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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  We love it! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Caryn - July 26 - 10:00 am

  We just got the LS with the optional V8. Its so great to get an Isuzu with so many fun American car features. We love the controls on the steering wheel. The V8 is very responsive and peppy. We havent towed with it yet, but Im looking forward to trying it. Weve driven just about everything else out there and nothing seems to compare for the money.

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  Beats any high priced GM/Ford - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By isuzuV64x4 - July 16 - 6:56 am

  I have owned several SUVs in the past and this is the first one that did not cost me an arm and a leg to purchase or maintain. The GMC Envoy I bought for my wife ended up costing me an extra $900 6 months later when a rock hit her headlamp assembly and broke it. The headlamp assembly alone was $900 to replace! GM has officially priced themselves out of my market. Cost of ownership on the Rodeo is very low. As long as the oil is changed and manufacturers suggested maintenance is followed, this SUV will last for many years. The tailgates sideways opening is a little awkward in tight spots, but functional nonetheless. I could not be happier with the drive and overall operation.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vantas - July 12 - 10:00 am

  All around great vehicle. Beautiful interior, no hassle pricing, great warranty, plenty of room, plenty of power...

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  Trooper S model 2000 - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By jeepinarmyman - June 24 - 3:23 pm

  I bought the bottom of the line base model with no options. I am very impressed with the ride quality, interior comfort, standard features and interior capacity. I have towed a trailer reaching the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle 300 miles on a hot Texas day including about an hour of stop and go traffic in Dallas and had no difficulties what so ever. Off pavement driving requires more firm, other than factory shocks. 235/85R16 oversized tires fit with no modifications and no negative effects on drive quality of fuel economy. One negative is that only one company (ARB) supports the vehicle as far as aftermarket parts are concerned. Overall I am very satisfied.

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  best in class - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By xman - June 24 - 2:00 am

  big and classy, very comfortable ride,great warranty, would buy another one if they still make it.

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  I Love my Amigo! - 2000 Isuzu Amigo
  By DMS329 - June 20 - 10:33 pm

  For a small 6-cyl SUV, it really cranks it up when I need to merge onto the interstate and handles great when I need to take evasive measures to avoid someone not looking when they are changing lanes. These Amigos were built to last since they were originally built for off-roading. I closed up the back seats so I can haul my dogs around to agility trials; I can get two 300 airline crates in it and stack everything else on top of the crates.

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  Still love my Ascender after 5 years! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By FLAscenderDriver - June 18 - 10:23 pm

  After 5 years and nearly 60K miles, I still love my Ascender. It looks good, tracks well, doesnt slide around on wet roads, is comfortable, and has plenty of power when needed for towing a trailer or just passing other vehicles. I love the Bose system stereo and 6 disc changer, the woodgrain dash and steering wheel, leather interior, and especially the dual seat heaters on colder evenings! Its been a reliable vehicle with only general maintenance/tire upkeep, and had to replace the shocks this Spring. Well made and comfy, just wish it got better mpg when gas was so pricey.

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  Not a beer can - 2008 Isuzu Ascender
  By donna steele - June 15 - 10:30 pm

  Just totaled an Equinox which folded up like a beer can at less than 30 mph with both air bags deploying even though I was alone in the car. The Ascender has a heavy frame, my husband crawled under it to check it out. It is quiet, very comfortable and has all the bells and whistles I love,as a spoiled woman including heated leather dual 6 way power seats and moon roof. My gas mileage so far has exceeded my expectations at 17 around town. Im very pleased with my "new" used car ( it had 4800 miles on it)and the price I paid for it. I also feel safer with automatic on/off front air bags and side air bags.

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  This is a great vehicle!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By TatMan1973 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love at first sight! Test drove everything from a 2002 Trooper, to a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with all the trimmings and nothing matched the comfort, ride, experince, or value of the Axiom! Very nice... No problems besides it was used!

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  Better than you think - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dp - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Forget the biased Edmunds review...this car outperforms its peer group in almost all classes. The ride is comfortable and peppy with great all weather performance. Build quality is excellent with no problems after 15k ahrd miles. Looks are love/hate but if you love this is the one!