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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  Good Value - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By henry - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great little SUV. Lots of power and best value for the money. No need to spend $30K+ for an SUV when you can buy a Rodeo. This is my third Isuzu. My 1988 Trooper had over 212000 miles when I sold it. My 1993 Rodeo has 114,000 miles and I still love it.

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  Good fun vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Egalmag - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Never had to have it back to the dealer, it is still fun to drive.

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  Axiom - good SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By wrpupkis - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Axiom 15 months ago and have driven it 28K+ miles. Good decision; vehicle has been reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. Last week we got over 2 feet of snow, my wife had to go to work so I had her drive the Axiom. Her comment was that it handled as good if not better than her 1997 Jeep Cherokee Grand Larado she purchased new and drove for four years, which is huge because I too liked the way that vehicle handled in bad weather. Ive had good gas mileage for an SUV, it handles well on the open as well as back roads, and it is a handsome looking vehicle.

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  What Happened to the Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Chris Holko - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I cannot believe they do not make this vehicle anymore. Although it couldnt compete with vehicles in its class due to not having the optional third seat or V-8 engine, it blows away all domestic vehicles in its class. If anything Isuzu should have rengineered the trooper and discontinued the rodeo. I purchased the Trooper for $100 over the cost of the redeo and it was the best decision I made with cars. Who can beat a full size SUV for $23k with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty.

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  Underrated and Awesome - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Anfieldman - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I really lucked out and bought a 2002 XS model brand new with 70 miles on it in Feb. of 2003 for $23,900. What a great deal. My only complaint about the vehicle is that the tires it comes with are complete crap. Ive already had to replace one of them because of rip in the sidewall. Isuzu should look elsewhere to provide the tires.

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  Best SUV around - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Skinny - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 2 Troopers and loved them both. Large size SUV interior without taking up 3 parking spots. Very reliable. You cant find a better SUV for the price.

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  Awesome vehicle! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Tommyboyswife - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Our family purchased one of these (Axiom) last year and we love it! Beautiful and fun!

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  Best Isuzu yet - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tdorsey - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Trooper LS and an Axiom LS and this one is the best Isuzu of the three. The ride, and ease of driving make it a pleasure. The seats are more comfortable than the others and the road and wind noise are lots less. With the warranty and the price, why would you buy GM

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  Great fun reliable vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Loved it!!! - August 11 - 5:20 pm

  I loved this SUV. NEVER once failed me. There was only one problem with it that had something to do with the axles but the mechanics could never figure it out. Even the small things that couldnt be fixed, it never failed to start up and drive anywhere. I could tell it was starting to die though, at only 93000 miles. It didnt have much longer to go. It was very well taken care of, i just dont believe theyre meant to last very long.

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  Excellent - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By ricrado - August 3 - 3:20 am

  I am 56" and 167 lb for me this is the best car ever, the only thing I dont like too much is that jumps to much when go in to a bump or something like it. I make a trip of 210 miles and I only use 13 gallons of gas = 21 mpg hwy city 16