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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  Good Vehicle for the Money - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By AggiePride! - September 19 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned my 1999 Rodeo LS 4WD Auto since July 1999. The vehicle currently has 112,800 miles. The vehicle has been through several service bulletins (all covered by manufacturer), but no major mechanical problems. Still using the original engine, transmission, rotors, A/C, heating, power windows, fog lights, suspension. The shocks will get replaced soon. The fuel gauge/fuel sending unit needs replacing ($300). Overall a great vehicle. I have done all of the servicing at the dealership, and they have done a great job maintaining the vehicle. When buying a Rodeo, remember that it is not a car based SUY. It is built from a TRUCK and rides like a truck. Thus, the vehicle is very durable.

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  Love my ZuZu - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Maureen - September 19 - 10:40 am

  I bought my 1999 Isuzu Trooper new in Jan. 2000 and have had no problems what so ever. I love my ZuZu as much as I did when I purchased it. When I decide to purchase a new vehicle I hope to save it for one of my little girls to have as their first vehicle. Both my girls love it so much they refer to it as "their ZuZu" and cry whenever I tease them about selling it!

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  Powerful, yet gas and money hungry - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ENK - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car. It has lots of pickup. Took it on a trip through Tennessee and never hesitated once in the hills.

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  All the same problems - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By harveyjc_2001 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Same aforementioned problems: 1)Erratic idle -- vehile lurches forward randomly. 2)Minor tap on bumper (airbag did not deploy) and it shattered into 1000 pieces 3)Fuel Sensor died at about 50K miles, dealer refused to fix under warranty 4)ABS light is on. Not sure what the problem is yet -- theyre looking at it now. 5)Major problem with wheel bearings. Entire rear end replaced under warranty. This one was so catastrophic they couldnt ignore it! If you live in MA, do not buy from 128 Isuzu. Service is horrible.

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  Treasure found - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Kirk - September 7 - 9:06 pm

  My wife and I looked for weeks for our first SUV. The Tribute, Escape, Pilot, CRV, RAV4 and more... The styling of the Ascender caught our eye, we test drove it, it was great, roomier than many other SUVs at much higher $$$. Our children thought it looked and drove awesome. It is basic but pretty inside, and quiet. The final price was wonderful, and a great warranty. I feel like we made out like bandits, thank you Isuzu (GM).

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  BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By pchamp02 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  My Axiom drives and feels like it should cost thousands more. Before purchasing the Axiom, I test drove several SUVs and the ride and handling I got on the Axiom, was almost equal to my second choice, the Volvo V70, but about $8000.00 less. Of course I have had no problems with it yet, since I havent had it very long, but I will let you know if anything happens.

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  Good so far - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Pitt - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  I bought the Axiom pre-owned and at 73,000+ miles it seems to be a good buy as SUVs go. I havent had any complaints that the factory could have addressed with the exception of the sound system. Getting the base model I didnt expect much but the speakers are pretty dull. I have read reviews about the tires as well and mine looked to be a fresh set, but they do squeal with most maneuvering action that didnt get the squeal from my last car.

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  Great Truck But Check Transmission! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By taylor - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck for us. The only thing about this truck is the transmission oil has no dipstick. You cannot check the fluid level or color from the under the hood, the truck has to be on a lift. So when we bought it used, about 3 months later the transmission started to jerk and we took it in to get serviced. It had about 55,000 miles on it and the mechanic told us the transmission had never been serviced and needed to be replaced. Of course he was a crook so we took it someplace else. They made repairs on it that cost around $500 so we got away pretty lucky. No problems since and it has been a great car. Just make sure to get the transmission checked out before you buy used!

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  The highlight of my day! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By swymjym - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Everytime I step into my sporty Axiom I revel in its sheer magnificence. I am proud to be an owner of such a great vehicle. My friends all love the ride it delivers, and it does not fail to turn heads. I cannot understand why Edmunds bashes the Axiom.?.?. The car feels and looks like a luxury vehicle, but costs significantly less. Buy one if you have a chance!!!

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  Like a Timex, takes a licking... - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By powderbud - August 12 - 4:35 pm

  I bought my 99 Rodeo in 2000 with exactly 30k miles on it. I am now at almost 350k miles. This is my 2nd Rodeo. At 100k miles, I had to replace the clutch for $1100. That is probably my biggest complaint about the Rodeo. GM built the engine, and clearly they wanted to insure repair costs were ridiculously high. Even to change the thermostat requires removing the manifold pushing the cost at a shop to over $150. On most cars, replacing an $7 thermostat takes all of 5 min and a screwdriver. I also had the rear diff assy replaced at about 150k miles. Bought one used for $500, been fine ever since. My Rodey blows 4Runners, etc away going up I-70 to the mountains every weekend.