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:

• 

  I Love My Rodeo! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tatorbird - September 3 - 6:56 pm

  I bought my rodeo new from the dealer in 2001. Although we do not have a dealer in my city anymore, there are dealers in surrounding cities for servicing if I ever needed them. I can say that, at 80,000+ miles, Ive had no problems with my Rodeo. I have followed all the scheduled maintenance (not cheap), but the only thing Ive ever had to replace were the brakes at 4 years and the battery at 5 years. Prior cars were Ford Thunderbird, Ford Taurus, Ford Festiva, and Pontiac Sunbird. I love my Rodeo and highly recommend them.

• 

  Simply the best - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Knight2000 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I own a black 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula and I drive both of these vehicles the same. They are both stylish powerhouses.

• 

  Super Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Quentin Merrill - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Good Vehicle for those that enjoy a combination of style, speed and power.

• 

  Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By tim237 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the SUV

• 

  isuzu axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Larry Butler - August 6 - 10:00 am

  this car is a fun car to drive, not the greatest on gas, Ive had better. The torque on demand has never failed me, I love it, compared to 2 wheel dr, or front wheel drive. The passenger side leaves a little to be desired space wise, but its great for a medium build person. Love the back cargo area, just enough, never not had enough room. I wouldnt trade this car for a Cadillac Escalade, even if you paid me.

• 

  Check Engine Light - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Chelo - August 4 - 11:46 am

  Overall, I adore my Ascender-Limited! Purchased January 2004. She is loaded, drives smooth, exceptional Bose sound system, Onstar - everything I wanted in an SUV. Only one problem; 7 visits to dealer because of the "check engine light". Replaced ignition, cooling fan system, battery replaced and new battery was drained, and only has 16K miles.

• 

  Great value and a true workhorse - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Katmandu-1 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  If you like the GMC Envoy XL or the Chevy Trailblazer EXT then check out the Isuzu. The Isuzu specific version including unique front grill, headlights, bumpers, and fenders. Most of all, we liked paying 4 grand less than for the GMC/Chevy, and getting a better warranty! We wish front seats were not so stiff, but incredible mix of interior features more than makes up for things.

• 

  Great Buy - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Gail ETaylor - August 1 - 7:40 am

  This is my second Asscender. I love them its very dependable I have had this one soon to by 5 years other than regular maintenance only one shop repair has occurred in 5 years. This is the best SUV I have owned. I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Mamas Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Psyclingnut - July 29 - 10:00 am

  One of five dealer closeouts left on the lot, our Rodeo had 11 miles on it, and now has 2,000. GREAT family vehicle! We kayak and bike, so with the roof rack and the tow hitch, we can carry everything when we go on vacation. My wifes Rodeo is the LS with 3.2 V6, auto, Tilt Wheel, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Remote Security Alarm/Door Locks, AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD In-Dash 140 watt stereo with 8 speakers, & 16" 245 tires with sharp looking alloy rims.

• 

  Edmunds research is primitive! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Former Trooper Owner - July 4 - 10:00 am

  A Hot Rod in Wolfs clothing. Smooth awesome power and great handling. Feels like a shot of Nitrous when that dual induction kicks in at 3800 RPM. Drives like a sports car with a total in control feeling all of the time. Just turned 7500 miles and I know the next 112,500 miles of the warranty period will be just as trouble free. It just feels right! Many compliments on the tan cloth interior and the instrumentation is great. I drive in the Sport mode most of the time but the Soft ride on the highway is almost Lincoln like. I ask my Lady Friend if she had anything to add and she said "Just a cool car, thats all."