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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  Loving my Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By brandon20068837 - August 19 - 10:33 am

  I absolutely love my Isuzu Rodeo. I really never wanted a 4-door SUV because I didnt like the looks. I have not had one problem in over the year Ive had it. I bought it with 139,000 miles, and it now has over 148,000. It drives like its 2 years old, and never seems to let me down. Im thinking about getting an Isuzu Ascender after this one bites the dust.

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  The Rodeo Keeps On Pleasing Me - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SUVLover - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I have put over 18,000 miles on my Isuzu Rodeo so far. I drive constantly and the Rodeo has always pleased me and my fellow passengers with its roomy interior, cargo space, acceleration and smoothness. The warranty is incredible and I have never experienced any problems with this vehicle. I would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking an SUV that is not watered down "yuppie" SUV. Between its smoothness, pure power, warranty and stylish design, the Rodeo just makes me happies every day I drive it.

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  Sleek Looking Gas Hog - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By miwokman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck 2 years and it hasnt let me down. Fun to drive, plenty of zip, and when the kids are not in the back, nice cornering with "Sport" drive engaged. The bad - the gas milelage stinks - expect 14 mpg if you drive in stop and go traffic or do lots of city driving. This means a fill up every 225 miles with the small 16.9 gallon tank (go further if you like looking at the "low fuel" warning). Ride is harsh in the back seat, futher harsh when sport is engaged.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kentan - July 26 - 2:00 am

  It is a good little suv for the price but could use a little better gas mileage.

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  2000 Rodeo LS v6 - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LBaquiran20 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Rodeo brand new and I have to agree about the depreciation value. But overall the Rodeo has been very reliable and fun to drive. My wife wanted an SUV and looked at 4runners and Explorers. For the most bang for the buck we chose then Rodeo. Had the same or more options then the other vehicles for thousands less. Plus warranty cant be beat. I would recommend to anyone wanting an SUV for little money. I plan to keep for awhile so depreciation is not a real concern to me.

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  will keep - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By yac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  this is a suv that you can keep for 200,000 miles. the trooper is still built in japan so you know it will last.

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  Silver bullet - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James Martin - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the truck for 4 months and so far it has been great: excellent power, good looks, and a good highway traveler.

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  Steady as rock - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Brian in SoCal - June 2 - 1:40 pm

  Bought my Trooper new in 1999, and Ive never had a more reliable vehicle. Im now over 112K miles, and no repair issues whatsoever aside from routine maintenance. In fact, I only replaced my original brakes last month! And no, mine doesnt burn oil *at all*.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Fernando - June 2 - 7:53 am

  Great mid-size SUV. No problems with the car after 5 years of owning it. Very smooth drive and very reliable. The only drawback is the fact that theres a lot of noise in the cabin and of course it consumes more fuel that I would like to but it is the price we pay for an SUV.

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  Wallow ride - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DONNABAC - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this truck style for years. Have loved Isuzu forever. Have owned trucks/suvs (including Isuzu) for a long time. The ride is beyond any truck experience Ive ever had. I am absolutely bounced out of the seat on less than smooth roads. the sensation is front end wallowing...not just rough.