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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  Great SUV at a Great Price! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mikellanes - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV for about 5 months now... a few minor problems: back lock came un-done had to re-install locking unit. Rides nice, uncomfortable after many hours, runs at 100+ MPH very smoothly for hours on end :)

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  I love my Ascender and Saved a Bunch - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rodney - November 21 - 6:03 pm

  I keep reading the reviews and cant understand why they rate it low. I love the vehicle. It has power and steers fine and is great for hauling stuff around. I really enjoy this vehicle and would really recommend it. I went from a 2001 Honda Passport (AKA Isuzu Rodeo) and was very comfortable with my purchase.

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  Excellent SUV with lots of room - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Akbar - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. I tried out Honda Pilot, Tahoe and found this one to be among the best in its class. The ride is unbelievable, very smooth and yet the engine spits out 275 Hp.

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  super car - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Mikhail - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Nice body. Not a lot of space in the back seat.

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  Fan of Isuzu - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By texasheart - October 25 - 6:22 am

  I bought my 02 Axiom used in 05 with 12K miles on it. She now has 110K miles and is still going strong. She looks cool, is a great road trip car because shes so comfortable and has been completely reliable. I dont take exceptional care of my vehicles, but she keeps on going without any complaints or major issues. Im the type of person who trades up every 3 years, but Ive had this car for 5 and intend to keep her for a long time. My first Isuzu was an Amigo and Id still have it if I didnt let it run out of oil. Oops. My Axiom was the replacement.

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  Excellent Truck - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sniper - October 18 - 7:26 am

  Excellent truck. Bought it in 2001, still running. I spent around $1000 over 8yrs. Highly Recommend. The issues I have with this truck is rough drive compared to the Pathfinder.

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  THE BEST SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By TROOPERMAN - October 16 - 8:40 am

  THE BEST SUV

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  trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By dpgstein - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Good intown & off road use

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  Worth The Price Spent For It - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Alex - October 5 - 2:10 am

  This SUV is great. I love the way it handles, almost like a sports car. Strong yet responsive. To know I have a 4.2 really feels like security. I recommend it to all who do not have a big family; recommend it if youve never had an SUV. Try it and you might buy.

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  Fun Ride - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Elsa - October 2 - 9:46 pm

  We love the car and enjoy the performance and comfort! Looks great and is portable to park!