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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  Still in progress - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By bob - August 20 - 1:50 am

  Bought this Rodeo with 49000 miles on. The first year it was my baby, I loved it. But as time goes on and I learn its soft spots I wonder if I was smart in buying it. Gas gauge never worked right, now not at all. Stalls when trying to start when warmed up. Tried several tuneups to fix. Now am told it might be intake gasket. Very disappointed in quality of drive train makeup. Tuned up but made no difference.

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  sporty fun - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mlk7 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  The Rodeo handles like a truck (go figure!) and is very fun to drive. Safety ratings are above average and repairs have been routine and minimal. The only drawback is the fuel economy... a problem inherent to most affordable SUVs.

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  My view on 2005 Ascender - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Sabryna - August 12 - 4:30 pm

  I feel that overall the suv was a very good price. However I feel that the tires that they have on the Suv really STINK! They dont handle well on wet/snow pavement. If they put a better tires on it then the preformance rating I would give would have been much hire.

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  My Truck - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rebecca - August 11 - 12:06 pm

  I love this truck. I drove from Virginia to California and it was the most comfortable ride I have ever had. Even with towing a U-haul trailer this truck had no problems going up the mountain and was so easy to handle. I am a person who trades vehicles in every 2 years, I believe I will have this truck for a lot longer.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Love My Truck - August 4 - 10:50 pm

  Other than the usual maintenance at 100,000, it has been great! Transmission rebuild at 135000, but no other problems. I really wish that Isuzu was still selling this model here in the US. I would love to have a new one. (After another 100,000!)

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  2003 Isuzu Ascender LS 2WD 5.3 V8 - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By robertabf - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned an Envoy, but was looking for the V8 engine. The GM Envoy/Trailblazer has great front leg room for a tall person, so it had to be either the Envoy or Trailblazer XL models since they are the only ones available with the V8.until I saw the Ascender that is!...WOW It is the only way to get two-tone paint and that really makes it look great. The V8 is very powerful and much more fun to drive than the I6. Very quiet running and the ride is great...Really appreciate the details put into this vehicle. Great stereo and rear air too...I think Isuzu could sell a lot more of these if they were more available.

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  axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By CAROL M - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great value and style

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  Best kept secret - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ridge - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Isuzu is actually my second. I owned a 2000, which I bought used and it was great, however, I wanted to start with a new one. I think its a great vehicle, sure it doesnt have all the bells and whistles that some of the more expensive Suvs have, but just enough for me. It handles well in all conditions, and roomy enough for 5 large people. Of course..the outside design is the best..and in my mind is better than all the other Suvs in that size and price range. Thanks Isuzu..great job

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  do not buy... duplicate - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By c. gRETZKY - July 15 - 2:00 am

  again, the first 3 years... minor problems. new brakes and rotars after 20000mi, new transfer case, broken hood release, and serp belt shortly therafter. at about 50000mi,the enging burned all the oil at about 1000mi. after months of complaints (and gallons of oil) i got a new engine, which leaked all sorts of fluids. got rid of it that week and curse the company since.

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  1999 Original Trooper Owner Review - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By cknott - July 10 - 12:36 am

  We have had no problems with this vehicle and have nearly 45k on the odometer. The vehicle is built solid, has no rattles, has exceptional visibility, enough power, and excellent brakes. The brakes should easily reach over 75k based on an inspection at 40k..Fuel mileage averages 17 mpg. This vehicle can go places in 2wd that most of its competition can only traverse in 4wd.I expect 200k out of this vehicle without any replacement of the powertrain.