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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  Update on ole reliable - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Charbojr - September 29 - 9:56 am

  Its been over a year now with over 20K miles clocked and the Axe is holding up nice. We got new tires and that has made a tremendous difference in the handling of this vehicle (Bridgestone Dueler Alenza tires). No more tire squeal or front end plow in the rain and has smoothed out the ride a bit. However the fit and finish on this car is still unnerving. Our sunroof is shot and the door seams (stuffing) is pulling away from the doors. Not exactly the things you want happening to a $28K truck. Still the warranty has saved us and this SUV doesnt mind being abused. Thanks Isuzu.

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  Buying a car - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By markd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have realized why there are not many Isuzu Ascenders on the road. Recently I went to the dealership and test drove one as well as showed interest buying one. My wife and I really liked the car, but salesperson did not really show much energy to sell one at all. I have called him a couple of times, and all I got from him is he will call me back very soon, but have not heard since. I tried again, but no results. Its a good car, but they need to work how to sell it. No adds in the paper either escept Demo one which was sold (according to the dealership) day before it went to the paper. Honda and Toyota

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  My 2003 Isuzu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Pat K. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am really enjoying my Ascender. It has provided comfort, good mileage, and a lot of flattering comments from per- sons who had not seen an Ascender before. It has all the extras that I could ask for including an outstanding warranty.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoveThatRodeo - September 26 - 8:10 am

  I purchased my 1999 Rodeo LS V6 4WD new with 68 miles on it. I currently have 121,000 miles on it and the engine is still as strong as day one. The vehicle is great for trips due to the size of the seating and cargo area. Mine has the tow package and the vehicle excels at towing. My vehicle has never let me down or left me stranded. The engine is rock solid. Note, I have always taken my vehicle to the dealership for major maintenance (30K, 60K, and 90K) which has kept the vehicle running in top shape. I would only recommend an Isuzu Dealership with a Master Isuzu Mechanic. At any rate, my Rodeo is still rolling very well!

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  Some late developing problems - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By OhioMike - September 19 - 2:26 am

  I love my car...until 1000 miles out of warrenty (60000), when I got a cracked cylinder head and I had to get the top half of my engine replaced. Isuzu did cover the parts $1800, but I had to pick up the labor, which was $900. Over all, thats been the only major problem. I also had a problem with the paint on my rims, but they replaced them for free so I really cant complain.

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  Great value - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Isuzu owner - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a wonderful value. The LS is loaded with goodies I would never pay for and I got it for a steal at 25k,and low interest rate. The interior could use some dressing up, but for an active family the Ascender meets all my requirments. Not to many on the road and my wife is asked often about the SUV. Carbon Copy of Envoy, but lower cost and exterior is more appealing.

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  my suv - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wpc3 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best suv for small families and single people because its not big and over baring like some others,but instead it is a midsize giant if you were to ask me and has a lot of power for a v6.And the four wheel drive is great for off roading or just getting around in the snow,I will be a repeat buyer as long as they keep making the rodeo. Yours Truly WPC3

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  The Truth - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By isuzuman - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds, I usually agree with your opinions, but not anymore. Underachieving?..dont make me laugh. Ths is possibly the best car for the money on the market right now. Youre full o

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  Isuzu Rodeo 2001 - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By tidebelle - September 13 - 12:00 am

  I own an Isuzu Rodeo 4 cy. 5 speed. While the overall experience with my truck has been good, the most recent problems have concerned me. It has blown a headgasket twice now and I feel that the 4 cyl. engine is not enough muscle for the weight of the truck.

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  Trooper Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Troop - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car. I love the way it looks and the way it drives. It drives great! The interior is very nice. Leather, cd, wood, sunroof. I have had no problems. Great for long distance traveling. Comfortable seats. I highly recommed it!