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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best vehicle ever purchased - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By nataanderson - June 6 - 2:00 amI absolutely love everything about it! It is roomier than any of the other suvs in and some above its class. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for an awesome vehicle!
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Exceptional 2nd Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By Army Trooper - June 6 - 2:00 amThis is my second Isuzu Trooper; my first was a 1988 that I reluctantly sold. I had it for 10 years. The 1999 is far more powerful, rides even better, and really delivers a punch when needed. I intend to keep mine for as long as I can! And then I intend to give it to my daughter as her first vehicle! Super performer off road and on in all weather conditions. Pleased as pleased can be!
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Grace( getting somthing you donr deserve - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By jorge - June 1 - 2:00 amthis is my first SUV and I really enjoy it. We bought the XS package and we feel extreme privilidge to own a car like this!! We were looking for a SUV as the Saturn or Rodeo but did not realize that we could get an Axiom for a little bit more with soooo many extras!! ITs AWESOME!
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Great SUV Option - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By agrizzaffi - May 31 - 6:26 pmI really wish we hadnt traded in our Axiom. We purchased it used in 11/05 as a cash car to replace a beater that had just puttered out. Was very pleasantly surprised by the vehicle and quickly came to love it. Great mid-size design with quality interior layout and materials. It was gutsy in its acceleration and speed and was more than adequate towing (5000 lbs). Got very good gas mileage and was comfortable even on a 12 hour non-stop trip to Tennessee. I would definitely recommend as a starter car for a teenager, or a commuter car for anyone. Plenty of leg room in the back seat plus plenty of cargo space in the back.
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My First Isuzu - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Edgrr - May 20 - 10:00 amSo far, no a single problem. I am amazed at how well it responds when pushed. It will be nice to see the Ascender have the looks of the Axiom in the future editions.
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Great SUV - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Atlanta Driver - May 14 - 2:00 amGreat riding, driving truck with two ride settings, comfort and sport. Interior is well appointed, comfortable, high quality, heated leather seats, 140 watt 6 disc CD, leather trim on door panels, driver information center, automatic AC, self dimming mirrors, great styling touchs on console and shift lever. The exterior styling is sensational and very unique, it is a real attention getter. The engine and transmission are smooth and provide great acceleration. This is a vehicle you must spend some time with to appreciate the great quality and performance. It is a very unique vehicle, a great buy!
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Wild - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
By Frank R. - May 9 - 2:00 amAlthough the power may be somewhat over-rated, the truck lets you know as soon as you hit the gas its a v6. The turn radious is unbelievible, and the snow capablilities are unmatched.
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I love my Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By mossycoyote - April 19 - 2:00 amI have to admit Im a Trooper fan. My 2001 is the 4th Trooper Ive owned. Ive this one driven it on the beach and to Mt. Evans (14,000asl)in Colorado and it performed great at sea level and at altitude. I love the roomy interior. I can pack it full of camping gear, or full of groceries and still have room for the family.
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I love my Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
By coloradogreystar - April 13 - 6:40 amI was rear-ended on the interstate. The offender hit me at an estimated 55 mph. I hardly felt a thing! The design really held up! A small problem with the O2 sensors was quickly cleared up, otherwise ... no major problems. I love my Rodeo!
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axiom xs - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By BURCHBOY - April 8 - 10:00 ami have had my axiom over a year now and what a great car! i have owned a trooper, and a rodeo and this is no comparison. the ride is smooth and solid; the gas mileage 16-20; the look is awesome and turns heads everywhere. why isuzu does such a poor job of marketing, i dont know. this car looks better than most of the suvs on the market today. i am CONVINCED THAT GM SACRIFICED ISUZU IN THE US FOR SOME REASON.
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Isuzu Amigo 5 Reviews
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Isuzu Ascender 124 Reviews
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Isuzu Axiom 238 Reviews
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Isuzu Hombre 2 Reviews
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Isuzu Rodeo 473 Reviews
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Isuzu Rodeo Sport 45 Reviews
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Isuzu Trooper 192 Reviews
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Isuzu VehiCROSS 20 Reviews