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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  Gas in city - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Me - November 1 - 12:40 pm

  The only operational problem I have had with this vehicle is the transmission. It was covered under warranty since it was only three months old. I believe since then Isuzu has corrected the transmission problems on other 2003 models.

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  LENS Review - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Ach - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have oewned a number of Isuzus and i cannot say enough about their reliability. Their looks are so-so but their engineering is superior.

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  solid truck- meant to work - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By zoomer - October 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a very comfortable solid truck. the 4wd system is sophisticated, easy to use, and very effective. the interior is spacious, the ride surprisingly comfortable, and the quality of fit/finish is typically japanese. the engine is strong although a bit raspy during acceleration, and there is more wind noise than i would like. overall, a solid 8/10 vehicle, and for the price (i bought mine used with 14K miles for 17,250) the value is unbeatable. sure, a honda pilot would be nice, but for twice the money i dont think so!

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  98 Izuzu Rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SharkyTheKid - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a 94 rodeo prior to purchasing this vehicle used in 99. The 94 rodeo had a few mechanical problems and rode somewhat rough. The 98 rodeo has been a very good vehicle, virtually no problems. It rides fairly good for a truck/suv, and has been on many long distance trips (1000+ miles per trip).

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  Love this SUV! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Baluroses - October 27 - 12:13 pm

  I love this SUV. I have previously owned a few others and this would be my favorite of the lot. Its perfect for my life style and *knock on wood* the only issue I have had so far has been with the clutch. It has been very reliable and a good all around vehicle to drive for the past few years.

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  Problems to come - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lisa nichols - October 24 - 10:00 am

  No problems for 2 1/2yrs. In the last six months the fuel gauge has broke, excessive oil burning, shuddering when changing gears, musty air conditioner, rattling back window, bumpy shocks, back speaker broke, seems to be getting louder everyday. I have not had to replace or pay for anything outside of regular maintenance, except recalled items(under warranty). It was great while it lasted but I believe theirs problems coming. Time To Trade at 80,000.

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  fun to drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By bill - October 23 - 7:16 am

  Great power and good handling. Very reliable except that tranny out at 48,000 but is being replaced under warranty. Good amount of storage in back. Heavy sturdy feel but overall mpg suffers from weight and averages about 15. Blows around a bit in the wind.

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  Great Vehicle - So So Company - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS - October 22 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS new in Oct 01. I have had some issues, but nothing too bad. 3150 - Front Axle Shift Motor. 14800 - Left Front ABS Sensor. 65000 - Rear Wiper Motor. 80000 - Fuel Tank Sending Unit. 87000 - #5 Cylinder Gaskets. 95000 - Right Front ABS Sensor. 98600 - Idler pulley 99000 - Cooling fan gear. I have done all the major maintenance, diff fluid changes, bearings packed, timing belt, etc. I regret having a vehicle that is in warranty, but there is no dealership nearby. Isuzu has been TERRIBLE to deal with with on the Fuel sending unit. They were rude, unrealistic, and changed their story... I would not buy another Izuzu due to that only.

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  Isuzu Rodeo rating - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Raymie - October 19 - 10:00 am

  As a 2nd geneartion buyer of Isuzu, I am very satisfied with this vehicle. Isuzus are low maintenance and I will buy a 3rd one. Other well known companies use Isuzu trucks and market them as their own. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is the Isuzu Ascender. The Honda Passport is the Isuzu Rodeo. This should tell the sceptics something about the quality.

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  My 2001 Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By alex - September 22 - 6:00 pm

  My second Isuzu, the first being a 1985 Trooper, which I loved. My present 2001 Rodeo, with 39,000 miles has been 100% reliable. In fact, its 6 cylinder engine is absolutely dry, no oil seeps or leaks. I have never owned a vehicle with a dry engine after almost 40,000 miles. I have driven cross country twice and both were good trips. I also drive motorcycles and that is why my mileage is low. I have maintained the vehicle properly and plan to keep it until one of us dies. The 120,000 mile drive train warranty was the first high mileage warranty offered in the USA.