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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  Best deal in the large SUV market! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By sanabu - December 17 - 1:16 am

  I just picked up my 2005 Isuzu Ascender Limited. It is a real joy to drive. It is a very smooth drive and highly comfortable when you have a family of four. The best part of this giant SUV is the price. It is GMC made. It is actually the GMC Envoy minus 8,000 dollars. It is very pretty car. I get a lot compliments on its looks.

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  Different but great - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By SUVBOY - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I liked the fact that the Axiom was different. The roof rack installed improved the look dramatically. This is my second Axiom. First was bought a year ago and stolen. The gray leather with black exterior is a big improvement. Engine performs well. Fuel mileage is only ok though. Considering the deals available. The Axiom is a great value for the money. I think Isuzu builds a pretty good vehicle overall. My previous vehicle was a Nissan Pathfinder which had many major problems after 30,000 miles.

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  *warning* Blown Crank Shaft in Engine - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoveMyRodeo - November 26 - 3:23 pm

  My rodeo never could keep oil in engine. Did not leak on driveway and even tho routine oil changes were performed, the engine light did NOT come on to warn about low oil in between routine changes. Crank shaft in engine blew and beautiful well built vehicle dead. Would have kept this truck forever, but ended up being a nightmare to own.

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  gas guzzzzzler - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By hmmm - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is smooth and quiet. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room. I noticed the bouncy ride on rough pavement. Very bad on gas mileage. I would recommend the Rodeo if gas mileage is no concern!!

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  To new to know long time - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By rtaft - November 22 - 10:00 am

  My first impressions are strong. I do about 50/50 miles on the highway and local driving. The sport suspension and power switch allows me to get on the highway,as fast as my Chyrsler 300m. The looks are unique... So far so good..I like it R taft South Florida

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  2003 Envoy Limited - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By mark076 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Was Looking for a GMC Envoy but the Isuzu had a much better exterior kit on it.

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  Never had a Problem - 2000 Isuzu Hombre
  By 4Pawz - November 16 - 12:16 pm

  This was my first car (well, truck). I have never had any major repairs (knock on wood!!). MPG average for my truck (mixture of city and highway) is 21!! I frequent trips from MA to NY and NH and have never broken down. I bought the truck from a private party, and older man, who had crashed it once and had the front right end reconstructed, I have never had any problems with that. I also bought it with a cap, which I highly recommend if you put luggage in there (moving back and forth from college didnt get it wet), or if you bring your dog along (I prefer my dog in the front seat if space allows), or if people think your truck bed is a trash barrel (thats aggravating)!!

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  Does What I want - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By glen allen - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Rodeo because my 2WD Ranger liked to bury itself in boat launches. Pros: Great job in snow up to about 36". Great on icy roads. Does a good job of hauling the boat and is adequate with a 6x12 Uhaul. Good cargo and passenger capacity. Excellent visibility. Does very well off road. Has been very reliable for 50k miles. Both dealers Ive dealt with have been good. Cons: Had the ABS problem at 45k miles. Seating is uncomfortable on long drives.

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  Fun - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By JerryB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great fun to drive, peppy and looks great. The front seats are too short (not adequate lower thigh support)for comfortable long distance driving. But most of our day-to-day driving is local so this is not an issue. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for reliable, fun, good- looking transportation. We camp and it hauls a ton (not literally) of stuff and drives well on desert and mountain roads.

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  Ascender review - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bkel - September 25 - 4:06 am

  Drives well. Lots of fun. Seems to be an electrical issue with lights dimming at random. Also, the check engine light comes on periodically. Already had battery replaced and light still coming on! Hope this doesnt turn into 7 trips to the dealership like the other review. The paint on the radio controls coming off. This is my first Isuzu and Im still kinda on the fence whether Ill purchase another one.