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 Except For A Few Issues - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By islndgrl - February 17 - 7:54 pm

  My overall experience with this vehicle was okay. I bought it in 2006 at 46,000 miles. No major problems, had its regular oil changes and tune ups. At about 76,000 plus miles i started to notice stability issues, especially on express ways, it easily tilt in the wind, i thought that it was me but was confirm with other folks driving. At 100,000 plus miles the car making sharp left or right turns, or stopping on ramp or hills in traffic, would just shut off without warning. At 117,000 miles the car was totaled, with my son driving, he was able to walk away from it, i must say looking at the vehicle, you would not have believe that he would. The body on this vehicle is made very well... :)

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  nice suv - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By hoy - February 5 - 3:16 am

  i enjoy driving it and taking freeway turns

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  Keeps on Trucking - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By cstrat - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Reliable workhorse. Adequate power for a truck. Underside mechanicals are well protected from object damage.

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  Isuzu Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Lisag - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had many Isuzu vehicles. I have had the Rodeo for many years. I really like the Axiom...it drives great and looks great!

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  2002 Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By parkstribe - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Second Trooper I have owned. Only complaint is the mysterious "oil usage" that plagues the 3.5L V6 engine. But, 10 yr, 120K mile warranty will take care of it, if necessary.

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  Love my Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Laurie - December 31 - 7:03 am

  Great car. Recently had a brake check at 35,000 miles and the mechanic said they were like new. Had to replace a belt at $65.00. Had a computer problem recently (car didnt know it was cold when starting and the engine would bog). That cost me $500. Other than that the car has been perfect and extremely reliable.

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  OKay - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Okay - December 25 - 2:33 am

  I bought my car just this year it is a rebuilt 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Ls with 64,000 miles, and it is running great few minor problem, and the cruise control does not work but nothing biggy. running great. Love it

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  Great for the Money - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Craig - December 13 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had my Rodeo for about 3 months. No problems at all. It has the Direct Injection, 250-Hp V-6 engine, and it will definitely move. I was astounded by the performance of this engine - especiallly when compared to the [Rodeo} standard V-6. No contest whatsoever. If you get one of these, get the Direct Injection. You wont regret it.

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  Truck based SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Tommy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this for 3 years now and I absolutely love it. In FL we have lots of summer rain storms where having a truck-based SUV comes in handy. It accelerates like no other SUV I have ever driven (Power speed button at your finger tip). The HP is amazing. The removable sunroofs are the best feature. Dont buy a girly car based SUV like a CR-V. Buy an Isuzu Rodeo Sport. I have driven my in laws CR-V several dozen times and it simply does not compare. I have have done nothing but routine maint. in 3 years of ownership.

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  Best value for money in the class - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Kedar - December 11 - 4:03 am

  Smooth, comfortable ride. Third row seat actually usable by adults. Plenty of room. In terms of features available for the price, second to none other in the class of large SUVs.