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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By surf23 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I received my 2001 black Trooper for my birthday in September. Going from a car to the Trooper was the best decision. It travels long distances well and puts my parents at ease when I make trips to and from college. For outdoor lovers, it accomodates for many activities. I can fit 3 or 4 surfboards easily in the back.

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  Good value for price - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RLM - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Good performance, fair fuel economy, fair turning radius, nice with leather, wood trim, sunroof, Premium sound. 5 speed makes it a fun SUV to drive.

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  GREAT SUV!!!! - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By smiley - February 13 - 10:00 am

  great sporty suv, fun to drive, no problems well built

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  Wonderful, Very Underrated Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By R. OD - February 4 - 1:56 am

  Ive been driving 26 years and this is by far the finest vehicle I have ever owned. The emphasis on quality overcost savings is readily apparent. Its been coast to coast twice and to Alaska once. Even at 97,000 miles ithasnt hiccuped even once. It drives and rides smoother than many cars Ive owned. It hasnt developed any squeaks or rattles at all. The engine is smooth quiet and powerful, the transmission is equally impressive. The four wheel ventilated disc brakesare phenomenal.

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  Axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By bill1446 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great power smooth ride in either mode, easy to drive and see out of. Controls are very easily accesed. Great looking SUV

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  Isuzu is the best truck made, Texas - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By InfamousKato - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why you have to drive a big truck in TX when the best truvk made is the Trooper. I had already pulled a high-centered Dodge out of the mud....what else do you want?

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  Not that great - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gad1 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Paid 23K with leather, 2WD. I bought this SUV because I liked the looks and style. But after 3 years, I am sick of the noisy, bouncy ride. Brakes constantly squeal. Steering wheel constanly shakes despite new tires. I Like the room with the rear seat folded, great for trips to Home Depot for Fence/deck lumber. Overall, no major mechanical problems, just toons of squeeks, road noise, and crapy handling. I will NEVER buy a second one...

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  poor quality, not worth the money! - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By scott kelso - January 21 - 1:26 am

  I have only had my Ascender for 4 months now and I have been back to the dealership 6 times. Driving lamps 3 times, rear seatbelt 3 times, transmission 4 times and body molding 2 times. Transmission shifts hard on long trips. Driving lights keep fogging up. The front bumper moves up and down while driving. Center console wiggles by just putting your arm on it.

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  Isuzu Rodeo Sport - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By jennifer faulknor - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a great car, it is very reliable and has a lot of power.

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  Ole Reliable? Well See. - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Charbojr - January 15 - 10:00 am

  3000 miles and overall I like this truck. It looks great and handles well. Has more power than my 99 Saab 9-5SE. Its perfect for the foul weather here in NE. Has had some strange quirks but its an Isuzu not a Land Rover. Plus a warranty youll love to love.