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:

• 

  Comme ci, comme ca - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Nicolle - September 23 - 12:23 pm

  I absolutely loved driving this truck because it drove like a car, and drove very smoothly. Super comfortable, great features. But it was a rustbox, I had to get rid of it before it got so bad as to knock the value down too far. The transmission started to slip at approx. 85,000 miles. It was noticeable when going from 1st to 2nd gear - it would hold back, then jump into 2nd. Also from reverse back to 1st. Scared me, didnt want to put a new tranny in. Not much else went wrong with this truck though, it was very reliable and a great size. Awful gas mileage though. Isuzus are cheaply made in the undercarriage, I wouldnt recommend buying one older than a couple years if you live near salt.

• 

  My Review - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By donster - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Every week someone in a parking lot will come up to me and ask me about this car. I used to own Saabs just because they were unique. Now that the family is a little larger, I was looking for an SUV. The Axiom is unique in its styling both inside and out.

• 

  Lemon at Large - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By ccya - September 14 - 12:07 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 160,000 on it. I didnt make it one month before it needed major repairs, I was told it was the transmission, by several different mechanics. Took it to a trasmaission shop they switched out the transmission and $2700 later they took it for a test drive and guess what it was still doing the sam thing. Turned out to be the alternator not the transmission. Havent had it back a week and the muffler dropped on it. Than within one more week the motor starts knocking, not a good sign.

• 

  Rodeo not so nice - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By erb - August 31 - 10:00 am

  The ride is terrible and the transmission too.

• 

  2001 Rodeo LSE - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jody - August 31 - 10:00 am

  The brakes are so noisey when applied...nothing like my Toyota !! AC takes for ever to get cold and rides just like any other SUV loud and bouncy !! 11 k and ready to trade it in...

• 

  Solid SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By who knew - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding SUV that is not run of the mill. Its distinctive looks and strong performance are great. All the options for a final price in the mid 20s after rebate. This includes a 6-CD changer. There is very good reliability and warranty to provide piece of mind.

• 

  2002 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By LarryP - August 26 - 10:00 am

  The trooper has been great. it is my second and the 2000 has a great engine and is very reliable.

• 

  Jeep/SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Oz - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt make up my mind between a Jeep and an SUV, so I got both. The Rodeo Sport Is a great mix between the two. It has the suspension of a jeep with the comfort of an suv. Overall I think its a great buy. Oz

• 

  Beware - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By John - August 25 - 9:30 am

  I bought the Isuzu Trooper because I saw great ratings on Edmunds, but my experience has been poor thus far. I bought at 85K and thank goodness I bought an Eagle extended warranty. In six months I have replaced the starter after sitting in a parking lot for 6 hours waiting to be towed on 4th of July. Then came the alternator and the engine at $3,200 was just replaced under warranty. My mechanic told me although I saw great ratings on Edmunds he has seen nothing but problems over and over again with the ones he serviced. "ENGINES are always a problem with these"...he told me! I still like it, but dont buy one without an extended warranty!

• 

  Should have known better... - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By shumuzu - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought Ascender in Feb.03 & was in the shop by March, and at least 6-8 times since. The a/c odors (could not sit in the car until we blew out the system with all the windows down.) Repaired 10/03,still smells. There are many interior parts inferior in quality. THe gear shifter came off in my hand, stearing wheel whines,plastic compartments wont shut/open properly, the radio/cd player has been replaced 1 time,& parts have again been ordered for a repair.The "old pick-up truck" rusty, screachy sound they cant seem to find. Although anyone riding in or near the car can here us coming!