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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  Many problems to follow my purchase - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By amber - April 22 - 10:33 pm

  The day after I purchased this SUV at 63,000 I was replacing parts. That should have been my warning, but I really liked my Isuzu. The truck has a lot of problems that maybe a handy person can fix themselves with the help of a junk yard. I have had to replace problems including both catalytic converter$, oxygen sensor, tires, brakes and rotors, cv boots, the windows dont roll up and or down, Ac, gas gauge fluctuates on a full tank will blink as if on empty and out, power steering pump broke, burns excessive oil, horrible on gas, keyless entry had to be replaced, and heat shield had to be removed. I have owned my truck for a few years, now at 126,000 mi.

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  Very Unique - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By JohnnyLunchBox - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have 1600 miles already, a few problems. Squeaky rear suspension, blower motor needs replacing, stock tires are terrible. Well engineered and build quality is OK, but not as good as my Nissan Frontier that it has replaced. The transmission works well, and towing ability has been excellent. Despite the minor problems I still love my Axiom!!! I use it as a weekend vehicle and look forward to driving it.

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  like the energizer bunny - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By vpm24 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My car seems to be a disaster magnet- people hit it, bump it, scratch it, a car I was parked next to even caught on fire and melted half of my Rodeo. No matter what happens, I get in the the car and it starts right up, quietly, every day. Even with 111000mi, the only thing I have had to replace was a $17 pulley!

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By rd - April 20 - 12:23 am

  Purchased new with Performance/Luxury pkg. Its been great. Very good legroom in back seat. Reliability has been excellent. Changed front differential fluid today, wear was as expected, no problems. Interior design is simple, still looks good, not real dated. Oil use is not too bad, but some gone at each oil change. TOD works well.

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  Underwhelmed by internet reviewers - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Jake4551 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  The big problem with this vehicle is some of the ridiculous reviewers comments throughtout the internet. Do yourself a favor checkout, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Fourwheeler magazine, or their respective dotcom sites for a true review. Purchased this vehicle because I wanted a crossover, but I wanted a truck frame like my previous 2000 Grand Cherokee. Loved the styling, the interior, biggest complaint, drivers seat doesnt slide back enough, power seats should be six way not four way. Ride is no more rough in sport mode than my Grand Cherokee. Compared this to Durango, ugly front end, horrible gas mileage, 14 on the highway,and an Envoy,uninspired

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  Great for what it is and price - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By reconjack101 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I did not need avehicle for off road so I got 2 WD. I did not need room for extra passengers. In fact I took the back seat out and cut out plywood to fit and put carpet over it. If you need to use the back seat it night be ok for kids but not adults. Too hard to get in and out of. But it was just what I wanted and needed. But I would say there are not many people would use it like me. Its not a family vehicle.

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  Great SUV for the price - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo driver - April 2 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased LS 4X4 new, in 1999. With just over 90,000 miles, it continues to look great and run well. Some of the paint has been "dinged" by off road work. Ive been pretty fanatical about keeping a good wax coat on it. Nothing unusual - normal wear items replaced (brakes, tires, shocks, battery). Because the dealer has an excellent reputation, there are many of these running around town and most drivers say they are happy. Gets about 15mg in town, 21-22 on highway. If one really needs an SUV, this is a good deal, given low resale price compared to 4Runner and others.

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  had my axiom for 5 years - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Trish - April 1 - 1:30 pm

  One thing that I loved about the axiom was the outside design. But dont let that fool you. I have had nothing but troubles with this SUV from the transmission, to the electrical, and the list continues. I am very disappointed in Isuzu and will never by one again. Plus on top of all the problems the parts are hard to find and real expensive. To make matter worst this car bounces like crazy no matter what Ive done. Buyer beware!

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  1999 Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jim in Georgia - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car. Good power. Fair Gas mileage. Fuel pump and ABS replaced. Was a little stressful having them go bad, but the dealer replaced them without any questions. 2nd fuel pump making the same noise as the first one. Good dealer support.

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  great trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By riles - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Not enough cup holders and low gas mileage but tows great, off roads great, and packs a ton. I would recommend.