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:

• 

  My third Isuzu SUV - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ron - May 21 - 7:16 am

  This is my third Isuzu SUV, I have owned 1996 and 1999 Troopers both bought new. Never had a problem with either. But the 1996 trooper only had 195 horsepower, so I thought it was underpowered.The 1999 had better horsepower at 215. The ascender has 275 horses, which is plenty, but I havent had it long enough to tell what the fuel econemy is yet, because I have not had it long enough to take any road trips.But I can say, It handles and rides nicely and looks a lot more expensive.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wanker - May 20 - 5:00 pm

  Bought it new in 1998, on the recommendation of Edmunds.com and have never regretted it. The engine is truly incredible. At 125,000 miles it hasnt leaked oil, lost power or experienced any reduction in the gas mileage. It just keeps going. Like any car, you need to perform regular oil changes, and a 100K mileage service check (e.g., to change timing belt, fuel pump etc.), but Ive experienced no major problems. As a used car purchase, it would make a great beater car for an outdoor enthusiest/college student.

• 

  Why dont they still make them? - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By doug - May 7 - 8:26 am

  This is my third trooper and I will hang on to it as long as I can. Through almost 70,000 miles the one mechanical problem has been a $99 transmission problem, covered under warranty of course! The moonroof is amazing and open in some form or another all the time.

• 

  looks smooth but has bumpy ride - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By shannon - April 11 - 11:03 pm

  The suv looks nice and has a lot of special features other trucks dont have. The leather interior is great as is the CD changer.

• 

  Best Value For Your Money - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Doug K - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Its very unfortunate that Isuzu has discontinued the Trooper. After researching Ford, Chevy and Toyota, the Trooper was hands down the best value for the money. It has more interior room than ALL mid-sized SUVs, and the exterior has a bold, strong stature. The 3.5L 215HP engine has plenty of power, in addition, it has an outstanding reliability record. From the drivers seat, you have a good idea what the road must look like from a big rig... Its outstanding. Theyre still out there, if youre in the market for a new SUV, you still have time to get the best value for your money.

• 

  Trooper Fan - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooper Fan - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a real 4WD and Japanese reliability at a decent price. $19,500 for S Model with 5000 miles on it. Throttle response is great. Pathfinder and 4Runner cant compete at any price. Replace a totalled subaru. Needed more room. Miss my subaru so bought a legacy and now I have both.

• 

  Best buy - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Bill - March 28 - 12:43 pm

  A good vehicle with a bad rep. I dont know why people are ripping on the transmission, which is the same exact transmission that was in the Trooper from 90 to 02 and is also in many GM vehicles. Great engine and serious acceleration. Never left me stranded. Only typical wear and tear in the 5 years Ive had it. Wont sell it because its resale is lower than its actual value.

• 

  axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By TJMAN - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Axiom from Isuzu has a styling that is eye catching and modern. The interior works well however the rear seats needs to becme a little more simplistic to fold down. All in all a great value in 4 x 4s.

• 

  Ohio Axiom Driver - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Oh Axiom Driver - March 19 - 4:56 am

  Overall Ive been happy with my Ax. The ride is bouncy, and I had to replace my factory tires after 20k mile because I almost flipped it on an exit ramp. I put Pirellis on it and wow, what difference. Ive also had in the shop for transmission problems a couple times...oh and now that Ive passed 100k in miles, I burn a quart of oil a week. This is known problem with the vehicle, but no one knows what to do about it.

• 

  Very good after almost 4 years - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By F.N. - February 22 - 1:16 am

  I have to say that after almost 4 years, my Rodeo has held up quite well. True, I havent put but 45k miles on it, but its handled them as well as I could have hoped. I have to admit that I, too, was shocked to find out how badly it depreciated. I dont understand that. It gets decent reviews and reliability ratings so why does it lose so much value? The gas mileage could be a bit better and I have also noticed the spluttering at cold startup but its done that since I bought it so I dont worry about it. Overall, this has been a very comfortable, reliable vehicle. I just wish it was worth a little more now.