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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  02 Trooper better than Edmmunds thinks - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By John H - November 27 - 2:00 am

  So very much interior space, I do not know what to do o fill it. It is box like in app. but I like it the aero stuff is not worth it. Only wish the diesel was avail here... the six has more than enough power and tow my air stream with ease. best value for the most capable on off road SUV. Drive it love it.

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  I Love this SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jenwind - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Roadeo last weekend, and I love it. It drives smoothly, and comfortably. The stereo system is great. It is very comfortable on the inside. Overall it is a great vehicle. I looked at a lot of other SUVs and for the money this was the best that I could find. It comes standard with a lot of great ammenties, that others charge for!

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  GREAT vehicle for the price! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By lanetk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in March of 02. I have really been pleased with the performance and features. I did alot of research and you cant get more for your money. 35k miles driven with only one minor problem. Highly recommended !!!

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  great space on wheels - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By hermie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  i love the size of this vehicle, very versatile for packing kids to college, yard saleing and doing grocery shopping. fits kids or dogs very nicely.good driving visability.but doesnt feel like you are driving a huge thing

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  New Axiom Owner - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By RDL - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for about a month now, and I am very pleased with it. It handles very well. I drive on mountain roads with switchbacks and the handling for this type of vehicle is fantastic. The acceleration is great, and I like the Pwer Drive mode for passing uphill. The gas mileage has also been very good, averaging 18.5 MPG. I think one of the best things about the Axiom is the comfort of the cabin. I have the leather package and the seats are very comfortable with all the controls within easy reach.

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  Fun With Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooperfan - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Coming from driving a car all the time it was a little different at first but I fell in love with it when Denver Colorado got almost four feet of snow in march 2002. I was one of the only people in the area to get out of my complex. It did excellent in the snow and when my buddies and i go off- roading it does incredible. I jumped it 2 feet off the ground and went through tough terrain and never had any problems with it. It also has very good power for when I drive through the mountains. Its comfortable for myself and passengers when going on road trips. When it is windy it bucks the wind pretty hard and kills your gas mileage.

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  Reliable and Durable!! "Bullet Proof" - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jimmy G. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best Vehicle I have owned for the last 7 Years! This 2002 Trooper is my third and I will not consider purchasing any other Suv in its class. I put 276.000 miles on my last Trooper without having to do anything but normal maintenance, change oil (every 3000 miles) and Timing belt (every 75000 miles)and 4 sets of tires. Simply the best Suv....Bang for Buck!

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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By BSCox - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I previously owened a 2001 Rodeo Sport and got fed up with the rattles and uncomfortable seating. Finally invested in the LS full-size model. I absolutely love it. The styling of the interior and exterior are very eye- catching and sophisicated. Smooth ride, with no rattles. I should have bought this last year. The "LS" makes a huge difference in comfort.

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  Why Isnt The Axiom More Popular? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Dan H - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is an excellent value if you can get it with both dealer and manufacturer rebates. Peppy engine, great fuel economy for an SUV (17% better than my 97 Jeep Gr. Cherokee), nicely equipped, the best warranty anywhere, unique & attractive styling. I dont understand why they arent selling better!

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  pleasant surprise - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By paulb208 - October 1 - 3:50 pm

  Weve had our Trooper for just over a year now, and have been pleasantly surprised at the quality and reliability of the vehicle. It had low miles on it when purchased, and we just recently had the 60,000 mile service performed. Im 64" and fit just fine in both the front and rear seats. My wife is a wildlife and landscape photographer, so the combination of on-road comfort and off- road capability is just what we need.