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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  2004 Izusu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Albert Cepeda - November 13 - 7:20 am

  I had been driving Toyotas for the last 12 years. I have had a 4 Runner which had a very rough ride and was looking for an SUV that would handle better,and more like a car and still have the SUV look. After reviewing several models. I noticed that the Izusu was built in the GM Plant at Moraine Oh and shares the same body frame as the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainer but each of these is priced several thousands more and the Isuzu has a 7 year 75000 mile warranty while the GM versions only have 3 years 36 months. I thought the Izusu was a great value for the money. I dressed mine up with dealer installed Leather seats (The Izusu leather is cheesy at best) it really made vehicle.

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  I love this AXIOM XS! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By LittleMissScubaLady - October 30 - 1:13 pm

  I just purchased my 2004 Isuzu Axiom XS and...I really...really LOVE this vehicle!!!! It is perfect for long trips... It does well on mountain roads...and it rides like a dream on the Florida Flatlands...LOL!!!! It is a sexy little ride for a 4X4! It handles well...and looks fabulous!!!!! I went from driving a sports car, to driving this cute little SUV...and I COMPLETELY LOVE IT!!!! The Axiom has a sports car appearance, yet works like a truck, and handles like the best of the more expensive SUVs! I am not sure why some wrote bad reviews for this SUV... in my opinion it is an absolutely awesome SUV!!!!! The MPG is running around 20 in town, and 22 on HWY. I am very, very happy with it!!!!!

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  Holding My Breath - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vamc2004 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Except for the pronounced rock & roll Im very impressed with this car. The two ride settings dont seem to be quite right. One too stiff, the other too soft. Many positive comments about the interior and especially the exterior. Somehow, paper litter seems to find its way from the glove compartment to the a/c blower unit. Probably bad design.

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  Best For The Buck!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sylvester1950 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Whle searching for an SUV a friend of mine who can drive any car he choses, told me that he has a Rodeo with 90,000+ miles. He said it is GREAT! I test drove it. Compared it to the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4-Runner and decided on the Isuzu. I have never regretted my choice.

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  best car ever - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By playafil - October 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is strong coll looking and just great!

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  One of the better values + big warranty - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jim in StL - October 13 - 2:00 am

  After 25,000 miles this vehicle still drives as new. Very solid build quality - much better than seen on Explorers or Blazers. Gas mileage could be better but lets face it, it isnt the most aerodynamic shape... We are very happy with this vehicle and would have purchased another (in time) had they not discontinued them.

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  Poor house - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By S - October 12 - 4:53 am

  Since the engine blew 3 months after I bought it ($6000.00), I have spent an additional $4000.00 on repairing everything, and still brakes not working properly. I know I should have gotten rid of it a long time ago, but dealer screwed me so bad Im stuck with it for another 2 years. Id love to get some of my money back. I owned Isuzus for 8 years prior, but never again.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rodeoowner - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a little over six months. I have the 4 cyl. and if is slow on take-off. Engine whines a bit when accelerating. I have a model that doesnt have tilt and although it doesnt bother me (I am only 5" tall) my husband (6" tall) hates it. It rubs his leg while he drives. Overall it is has been a good vehicle - only had to return to dealer once when the latch/lock on the rear door broke off in a automatic car wash. Gas milage is much better than my last SUV (Durango), I get about 18 mile to the gal.

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  Great little SUV! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By NewIsuzuFan - October 8 - 7:56 am

  I just bought one and I love it! A lot of fun to drive. Love the removable hardtop and multiple removable moon roofs. Very sporty. Has good acceleration and gets decent milage. Very fun and different from your run-of-the-mill SUV!

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  This is not a good choice - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Laszlo - October 3 - 6:50 pm

  We needed a 4WD since we moved from Los Angeles to an area that had snow. We bought the Trooper used. It had only 32000 miles and looked very clean. Its been in the shop twice in the past 4 months and the parts are hard to get. Gas mileage was terrible before our first trip to the mechanic and now the tranmission leaks and there is no easy way to fill it. The mechanic found no dip stick. The fluid has to be pumped in under the car. They sure dont make it easy! There are so many better trucks out there, there is no reason to buy 2nd or 3rd best. The Trooper is no better than 3rd best choice for an SUV. Its uncomfortable, unreliable and gets terrible gas mileage. Stay away!