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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  2004 Izusu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Albert Cepeda - November 13 - 7:20 am

  I had been driving Toyotas for the last 12 years. I have had a 4 Runner which had a very rough ride and was looking for an SUV that would handle better,and more like a car and still have the SUV look. After reviewing several models. I noticed that the Izusu was built in the GM Plant at Moraine Oh and shares the same body frame as the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainer but each of these is priced several thousands more and the Isuzu has a 7 year 75000 mile warranty while the GM versions only have 3 years 36 months. I thought the Izusu was a great value for the money. I dressed mine up with dealer installed Leather seats (The Izusu leather is cheesy at best) it really made vehicle.

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  I love this AXIOM XS! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By LittleMissScubaLady - October 30 - 1:13 pm

  I just purchased my 2004 Isuzu Axiom XS and...I really...really LOVE this vehicle!!!! It is perfect for long trips... It does well on mountain roads...and it rides like a dream on the Florida Flatlands...LOL!!!! It is a sexy little ride for a 4X4! It handles well...and looks fabulous!!!!! I went from driving a sports car, to driving this cute little SUV...and I COMPLETELY LOVE IT!!!! The Axiom has a sports car appearance, yet works like a truck, and handles like the best of the more expensive SUVs! I am not sure why some wrote bad reviews for this SUV... in my opinion it is an absolutely awesome SUV!!!!! The MPG is running around 20 in town, and 22 on HWY. I am very, very happy with it!!!!!

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  Best For The Buck!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sylvester1950 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Whle searching for an SUV a friend of mine who can drive any car he choses, told me that he has a Rodeo with 90,000+ miles. He said it is GREAT! I test drove it. Compared it to the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4-Runner and decided on the Isuzu. I have never regretted my choice.

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  best car ever - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By playafil - October 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is strong coll looking and just great!

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  Buying a car - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By markd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have realized why there are not many Isuzu Ascenders on the road. Recently I went to the dealership and test drove one as well as showed interest buying one. My wife and I really liked the car, but salesperson did not really show much energy to sell one at all. I have called him a couple of times, and all I got from him is he will call me back very soon, but have not heard since. I tried again, but no results. Its a good car, but they need to work how to sell it. No adds in the paper either escept Demo one which was sold (according to the dealership) day before it went to the paper. Honda and Toyota

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  My 2003 Isuzu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Pat K. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am really enjoying my Ascender. It has provided comfort, good mileage, and a lot of flattering comments from per- sons who had not seen an Ascender before. It has all the extras that I could ask for including an outstanding warranty.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoveThatRodeo - September 26 - 8:10 am

  I purchased my 1999 Rodeo LS V6 4WD new with 68 miles on it. I currently have 121,000 miles on it and the engine is still as strong as day one. The vehicle is great for trips due to the size of the seating and cargo area. Mine has the tow package and the vehicle excels at towing. My vehicle has never let me down or left me stranded. The engine is rock solid. Note, I have always taken my vehicle to the dealership for major maintenance (30K, 60K, and 90K) which has kept the vehicle running in top shape. I would only recommend an Isuzu Dealership with a Master Isuzu Mechanic. At any rate, my Rodeo is still rolling very well!

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  The Truth - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By isuzuman - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds, I usually agree with your opinions, but not anymore. Underachieving?..dont make me laugh. Ths is possibly the best car for the money on the market right now. Youre full o

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  Trooper Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Troop - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car. I love the way it looks and the way it drives. It drives great! The interior is very nice. Leather, cd, wood, sunroof. I have had no problems. Great for long distance traveling. Comfortable seats. I highly recommed it!

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  99 Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By snard - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Not a day of trouble in 3 1/2 years.