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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  A Very Happy New/Used Owner - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By VAV - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I shopped for over six months, just looking and test-driving various SUVs, in all price ranges. My daughter and I really enjoy this classy and responsive vehicle. Go ahead and buy one. Youll be pleased.

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  What a great SUV - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gabbyu - September 24 - 6:36 pm

  Since I bought this truck in May of 2007 with 182,000 on it, I never had a problem except changing the oxygen sensor which the truck had when I bought it. It has remained very reliable ever since. One complaint though is that the front seats are not that comfortable on a long trip. Will still get another one to keep since they dont make them any longer. A real bargain for a used SUV. Buy one and you will be happy.

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  love it - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By scuba1600 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far, but it is new. Im coming from a Mitsubishi Outlander, so anything probably would be luxury and wonderful to drive compared to the Outlander. Hopefully I get many, many good, comfortable miles from my Ascender. I like the power, soft ride that it gives. Just wish the base model came with cruise control and floor mats, and not having keyless entry in the base model is ridiculous.

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  Great car for the price... - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By WilmaSnickerbocker - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Axiom. I looked at a lot of V4 and V6 SUVs and I got the most for my money with the Axiom. The dealer service has not been as good as when I owned an Infiniti. Dealer service could be improved. But, the car offers a lot of leg room and is overall very, very nice for the money. The cost was a lot less than the Toyota Highlander, but the interior is much roomier and nicer. And, it pulls 4500 lbs which is great if you tow trailers. Gas mileage averages at 15 MPG, which is worse that I expected. I get lots of complements on this car.

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  Love my ZuZu - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Maureen - September 19 - 10:40 am

  I bought my 1999 Isuzu Trooper new in Jan. 2000 and have had no problems what so ever. I love my ZuZu as much as I did when I purchased it. When I decide to purchase a new vehicle I hope to save it for one of my little girls to have as their first vehicle. Both my girls love it so much they refer to it as "their ZuZu" and cry whenever I tease them about selling it!

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  BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By pchamp02 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  My Axiom drives and feels like it should cost thousands more. Before purchasing the Axiom, I test drove several SUVs and the ride and handling I got on the Axiom, was almost equal to my second choice, the Volvo V70, but about $8000.00 less. Of course I have had no problems with it yet, since I havent had it very long, but I will let you know if anything happens.

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  Good so far - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Pitt - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  I bought the Axiom pre-owned and at 73,000+ miles it seems to be a good buy as SUVs go. I havent had any complaints that the factory could have addressed with the exception of the sound system. Getting the base model I didnt expect much but the speakers are pretty dull. I have read reviews about the tires as well and mine looked to be a fresh set, but they do squeal with most maneuvering action that didnt get the squeal from my last car.

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  The highlight of my day! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By swymjym - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Everytime I step into my sporty Axiom I revel in its sheer magnificence. I am proud to be an owner of such a great vehicle. My friends all love the ride it delivers, and it does not fail to turn heads. I cannot understand why Edmunds bashes the Axiom.?.?. The car feels and looks like a luxury vehicle, but costs significantly less. Buy one if you have a chance!!!

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  PERFECT FOR 33000 MILES AND STILL GOING - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By smokeyjoeca - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the trooper because of its size, the lower case transfer for 4wd, and its value. Sticker was $31k; got it for $23,500. Perfect car. Not one single factory repair or defect. Other than routine maintenance, new tires and a battery, the car still looks brand new. The on-the-fly 4wd, and snow handling capabilities of this car are awesome. The 10 year, 120,000 mile powertrain warranty is a big plus. I would recommend this as a used car purchase without reservations. Its a bargain. Isuzu quit making Troopers this year. The Ascender is a re-badged Chevy. I give this car a hearty 9 out of ten rating.

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  Great car! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shayne Brandon - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was wanting to replace my 97 Toyota Camry LS with a similar car. I was looking for comfort and a nice ride. After looking at Honda and Nissan vehicles with a price tag that was way too high, I found the Axiom. Since the Axiom replaced my Camry, I look at it and use it like a car. We have a pickup for most hauling. As a car, its the best Ive ever driven. Spacious, smooth, and quietier than most midsize cars, its a bargain coming in about $5000 less - and its AWD!