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 Find - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By C.P. - November 12 - 10:00 am

  After I had been in an accident that rolled my van, I went looking for a good reliable vehicle with low miles. I found a Rodeo and instantly new this was the vehicle. The ride is great. Being in the south we have some rough roads and big hills. This vehicle is able to navigate the terrain well. It feels very stable on the road. After about 3 months and pushing up the miles I still love the vehicle and have found it only starts to get uncomfortable after riding in it for about 5 hours. As my friends and fam have checked it out they too have found it to be a great vehicle and might be getting one of their own.

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  Great Vehicle - 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By jasik - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is as unique as it is fun to drive. The reliability has been great. This is the only car out there that I can honestly say, successfully blends off road capability with sports car ability.

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  Ill drive it until it dies! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By 4 Dr S 4WD SUV - November 1 - 1:16 pm

  I bought mine used. I needed something for rugged areas & ranch use. It works just fine for town & play too. Lots of room. Takes a licking and never has been a problem. Its durable and reliable - I keep up the routine maintenance. NO PROBLEMS! I go where others do not dare to try. I am really sorry Isuzu does not make this model anymore so I will drive it until either one of us die. I have 85,000 miles on it now and expect another 100,000 based on its performance to date!

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  Erics Opinion - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Kasteer - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 99 Trooper for almost a year now. Its been problem free and very dependable. Ive taken it off- road in the sand at the Outer Banks, NC and its performed well. I truly enjoy my Trooper. Ive recently added a 2inch suspension lift and 32inch tires. It looks, rides and handles much better than stock. It should have come this way from the factory! Its very comfortable.

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  Great Buy - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jgtompkins - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new in 1999 and have not had any problems. Finally replaced the barkes at 103,000 miles. Other than maintence I have had to spend nothing else. I am now selling for a van because we are a growing family. I wish Isuzu made a van. We have owned several Isuzus in the past and they have all been very reliable. I have recommended it to many friends.

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  Great vehicle with a cars drivabilty - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By JARED KEYS - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle already! Wish is were mine. Purchased it for my wife (kid mobile) because it is large and safe on the roads yet has the driving feel of a car. I feel confortable knowing they are safe while I am not with them and if a problem occurs ONSTAR is there to the rescue!

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  one happy girl - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By pickygirl - October 6 - 3:56 am

  I am about as picky a woman as they come and I love everything about my Axiom. The XS model offers just about every option you could think of and more. I love the way it drives and looks. I do not understand why they stopped making them. They look a lot like the BMW SUV...but a lot less in price. If you can find one for sale...buy it...you wont be sorry!

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  never lose in a parking lot - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By circmand - October 2 - 6:46 am

  Awesome vehicle attracts attention from everyone. The lack of space to get in the back seat and the typical bad seat belt retractors, plus poor visibility are the only drawbacks.

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  Ive owned 3 of them - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By leedavidyoung - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Troopers are great. Shocks can be soft. Many owners replace with Rancho 5000 or 9000 which offers a great improvement. Consumer Reports roll-over test was proved to be unrealistic and is simply not true. Resale value is low but expect 200K miles from this vehicle with no major problems.

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  Isuzu Trooper 2002 - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By nick - September 26 - 12:26 pm

  Ive owned my Trooper for over 3 years now, still drives great. Bought it used in January of 2003 and just reached 55,000 miles. No major problems. Only thing Ive replaced are the battery at 50,000 and the tires at 52,500. The only thing I have to watch is the oil level as it occasionally gets low after 4-5 months. Its a great hassle-free SUV to own. Plan on owning it for many more years.