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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  We bought 3 so far......... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoriD - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 1995 4cyl Rodeo and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I traded for a 1997 V6. I liked it, but longed to have the newer body style, so I traded again for a 1998 V6 4x4 with 88,000 miles, fully loaded. The car now, has 105,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed was the a/c unit. Of course, the vehicle is maintenaned by the book, and that keeps this puppy really humming. No problems what so ever. Paint, engine, trans, interior, and electrical are original and in working order. Guess what is going to be my next car............

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  We bought 3 so far......... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lorid - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 1995 4cyl Rodeo and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I traded for a 1997 V6. I liked it, but longed to have the newer body style, so I traded again for a 1998 V6 4x4 with 88,000 miles, fully loaded. The car now, has 105,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed was the a/c unit. Of course, the vehicle is maintenaned by the book, and that keeps this puppy really humming. No problems what so ever. Paint, engine, trans, interior, and electrical are original and in working order. Guess what is going to be my next car............

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  Axiom - Best SUV buy for the money! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By russ carroll - March 7 - 6:16 am

  After testing almost all of the mid size SUVs, the AXIOM was, by far, the best overall value for the money. ISUZU offered 0% financing or $4500 off MSRP making it cost around $23,500 with a moonroof, leather, 6 CD changer, Power everything, full size spare, and a very attractive interior black and tan trim. The 10 year/120,000 powertrain warranty was the icing on the cake for this SUV shopper. I highly recommend test driving the AXIOM and it should fit most empty nesters needs.

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  car review - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By pwitry@cox.net - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle used. It was tough to rate it myselfbecause I have only owned it for a few days. It is fun to drive. Feels like a good solid automobile. i have had friends who have owned Isuzu Rodeosand they have had very good luck with them mechanically. i felt it would be a good solid purchase and would not end up being a lemon. I still have plenty of warranty because its warranty took place on dec 18, 2002. It had relatively low mileage which was another plus in my reasoning for purchasing the vehicle. the interiorwas very clean, and I love the exterior look of the car.

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  Fun Car, Timless Style - 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By AStewart - February 21 - 1:03 am

  It is one of those like it or hate it kind of cars, I wanted this car the first time that I saw it. The style attracted me to it and after driving it I was hooked. The SUV or PUV "Performance utility vehicle" (as some call it) is a blast to drive! Plenty of power and sports car like handing makes it hard to believe it is an SUV. The all wheel full time drive is awesome on wet or snowy roads and the Recaro seats are very nice when sporting around corners.

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  These trucks are undervalued - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rboschen3 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Isuzu truck. The only thing Ive had to deal with so far was a failed hydraulic pump for the ABS (brake system), NOT a safety issue and was replaced for free under recall. If you have a 1999 Rodeo have the dealer check to see if you have an effected vehicle (they do it by VIN #) and have the thing replaced before it goes out (its a freebie to you), Isuzu did not and probably will not send out recall notices on this because it is not a safety issue. So much for the FYI, overall Ive been very happy with this vehicle.

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  I love this!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By I love my Rodeo - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The steering and the response is great!! Powerful V6 engine, fast accelaration, nice sturdy exterior look, regular interior look yet functional. Got a nice warranty with a good price.

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  luv my rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By haroldg48 - February 4 - 3:06 pm

  It rides a little Truck-like, but compared to other similar sized SUVs we drove, it was the best (Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Montero). Since buying it, love it!

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  Best Buy - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rich1mck7 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Ascender for just over 2 months and WE LOVE IT! We compared it with the Pilot, Trailblazer, Durango and Murano. It was very clear to us that the Ascender was the best all around deal for the money! Our 7 passenger LS came with sunroof, 5 disc cd player, rear ac, onstar, pw, plocks, and top luggage rack. Our color is black & grey with greyish cloth interior. After the $3500 rebate we bought ours for $26500 plus ttt. We financed with for four years with 4.5% interest using Capitol One online auto finance which was easy, fast and worked out great!

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  Good SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Diane C. - February 2 - 10:00 am

  When I test drove it, I knew that I really wanted this SUV. I love the confort, the smooth drive, I dont think it looks cheap inside...Xtera looks cheap inside. The warrinties are the best, price is good too.