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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  Still solid - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Green Giant - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall a solid vehicle. At 55k miles, its tighter than friends explorers, trailblazers etc. Had an early problem with the front right wheelbearing loosening up but they replaced it. My rodeo has been tight as can be. No squeeks or rattles, engine is clean. 52K I had the brakes and undercarriage loked at. 60% wear left on rear brakes, 50% left up front. No rust, no leaks, exhaust is fine. For the money its a great value. Still one of the best looking mid sized SUVs out there. Paint is great, body hardware has been great. Not the smoothest ride, but not bad.

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  Isuzu Trooper-like a rock, really - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jasiu - August 29 - 7:56 pm

  Someone used the expression Storm-Trooper. Despite its ambiguous connotation it is quite adequate. No-nonsense tough guy on wheels! Goes ANYWHERE. Smoothly covers highways and country roads. Gas mileage is certainly not great - but this is a vehicle that is ALWAYS ready to fight the elements, bad weather, and inaccessible corners. The only other vehicle (car or SUV just does not fit the description) in this league is the Land Rover, but it is made in Britain...

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  Its a nice sporty off roader - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By mlnkthr - August 23 - 7:26 pm

  Loads of power underneath the bonnet, plus its ever so sporty with a V8.

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  problems - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By fish98 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 16,000 on my car, so far it has been in the shop three times. The power steering Pump and horn relay went out and repairs are taking over a week. Unfortunally everytime the car breaks, parts have to be order from the manufacture.

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  Isuzu Rodeo Review - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Robbie Sickel - August 9 - 3:46 pm

  This vehicle is the best SUV Ive ever driven. The seats are as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. The price makes it the best value in the business and the styling is superb. I Love It!!!

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  Long Time Owner and Enthusiast - 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By myvx - August 8 - 5:50 pm

  I have owned and driven my Proton Yellow VX for almost 7 yrs. The name Vehicross is synonymous with what the name stands for which is a cross between a car, truck and a rocket. As soon as I got my new VX home I changed all lubes to AMSOIL synthetics. I then left my home in Phoenix, AZ and went to Southern OR. I took a paved road short cut around Reno, NV. The pavement ran out after 15 miles and the rest was a wide dirt/gravel road for the remaining 100 miles. The road twisted and turned through the desert and when I exited the roads end I realized that it had only taken 75 minutes to go 115 miles! Fun and fast little rocket! After 7 yrs people still ask "What is it?"

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  My Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By tennisram21 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Though i have had the truck only a short while, i am totally pleased with the look and feel of it. The exterior is very rugged looking, and the interior is VERY roomy upfront. The 3.2 engine rides great on the highway, feeling very smooth at speeds 85+. Acceleration at those speeds for passing is also impressive.

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  Great Reliable SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Susan Hardy - July 25 - 10:00 am

  buy it you will like it

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  Rodeo Input - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo Owner - July 23 - 8:30 pm

  Best ride on the road. Minor problems. No obvious oil leaks after 10 years of use and 200,000 miles.

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  Riding In Style - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Gerrie - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I really love the way the isuzu handles the road. I have a really smooth ride.