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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  Power and Handling are Great - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By MidwesternBill - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power and great handling. Outperforms the other small/midsize suvs I drove. Youll like this if you want more of a rugged truck feel, yet the handling and cornering are tight. Very stable on turns. Doesnt feel like a sedan. If you want that buy a Buick Rendevous (poor handling and a dog). A tip if you think the styling is a bit unusual: add a roof rack, rear spoiler (wing) and running boards. Looks awesome. Surf the web for the rear wing. Mine is all black--looks great with the chrome trim! Next thing I might add are chrome wheels--wow!

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  The Best SUV Out There - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By mesnsbs - March 12 - 10:00 am

  After testing different SUV, me & my husband decided to get the Acura MDX. One day we road past a Isuzu dealership & saw a new SUV. We made a u-turn to go back to see what it was & fell in love with the Ascender. After test driving it we knew we found what we were looking for, especially the price.

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  Ive had no problems - it turns heads - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Mpfeltr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  It always seems funny to me where reviews come from. Every veh Ive seemed to own doesnt make it what Reviews state as top 10. Perhaps I like to be different. Anyway pricewise my axiom is middle of the road. Appeal wise it turns head, and for me Im glad it not a clone seen everywhere. Ive had not a single problem with it and I now have 20K on it. My gas mileage hovers around 19mpg c/h and Im a lead foot. Rebadged Rodeo.. not!

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  9 yrs old, 154K and still running strong - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lynn3765 - February 25 - 9:52 am

  Bought this in 2002 after reading many reviews and talking to a few different owners. Ive had this vehicle for 9 years and other than normal wear and tear repairs, have not had any issues. I am still getting 23 mpg on the highway; about 19 city. As long as the routine maintenance is kept up, this vehicle has been a gem.

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  12 Years and 124,000 miles later - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By markumz - February 20 - 11:04 am

  This is a truck & is built like all trucks should be. Used for work commute & as a family vehicle. Past problems/repairs: Both front pass windows came off track (tried to put them down while frozen). AC leak in 2000. 2 cd players in 2001. Life Maintenance: Oil change every 10,000 miles or so. 4 Batteries, 4 sets tires, 2 exhaust systems from the cat on back. 4 maybe 5 sets brake pads. timing belt @ 75k as recommended. Big repair$: 2011- Alternator, 4 rotors, pads & 2 rear calipers. Never touched: motor, AT, Driveline components, susp/steer comp, plugs, wires, cooling, ps system, electrical, body hdwe.

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  Our First Isuzu SUV - 2007 Isuzu Ascender
  By Heidarella - February 12 - 7:23 am

  Being used to a big Dodge I was skeptical to purchase a smaller vehicle. Surprisingly the interior feels roomy with pretty good leg room. Fits my family and animals well. Handles wonderful in the snow and the ride is quite comfortable. I travel to CT a lot and this SUV is more than satisfactory in comfort for the long trips. I love the turning radius when parking especially in Boston. The engine has pretty good zip as I waited for a "Lag" when going up hills, but that never happened. The pick up was right on and the full frame gives the feeling of sturdiness. With all the outside recreational activities this SUV has supported us well!

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  Dont hesitate to buy! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Debi - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I thought I was going to buy a Volvo wagon until I saw the Axiom! There is no comparison once you consider features, specifications, warranty, and price. Im a small person (52"), and Ive never had a car that fits me better. My husband (66")is very comfortable in my Axiom. I have almost 9,000 miles on it, and I havent had one problem. I did the mfgrs. suggested 7500 mile maintenance, and everything checked out great. The cost was reasonable for the service as well. I usually have buyers remorse over major buying decisions, but not this time. Dont be afraid of this car... it is a tremendous value, and a really fun and functional family car.

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  My 2000 Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Peter Kumble - January 27 - 7:23 am

  This is my second Trooper - bought it new in 2000, replaced my 1991. Huge improvement. I really wish that Isuzu was still in the auto business and made these because I have no idea what I will replace it with. I have used this vehicle in every way possible. My one complaint is that the motor uses oil, has since new.

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  Like brand new - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tommy C - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have used this vehicle for the last 3 1/2 years for my sales calls. It has performed flawlessly. Ive changed the oil every 3000 miles, added gas and tires when needed and finally put on a set of brakes at 132,000 miles. I just got it back from the mechanic for some routine maintenance and the only thing he changed was the serpentine belt, the original were still in great shape. See if your Doctor tells you that on your next checkup.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rabid_girl - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is a 99 with almost 100,000 miles and not a lick of trouble yet. It rides well, has excellent pickup (I love stomping on the gas and passing at 85), and I get 20 miles per gallon with the V-6. It was unbeatable for the price. Im gonna drive this car until the wheels fall off.