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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  no prolems here - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By k9fto - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I wanted another SUV and looked at a whole lot and decided on the Rodeo. I like the ride and power it has. It is bumpy like a small truck but very robust. I tow trailers with it and have had no problems. It runs flawlessly and looks good.

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  Bottom of the Bunch, But fun!!! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Camraun - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to help move my brother to PA. Granted, the time we moved him was in December with lots of snow. The rodeo performed better than i expected (except for gas mileage). For a car i bought because it was the only one left, i am quite happy with it (so far). I primarily travel in it. so the seats could be more comfortable. They dont do too well on anything over a few hours drive. so far, though, i am satisfied even though ive only driven it about 8 mos because i considered it mainly for traveling. i was going to get rid of it when i purchased it. now i am keeping it.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jp12 - May 7 - 5:30 am

  Our Rodeo has 157,000 on it. Ran the thing all over the east coast.Bought it used with 29,000 on it. The upper spring perches rusted off of the frame rail.Frame still looks good though. Bought some perches from a junk yard down south, they look new. If the weld comes out ok, we will run this vehicle another 157,000. Now only going to be used for new england winters. Does use more oil than it should,we just keep an eye on the level.

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  looks good in crystal blue - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By FCC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our Rodeo Dec. 25, 03 and so far it has been nice to drive. Only use it in city driving so suspension concerns are not an issue. love the look and the ride, interior could use upgrade.

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  I love mine! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By K - April 6 - 9:36 am

  I got this Rodeo after having owned a 93 Rodeo. I am planning on buying another one! I love it, I lived in Ohio and went to college in Tennessee and my Rodeo got me through dozens of long trips over the years and remained solid. I love the toughness of the vehicle and the ability to keep running. I maintained the truck with oil changes, belts, tires, etc. I have had a few minor problems, one fan went out that cost me $200, and I have a small coolant leak right now, but what do you expect at 160k miles! I have put nearly 100k miles on the Rodeo since purchasing it, and feel I have more then got my moneys worth. My husband and I call it "Old Faithful"!

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  Isuzu Axiom SX - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By APK1973 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Good truck. I bought it for work.I put over 75000 miles on it for 2 years. I would give it B- overall rating.

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  Just what the doctor ordered - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By columbia rodeo - March 4 - 6:56 pm

  For me, with a towing package, this is the ideal suv for the money. I dont know where you can find an equal value in todays market. To date, other than oil changes, Ive only replaced the drive belt and tires. This is my 4th Isuzu since the mid 80s, I average about 120k mi/truck between purchases. With routine attention to maintenance theyve all been reliable rides. Like many others on this site I can not understand the low ratings from editors. Id like to see Isuzu revive the Trooper and Rodeo in the US soon.

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  Its really a truck... - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Macario - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its not really built for luxurious SUV driving...its really a better riding truck. Lots of power with the V6 engine and great towing capabilities. Pretty good offroad capabilities for 2WD.

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  Love my 2001 Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Andrew - February 23 - 6:30 am

  This has been a fantastic car. I use the 4WD about 10 times a year still and have not gotten stuck...even through thick beach sand, north ga back trails and 3ft of water. Pretty cool. The car has been extremely reliable and has yet to leave me stranded. My wife loves the seat warmers. I had the brakes checked every tire rotation and finally had to change the front brake pads for the first time at 105,000 miles!!!! Only complaint would be the factoy stereo and gas mileage. 16-17mpgHWY

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  honesty is the best... - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Gancha - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is simple and strait forward. I like the controls that take the mystery out of running a vehicle. Drives well but is a little truck-like in ride. One major problem that took 2 weeks to fix centered around the ABS system. The part was on factory order... The front seats limit the back passengers leg room. Power is weak so get the bigger engine. The front seats need to go back further, so if your over 6 feet tall... Also the steering wheel should be angled higher. Beautiful to look at though. Not a bad price considering the other SUVs on the market.