifting. Cons: -Low interior headroom takes getting used to. -Rear access is tough for adults, ok for adult short rides once your seated. -Need a hard hat for the lift gate becuase it does not raise high enough. -Auto lock feature not available. -You must remove the rear seat headrest to fold the cargo area flat, what were they thinking??? -Average higway mileage is 17- 19mpg...ouch -The zero % financing was the deciding factor in this purchase.
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Cook car after little upgrade:-) - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
By Mike Arlet - March 14 - 10:00 amPut lift kit from Calmini on it,air intake and cat back.Now have aroun 240HP and 255Torque.Kit help with handling-now i feel more like in sport car then in SUV:-)Not problem till now.
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2001 Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
By R.E. Marino - March 14 - 10:00 amThe only concern I have is the gas milage. Of course, we knew about that when we bought it. Not good on long trips (MPG about 18),
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Decent - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
By rodeo - February 29 - 2:13 amI have had my Rodeo for a little over a year now. I agree with the power issue... there is none. Also, when braking, you better start early; this Rodeo will continue to roll without any gas given to it. I like the exterior look, interior has much room for improvement.
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