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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  Great car, some reliability issues - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wbsr92 - January 30 - 7:16 am

  Have run this car several miles. Great family car. Lacks power, however gets 22 mpg. Purchased extended warranty and used it several times. Car had exhaust manifold defects, two failures. Running great for now. Parts are expensive. Several sensor failures. Overall I like the car, bought it for the long run and hope to get 10 years out of it. Front brakes replaced at 114k, timing belt 112k, original tires 56k. Shocks 105k.

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  first rodeo experience - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By tenis_guy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  purchased a new isuzu rodeo LS 2WD in 2000. up to recently the car has been very reliable. around 30,000 miles had problems with transmission, eventhough i have performed a transmission fluid flush, granted it was not done at the dealership as they ususally charge quite a premium. perhaps that was my fault for not taking it there in the first place. luckily, the warranty covered the repair. besides other minor problems (usual wear and tear) the car has been very reliable. the only suggested improvments consist of improved suspension (very stiff), and improved noise control. otherwise good vehicle for its price.

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  Good Vehicle - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ASSMAN - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. One of the best Ive ever owned.

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  Isuzu Rodeo 4 Wheel Drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By huntly - December 22 - 7:10 pm

  This is my second Isuzu, having owned a 1988 Trooper for 13 years. I truly loved that truck & went to places very wild. The Rodeo is in a different world. It has a very nice V6 engine, powerful and maintenance free. Night and day from the old Troopers high maintenance 4 cylinder. I have 30,000+ miles and have done nothing but lube it and one wheel alignment. I have driven round trip from WA to FL and had no problems. The roof rack holds 200 lbs, which is much more than most vehicles and since I carry a kayak and gear, is a nice quality feature built in. Many pro reviewers dont like Isuzu, but my experiences are all good. High speed driving is excellent & the brakes are excellent. I am not sorry.

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  Reliable SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By swthuney3 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The trooper has been reliable and easy to drive.

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  isuzu ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By ascender - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable ride, lots of power, good off road capability, plenty of interior room, dual comfort controls for driver and passenger, seperate comfort controls for rear passengers, controls for radio, ac, etc. are very visible.

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  Da Bugga is Cherry - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mikiala - October 29 - 8:56 pm

  Ive had my Rodeo for little over a year now and Im pretty happy with it. For some reason my buttons on my steering wheel dont work as well as another Rodeo that we had test drove, but oh well. I think the exterior is definitely nice and if you throw some tires on and give it maybe a slight lift, the Isuzu Rodeo is a sick kick ride. I have to go back and forth on an uphill road and with its 3.5 liter V6, it doesnt disappoint. I love driving my Rodeo, although I may turn it in for a smaller car : (

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  Great wheels! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By rnobadger - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable & quiet ride.

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  future is here - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By jagwr72 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Very different from any other SUV out there.Love the looks.Handels very nice on sport suspension mode, doesnt have that boaty feel others have(Grand cherokee, explorer...)

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  Still running strong.... - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Quincunx - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck with about 11k miles on it, and Im now at about 78k. Other than the fuel gauge giving up the ghost about 10k miles ago, Ive had no major problems. Whether highway, city, or off-road, gas mileage stays steady at about 19.5 mpg. Compared to others in its price range (Xterra, etc.) the Rodeo seemed more solidly built. My fiancee and I have owned several Isuzus and have been quite satisfied with each one. I plan on keeping it quite a while yet! I would certainly consider buying another.