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:

• 

  100,000 trouble-free miles - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By MTN MBA - January 6 - 8:30 am

  The Trooper continues to be a trooper! Only issue was a bad EGR @ 50k that was not covered under warranty (EGR apparently only to 24K) = $150. Ive continued hard use, with the addition of towing - surprised me with 19-20 mpg in CO mountains with trailer - apparently higher highway speeds are what brings my mileage to 16-17 (75-80 here in AZ). Installed OME 2" lift & it rides like it should now - does not bottom-out with heavy load. Continues to excel on backcountry trails. Interior has held-up well even though Ive used like a pickup (bikes, building materials). Exterior paint excellent with exception of chipping on rear flares near doors. Use of K&N air filter aids pick-up. Overall build quality remains tight/quiet.

• 

  outstanding! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By suziesuzu - January 4 - 3:23 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 90+ thousand miles and no problems except one ... seems a small gasket on the transmission was leaking fluid. No big deal and no damage incurred after driving it for a week before noticing the leak. Fun to drive. Not bad mileage, for an suv and 4wd. Ive had Chevy, Ford, and Chryslers, never go back! Although a bit tight to get in the back seat, very fun to drive in the snow or the twisties on the dry.

• 

  My car rocks - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By g karis - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car for a great price

• 

  2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS - 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By P G Hachey - December 13 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned my V-Cross for about 7 months now, and it is the finest vehicle Ive owned. I bought it with 74000 miles and Ive driven about 5500 miles, enjoying every one of them. It can be high maintenance, only because it is very rare and some parts are hard to find. But the main components mirror the Trooper lineup. The outward appearance in unique and current to todays new model SUVs. Its funny that all of the new models coming out today by other manufacturers have taken the a lot of the V-Cross stylelines and Isuzu came out with this in 1993. Someone had a crystal ball into future SUVs of the 21st century. In addition to owning a unique vehicle, I enjoy the camaraderie with fellow owners.

• 

  You get what you pay for - in a good way - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Cosmo - December 12 - 10:00 am

  True, the storage space is limited and the ride is not as smooth as the Highlander or Endeavor, but the price is much lower, too. My Axiom seems well made, is really fun to drive and I got the XS 4x4 fully loaded (minus the trailer hitch) for under $26K.

• 

  The best suv for the money, hands down! - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By drdmoore - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. More solidly built than my wifes RX300. The seat could use a little more padding but I have gotten use to it. JUST A CRIME THAT THEY DO NOT MAKE THIS VEHICLE ANY MORE!

• 

  Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By GeorgeV - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Good, reliable track, nice image, a lot of cargo space. Price. Did not have any problem.

• 

  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Lee Centner - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has great performance without sacrificing fuel mileage. I regularly get 24-25 mpg on the highway and 17-20 mpg in town. It is very comfortable and fun to drive and I have yet had any maintenance problems. This with the great looks make it the best vehicle I have ever owned.

• 

  Great SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Troopin guy - November 10 - 4:00 pm

  I bought a 2001 Isuzu Trooper Limited with 144k on it and it runs great. Its power heated mirrors come in real handy when its foggy or you want to get into tight spaces. The 4x4 is very reliable for off-roading. THE SUNROOF IS HUGE! It is very smooth and luxurious for long trips and the towing capacity is great too. Its acceleration is better then most vehicles and the winter and power drive modes are very useful. And I love the seats; they are so comfortable and good-looking. Another impressive thing about the Isuzu Trooper is its huge cargo space; it could and will swallow anything (except another TROOPER). I love this vehicle, it is the best. I test drove its successor the Isuzu Ascender and it stinks!

• 

  Excellent Buy - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Koldshower - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with this vehicle. It rides great and handles much better than the competition. Quality is everywhere.