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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  my first new car/suv - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By carlessman - May 14 - 10:00 am

  this Rodeo is so cool i can buy it again tommorrow

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  Mixed Emotions.... - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By brantm21 - May 6 - 10:12 pm

  Had this car for a family vehicle. It was reliable, yes. And it was comfortable, yes. Its hard to put into words but it was just awkward to drive. I did like the ability to stiffen the suspension but it still handled horribly. I loved the interior personally. The sunroof was a nice touch. Never had a problem with it mechanically. Drove it probably 15k Highway miles all over this beautiful USA country.

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  Satisfied - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ccarnes - April 27 - 2:03 am

  I have put 50K hard miles on my Rodeo in less than 3 yrs. bringing the total miles upto 160,000.Twice a week I drive 130 miles over three different high elevation mountain passes.I have always felt safe and never gotten stuck.I have made a few minor repairs(brake pads twice, alternator,EGR,fuel pump and I had to disconnect the horn ) and now it appears that the computer may be going out.Sometimes it dies immediately after starting up, idles roughly, & there is a minor delay in the acceleration.The Check Engine light comes on, but it will not give the code reader a code.This sucks, but I am more than happy to put in the time and $ to fix it.

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  2nd look - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Joe Walsh - April 24 - 8:56 am

  Just completed a trip to Denver, CO with 3800 lbs. of loaded trailer this past March. While going North on I 15 and onto I 70 East, we had a good winter storm. Lots of road ice, and at first, heavy wet snow which turned into the "freezing" kind. Was not sure if I could make it over Vail summit given the 2" to 5" ice and pack snow and the blinding, wind driven heavy snow. Did I mention heavy snow? Well, not only did we make it (4WD; did not spin a tire). At one time, we slowed to just under 25 mph. due to stalled traffic (dumb drivers); even at that speed we had lots of traction which is a good thing! On this part of the trip at 60-65 (loaded trailer) we averaged 15 mpg. Return home averaged 19.7 at 75.

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  Personal Expereince w. 2000 Isuzu. - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rwolfhaus - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall pleased w/vechicle. Problems with transmission module and wiper modulation problem. Corrected under warranty. Unfortunately there was a wiring short somewhere passed the distributor that immediately stranded the unit. If on a major interstate it would have been a real safety issue. 5 year free towing got it to the dealer where repair bill was $600 - just out of warranty. Good national customer service. Local dealer service leaves something to be desired.

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  2001 Used LSE - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DMC VA - April 11 - 2:00 am

  We have had good luck with Isuzu trucks in the past 10 years, including 92 Rodeo, 95 Trooper LTD and our current fleet -- 98 Rodeo S (work truck) and my 01 Rodeo LSE. The 01 LSE is by far the best of the lot, with improvements at every level above the earlier models. This is a solid midsized SUV for the pricepoint.

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  Jimmy goes Isuzu - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Luv2Go - April 7 - 5:40 am

  I enjoy the Isuzu Ascender, its a nicely designed vehicle which has a great turning radius for an SUV. The driving performance is smooth and acceleration transitions nicely. Its competitor, the Envoy, has better standard features and doesnt skimp on basic items as a resume button for cruise control. The Ascender is great for a small family of 4 taking a trip. Rear cargo is adequate for big suitcases.

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  Best Value & Warranty - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TampaMike - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Rodeo. Lease ended on my 98 LS, and I went shopping. Everything I liked as much or more than the Rodeo cost 10K more, comparably equipped to the LSE. My 98 LS had several recalls and bugs, but they seem to be addressed in the 02 model. I decided to purchase the 02 LSE for less cost than my 98 LS.

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  Excellent SUV on and off road - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By winniemt - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  This SUV has been fantastic. It drives like a truck on the highway, but off-road, its phenomenal. Took it up a narrow, rocky, rutted pass over the Brider Mountains in Montana just for fun. It must be called Ascender because it can - ascend, that is. Went straight up the mountain like it was nothing! Beautiful and comfortable, too. Perfect for Montana winters.

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  Salex - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By stephanie4au - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great suv for an affordable price. Drives and handles well with room for everything. This should become a popular choice over the GMC envoy or Chevy trailblazer.