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 2002 Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Bill McKinney - May 24 - 2:16 pm

  Car has been very reliable and is eye-catching in appearance. I still get people asking me, even after 5 years old and 3 years since last Axiom was made, what kind of car it is and where can they look at a new one. The styling obviously made it impossible to put in a third row seat but have to say that I have never needed to carry more than 5 people and sometimes go for months with the rear seats folded down. Its been a great car and although I plan on my next purchase being a sedan, I will keep the Axiom.

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  Got SUV, have snow, will ski ! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Beta Carver - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this SUV for a year now and I only have good things to say about it. 4WD worked well during blizzard conditions in Vermont. Suspension control is excellent when you toggle on- the-fly between sport and normal mode to adjust to road conditions (highways and dirt roads or potholes). Power button worked well in crazy North Jersey traffic. Length is short enough for getting into tight parking spots in NYC. One final note: if you drive SUVs like trucks (not like sports cars), they are very safe.

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  Ive owned a 87, 94 & 02 Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By jim - May 2 - 4:03 pm

  Absolutely the best in harsh driving conditions; the 02 is tops for driving out on the beach with no bogging down or a hint like its struggling. You would be surprised how much room you have for big bulky items in the back. My 02 came with regular passenger tires for a more comfortable ride to my dismay but they worked in the sand.

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  Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mark Rockman - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The rodeo is a very reliable truck. It is simple to go into 4 wheel drive and has minimal maintenance problems. It is great off road as well as handling on the open road. I love it..

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  Best Looking SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Marcellus - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Axiom. I love the uniqueness of the car, its not too big over the top look, its out of the box design thats not just a aquare or retangle box on wheels and its bold in your face,very different front fascia. Its a minivan for people who dont want to be seen in a minivan but rather an SUV. Its just a "cute" vehicle thats different from the standard square boxes out there.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Wolf83 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  One of the bet SUVs Ive ever driven. Awesome Power, needed a little more interior refiniement but overall a great vehicle. Has great offroad capability. Helps to have Spare on the hatch. I love this SUV.

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  Ahead of its time. - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By mnoland - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving the VX. The handling is great on road as well as off. In town, I have learned to realy on my side mirrors more than the center rear view because of the lower visibilty. I did instal an aftermarket air filter by Calmini which increased the power and gas mileage and would advise anyone else to add it on. The overall feel is like having a car built around your favorite, most comfortable chair.

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  Stylish fun - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By administrator - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Love it! Fun vehicle to drive and has a smooth comfortable feel over bumpy roads. The interior is very spacious, one doesnt feel "close in", that is, the driver does not "fit like a glove" in the driver seat...its not a sports car...its a SUV.

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  Cool look - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By fivekids - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Ascender, instead of an Envoy, it was much cheaper. Pros- love the Fake wood! My extended package S is all I need. My kids love it! Tons of power, quick little thing for a big car. Great for highways. Cons- Switches for heat are a little loose, however, and I had to get a new starter right away.

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  This vehicla is great. - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By pleasure_bunny20 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my trooper for a little over a year. It is such a great SUV. I looked at others like the ford explorer but I found that they where very small inside. No leg room for the poeple in the back. The Trooper on the other hand, is very spacy. Its wonderful. I have 20" wheels and 8 1/2" tires and I have found that it drives so smooth. It doesnt even feel like and SUV.