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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  Nice for a while - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Gelinas - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000 Trooper Limited. Nice truck, very comfortable, great for vacations, etc. Horrible gas milage, we live in a very hilly part od the country and the up and down hills killed me a the pump, averaged 12 MPG.

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  LS V6 3.2 5sp MT - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kylel012 - December 13 - 7:56 pm

  There seem to be many issues with high mileage. We bought brand new. Did not however have any problems til now. With 213600 miles on it, I just had to replace the wiring harness @ $2000.00 and this morning it would not move. It pulls a horse trailer with no problems.

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  This is one cool truck!!! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Custo - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my rodeo used a few months a go. Havent had any problems with it jet, althoug the truck had 90,000 miles on it.

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  Former Rodeo Owner - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dimitrisyaakov - December 12 - 10:00 am

  The Rodeo is small( sholder room ), top heavy, has poorly thoughtout interior and exterior design. Windshield moldings had to be removed and re-glued due to excessive wind noise. The front suspension was factory bad and had to be modified to level the vehicle out. The brakes stick when a hard stop is required. The rear axle yoke had to have special grease and parts to make it function properly. There were spot weld rust through around the rear lift gate from the factory. The ride was rough. Wind, Rain and Road noise were horrable. Traveling down the road while raining you hear every drop.

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  Accidental Purchase - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Frank G - December 12 - 10:00 am

  My S10 pickup blew its enging and I needed a vehicle right now. Saw the Rodeo LS 4WD at the Dodge dealer and it only took a few minutes to purchase. Its a solid feeling very good handling auto that pleased both my wife and I. Ride is a bit rough, mpg only so-so (16 city 22 high way) but a very easy to operate vehicle. Took it on a 1200 trip first week and loved every mile.

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  Reliable beyond belief - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Grendeldad - December 12 - 4:46 am

  I currently also own a Subaru WRX STI, a 03 Corvette convertible, and a 73 Trans AM. This variety only begins to indicate how many kind of cars I have owned - including Jeeps, Durangos, etc. This car is the most reliable car or truck I have ever owned by a mile. It has been driven 25,000 miles a year, including in Chicago winters, and not a single bolt, nut, or trim piece - much less anything mechanical - has broken, shaken loose, or quit. Not a single thing wrong. The pick up is very good and balance mileage. Yes, it rides a bit more like a truck, but we abuse this like a truck. Every person I have talked to who owns an Isuzu says the same; why they didnt sell more is a mystery.

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  A dependable sturdy working ride - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By texas - December 12 - 1:30 am

  I purchased my Rodeo new and have loved every minute of owning it. I have taken great care of it with regular checkups and changes. I am at 225k all orig. parts. I live in the country on a farm and work 30 miles in town and it has served me well. The great part is it is still going. I have just recently purchased a small car for work and to save on gas but have no complaints with my Rodeo. It has lived up to its name in all aspects and I am sure it will go well over 300k.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By sc owner - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for over two years now without a single problem. Mechanically the truck has been flawless. I have taken several long road trips and found it to be quite comfortable, and it has plenty of cargo space. Handling is not so great, but itÂ’s a truck.

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  I like it! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By postal worker - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a Jeep Cherokee Sport model 4x4, so the handling, ride and quiet interior really shows up to me. I drove a lot of SUVs while I was shopping for this, and comparing quality, comfort and price, I am extremely happy with the value of this vehicle.

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  My Rodeo - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ronda - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Awesome, but mine is a 1999 model. I bought it in October 1999