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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  LUV IT - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By beautifulj - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle 11/2003 and so far so good. I was a little apprehensive about purchasing this vehicle because of reviews that Ive seen. I love the exterior look and the interior look except for a few minor things. Rides smooth & makes me enjoy being in my ride.

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  Loved it so much I bought two - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Got two - December 23 - 7:56 pm

  I have a 96 LS that I love. I can comfortably fit myself a friend a 128Qt Igloo, 4 shotguns, an air matress and all our hunting gear, about as much stuff as he can fit in his $53K+ Land Cuiser! The sunroof on the 2000 is by far the biggest Ive ever seen on any car. I feel much safer knowing my wifes Tropper has Torque on Demand which is a great saftey feature, especially for rainy or icey conditions, not mention... mud! (my 96 just has the regular 4x4.

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  isuzu axiom 2004 - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By rgina - December 21 - 10:00 am

  i saw the suv online and was very interested in the way it looked, so i test drove one and it was a keeper. i purchased it and i have throughly enjoyed it. i love the style, you dont see yourself driving down the road everytime you turn around its different and i like that. it drives like a dream and i think it handles like a car. it heavy and stay on the road for a safe feeling ride. the inside is great, i have alots of features and i am able to buy alot of asscessaries if i choose, and i like having that option.

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  Aximon - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By fbyers - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Im not exactly crazy about this SUV. The one I have willnt free wheel going down hill at 40 to 50 miles hr. It down shift out of over drive tactmeter will go from a 2 to 3 or 3.50. One reason I think this is not normal it doesnt happen everytime. I dont think this should happen. Would like to know if anyone else has this promblem. I would think this cuts down on miles per gallon. Back door is to narrow doesnt open wider enough for easy exit. This simply a bad design in the car. Really no reason why the back door should be this way. I different hing could solve this problem.

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  looks nice but a beast to work on - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By officerjones85 - December 16 - 1:53 pm

  It is a Nice looking car Ill give it that, but parts are very expensive. If your wanting to save a buck and fix it yourself forget it. Its so compact and difficult to work. Youll be spending hours on minor projects.

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  Great SUV for $$ - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By chefjasonQ - December 4 - 6:46 pm

  I purchased a 98 Rodeo as a second car in 2007, with 138K miles on it. I now have over 160K with an alternator being the only repair. It runs great, has plenty of power, decent ride, good looks but awful gas mileage. On a trip I can squeak out 18mpg highway but in mixed driving, about 14mpg tops so lots of frequent $50 fill ups with the 18 gallon tank. For $22K new I might want more in this truck but I paid $2800 and its been worth every penny. So much so Im looking to find a low mileage 2004. For 10 years old, its a great used truck. Its not a Honda but beats the hell out of a 10 year old Blazer. Actually, Id take it over a 5 year old Blazer!!

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  One of the best on the road! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By JennMc - December 1 - 10:00 am

  When I originally saw this car, I was in love, but figured the price tag (then was 24k) was beyond what I could afford. So I test drove a couple Nissans, a Honda, and a Liberty. I came back and boy, am I ever glad! This car is adorable, and everyone remarks about it. The two sunroofs are conversation starters thats for sure! There werent a lot of them driving along around here but Ive noticed more and more of them this year. I guess everyones catching on that Isuzu builds a neat little SUV thats dependable and reliable, heck, then even give you a great waranty to back it up!

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  Great 4X4 SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sam Krugolets - November 25 - 4:43 am

  My wife drives this great 1997 SUV, and let me tell you, she will not buy another SUV. I offered her to go look at another, but she tells me, "This SUV got her home in Snow Storms and other bad weather". Very reliable truck!!! Thanks ISUZU!

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  Mechanical nightmare - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Isuzu No More - November 22 - 5:26 am

  Im a 19 year old college student and last year, my dad bought me a Rodeo to drive to and from school (4 1/2 hours each way). I chose it thinking it would be a good, reliable vehicle with low maintenance costs. I was wrong. Come to find out, these engines are extremely problematic and I have yet to see a car with this engine over 170,000 miles. A comparable Toyota 4Runner will run twice as long with no problems. There is a reason why Isuzus things depreciate so quickly. My 150,000 mile Rodeo burns about a quart of oil every 600 miles, so I always have to have some on hand. And the parts are ridiculously expensive, often higher than comparable parts for a BMW--literally.

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  Fantastic - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By StaceL - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Axiom. I have made 4 trips from Florida to Texas and back with mine and it has been wonderful. It is so comfy and fun to drive, that the 16 hours fly by. I would recommend this car to young people that are not ready for the monster size SUV just yet.