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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  my redeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By harleygirl - May 26 - 10:00 am

  After test driving all the other suv there really was no difference in them except for the price and the warranty. The other mauf. should take lesson in standing behind there products like Isuzu offers. Maybe then the dealers would not have to pressure people into buying. There was no pressure from my dealer at all.

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  I love this SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mztalker19 - May 19 - 4:33 am

  I have a family of five now and we need a van. I am going to hate to see my truck go. It has been so good to me. I have made multiple trips to Missouri from Michigan in this truck. I have not had any problems with this truck. Helpful reminders is to make sure you tighten the gas cap past three clicks and keep oil in it is about all. I have noticed that the oil tends to burn a little quicker than other vehicles BUT it doesnt leak it. Has never been a big deal. I am VERY impressed with this truck and whomever buys it from me is going to be happy! Good luck, you wont regret it.

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  not bad - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By FRUITYPEBBLES - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The rodeo sport is nice. In winter conditions and mud it is great to have 4WD. It looks nice and the stereo system is awesome. My dog actually loves to ride in it. He likes all the windows to look out. Plus the cargo area is big enough to haul his kennel. On long road trip it could be a little more comfortable. Need lumbar support.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Bimmer-7 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does what we wanted it to (handle snow and ice) better than any other weve owned. Its like a mountain goat.

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  good - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James T Prescott - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable vehicle

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  Good Choice - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Endewardt - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Axiom w/h mixed feelings. There are a lot of choices in this Price range. I liked the looks and styling. I do not regret buying this car. Its a lot of fun to drive and it moves - quick - . My friend bought a Ford Explorer at the same time and has been back for repairs twice already. Yes, It was a good choice. I am still having fun driving it.

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  nothing to complain about - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By JayDLaw - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I only had my Axiom 1 week. It has been great! The interior give the vehicle a luxorious feel. The steering, and excelleration is great. Both my father and sister own Blazers and they love my Axiom. gas milage is not a concern considering that it is an SUV, you want better milage buy a civic. Everyone complements me on my purchase. Accellerates and turns much better in sport suspension mode.

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  Safety - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By BISBISS - May 13 - 12:36 am

  I was rear-ended; I was at a stand still and was hit from behind at about 70 miles per hour. My Axiom was thrown into the guardrail at a great rate of impact. I walked away. There is nothing left of my SUV except an untouched driver and passenger seat. Way to go on safety. The fireman told me he had seen three Axioms involved in bad accidents like mine and the drivers all lived.

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  Never will I buy another isuzu - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By NeverAgainIsuzu - May 9 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a death trap. I am convinced that one day it will get me into an accident. Trying to stop my 2002 Isuzu Axiom is like trying to stop a freight train. The "abs" kicks in on dry pavement. The vehicle continues to move an extra 3 to 5 terrifying feet when stopping on on dry pavement with the brakes fully engaged from a speed of no more than 20 mph, and of course the "abs" kicks in for no apparent reason. Three attempts to contact dealers have been to no avail ... what can the dealer do ? ... this appears to be a mechanical flaw with the suv ... Japanese engineering at its WORST.

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  Just what I wanted - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooper Fans - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Trooper for its TOD, Size and most of all, the fact that it really was a truck under the Sport Utility skin. My wife and I love this car much more than the 1990 Jeep Cherokee it replaced (200k on that one). We plan on keeping this one just as long.