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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  Love My Rodeo! - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wayover20 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new 2003 Rodeo after researching other SUVs including Explorer, Passport, and Jeep Cherokee. I also have family and friends that own these other suvs but I have to say my Rodeo has everything I want including a great looking exterior, comfortable interior with all the features I want. It gets plenty of second looks. Im glad I made this choice.

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  A real surpise - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tmbhawaii - December 31 - 2:00 am

  very roomy and provides a smooth ride. Engine is very quiet.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By D.Parker - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This XS model is fantastic. It has every bell and whistle included as standard equipment you have to pay extra for with the Toyota, Mercury and Ford we also considered purchasing. This unit is more powerful than the Explorer V-8!

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  RIP ASCENDER :( - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By skyye - December 28 - 12:33 am

  My husband & I purchased our Ascender March 08, it being a car thatÂ’s not really common we had our doubts but was exactly what we were looking for. We never had any problems on it except for an electrical problem which is common on these cars. When making sure this was the right car to purchase I searched reviews & found the most informative ones on this site so I wanted to make sure that I added my thoughts of this car on here but most importantly how well it handles in accidents. Last week my husband was involved in an accident with a drunk driver which totaled our Ascender but it handled extremely well. Definitely a 10 on safety!!

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  GET AN ISUZU AXIOM, AND YOULL KNOW - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Bryan Wetzel - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the 2004 axiom, its a big difference from the 03 axiom. Theres no words to explain it, you have to test drive one yourself and youll know. My first car, my only car until my 7 year warranty runs out. Beat that

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  Loved it so much I bought two - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Got two - December 23 - 7:56 pm

  I have a 96 LS that I love. I can comfortably fit myself a friend a 128Qt Igloo, 4 shotguns, an air matress and all our hunting gear, about as much stuff as he can fit in his $53K+ Land Cuiser! The sunroof on the 2000 is by far the biggest Ive ever seen on any car. I feel much safer knowing my wifes Tropper has Torque on Demand which is a great saftey feature, especially for rainy or icey conditions, not mention... mud! (my 96 just has the regular 4x4.

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  isuzu axiom 2004 - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By rgina - December 21 - 10:00 am

  i saw the suv online and was very interested in the way it looked, so i test drove one and it was a keeper. i purchased it and i have throughly enjoyed it. i love the style, you dont see yourself driving down the road everytime you turn around its different and i like that. it drives like a dream and i think it handles like a car. it heavy and stay on the road for a safe feeling ride. the inside is great, i have alots of features and i am able to buy alot of asscessaries if i choose, and i like having that option.

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  One of the best on the road! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By JennMc - December 1 - 10:00 am

  When I originally saw this car, I was in love, but figured the price tag (then was 24k) was beyond what I could afford. So I test drove a couple Nissans, a Honda, and a Liberty. I came back and boy, am I ever glad! This car is adorable, and everyone remarks about it. The two sunroofs are conversation starters thats for sure! There werent a lot of them driving along around here but Ive noticed more and more of them this year. I guess everyones catching on that Isuzu builds a neat little SUV thats dependable and reliable, heck, then even give you a great waranty to back it up!

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  Great 4X4 SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sam Krugolets - November 25 - 4:43 am

  My wife drives this great 1997 SUV, and let me tell you, she will not buy another SUV. I offered her to go look at another, but she tells me, "This SUV got her home in Snow Storms and other bad weather". Very reliable truck!!! Thanks ISUZU!

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  Fantastic - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By StaceL - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Axiom. I have made 4 trips from Florida to Texas and back with mine and it has been wonderful. It is so comfy and fun to drive, that the 16 hours fly by. I would recommend this car to young people that are not ready for the monster size SUV just yet.