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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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By GSA - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this SUV for a month. Orignally wanted the GMC ENVOY. Guess what its the same SUV. The big difference is the Isuzu comes with a better warranty and costs less. Its a no brainer. I also like the looks of the isuzu better. The only real differnce is the front grill and lights. Plenty of horse power and great to load up the family into.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jd Texas Flyer - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought TWO of these dogs on the same day (what was I thinking) for wife and daughter, hoping to get them into something reliable and safe - just the opposite. After 20K miles, major items began to fail such as catalytic converter (complete failure), transmission oil leakage (required complete transmission replacement), engine starter failure (replaced / both cars), ABS brake failures, throttle control valves, EGR valves, gas gauges, central computer, radio (lights, speakers), along with multiple factory recall repairs, some of which required more than a day to complete (without a supplied rental). There is NO feeling of dependability.

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  Nightmare - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By para333am - November 2 - 8:21 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Ascender brand new. Granted the body is great. I was hit by a large work van which in a car would of sent me to the hospital, the truck held up well. The engine is a nightmare. We just paid it off and it has less than 115,000 miles on it but the engine has died completely. I am very upset since it was purchased new and well taken care of.. I will never buy another one again.. I will only purchase Honda or Toyota from now on.

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  Problems? Maybe a couple small ones - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By redg - November 2 - 5:17 pm

  Im in California. No salted roads, not much rain or snow. Ive read the reviews of rusted frames but mine has no rust. I bought the car, a previous rental, one year old and, except for the fuel sender, replaced at 75000 mi. and the recurring engine light for the egr valve (Just remove it and clean it...easy to do) its performed flawlessly. Only gets 20mpg on the road and uses a quart of oil (I run 5-30 synthetic) between changes. Rough riding without a full load of people. I love this car. Plenty of power and nimble handling, I guess the winter drive selection must sense temperature because it only worked once...in winter. Power drive is a nice touch. A poor mans Honda Passport

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  Ill drive it until it dies! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By 4 Dr S 4WD SUV - November 1 - 1:16 pm

  I bought mine used. I needed something for rugged areas & ranch use. It works just fine for town & play too. Lots of room. Takes a licking and never has been a problem. Its durable and reliable - I keep up the routine maintenance. NO PROBLEMS! I go where others do not dare to try. I am really sorry Isuzu does not make this model anymore so I will drive it until either one of us die. I have 85,000 miles on it now and expect another 100,000 based on its performance to date!

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  Erics Opinion - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Kasteer - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 99 Trooper for almost a year now. Its been problem free and very dependable. Ive taken it off- road in the sand at the Outer Banks, NC and its performed well. I truly enjoy my Trooper. Ive recently added a 2inch suspension lift and 32inch tires. It looks, rides and handles much better than stock. It should have come this way from the factory! Its very comfortable.

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  Best choice - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bronco84 - October 20 - 12:56 pm

  In first 30 days drove over 4000 miles in rain, ice, sleet and snow. The vehicle performed beyond my expectations. Traction was great with total control. Only problem encountered was widnshield washer fluid freeze up with factory fluid at -30 degrees temperature. Engine performed great in mountains as well as on flatlands.

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  Great Buy - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jgtompkins - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new in 1999 and have not had any problems. Finally replaced the barkes at 103,000 miles. Other than maintence I have had to spend nothing else. I am now selling for a van because we are a growing family. I wish Isuzu made a van. We have owned several Isuzus in the past and they have all been very reliable. I have recommended it to many friends.

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  Great vehicle with a cars drivabilty - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By JARED KEYS - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle already! Wish is were mine. Purchased it for my wife (kid mobile) because it is large and safe on the roads yet has the driving feel of a car. I feel confortable knowing they are safe while I am not with them and if a problem occurs ONSTAR is there to the rescue!

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  one happy girl - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By pickygirl - October 6 - 3:56 am

  I am about as picky a woman as they come and I love everything about my Axiom. The XS model offers just about every option you could think of and more. I love the way it drives and looks. I do not understand why they stopped making them. They look a lot like the BMW SUV...but a lot less in price. If you can find one for sale...buy it...you wont be sorry!