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:

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By JenniferD - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Until November 2003, I loved my Rodeo. It ran like a dream, with just minor irritations. Upon taking it in for a regular oil change, the dealership informed me that at 38000 miles, the entire engine needed to be replaced. They admitted that it was caused by a flaw in the design. At 50K, it was towed in for an electrical short that made the car completely stop on a busy road. The dealership made the problem worse. Now, electrical problems cause cruise control to turn on randomly. The dealership will not support me, Isuzu Corporate will not support me. Time for a trade-in.

• 

  PERFECT FOR 33000 MILES AND STILL GOING - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By smokeyjoeca - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the trooper because of its size, the lower case transfer for 4wd, and its value. Sticker was $31k; got it for $23,500. Perfect car. Not one single factory repair or defect. Other than routine maintenance, new tires and a battery, the car still looks brand new. The on-the-fly 4wd, and snow handling capabilities of this car are awesome. The 10 year, 120,000 mile powertrain warranty is a big plus. I would recommend this as a used car purchase without reservations. Its a bargain. Isuzu quit making Troopers this year. The Ascender is a re-badged Chevy. I give this car a hearty 9 out of ten rating.

• 

  Think before buying! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By John K. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Run, dont walk, away from any Isuzu Rodeo! Just a "few" of the repairs Ive had to make... new engine new catalytic converters new fuel pump new ABS module new ABC wiring harness leaking washer fluid new rear light socket new knock sensor new PCM Oh, and dont forget the numerous recalls. Stay tuned in is now in the shop...

• 

  Great car! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shayne Brandon - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was wanting to replace my 97 Toyota Camry LS with a similar car. I was looking for comfort and a nice ride. After looking at Honda and Nissan vehicles with a price tag that was way too high, I found the Axiom. Since the Axiom replaced my Camry, I look at it and use it like a car. We have a pickup for most hauling. As a car, its the best Ive ever driven. Spacious, smooth, and quietier than most midsize cars, its a bargain coming in about $5000 less - and its AWD!

• 

  We love it! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Caryn - July 26 - 10:00 am

  We just got the LS with the optional V8. Its so great to get an Isuzu with so many fun American car features. We love the controls on the steering wheel. The V8 is very responsive and peppy. We havent towed with it yet, but Im looking forward to trying it. Weve driven just about everything else out there and nothing seems to compare for the money.

• 

  ROTTEN EGG SMELL - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By tami j - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Immediately after purchasing the vehicle we noticed a rotten egg smell from the exhaust and have had it in 3 times to be investigated and to no avail, the dealer says that Isuzu says it is a "normal" smell for their engine and there is nothing I can do about it, besides reducing the sulfur content in my gasoline. The suspension is horrible in this vehicle and the steering nearly requires 20 turns to pull a sharp turn off. Overall, we are not happy with this vehicle at all and our hands are tied because the value dropped by $8,000.00 in value 4 months after our purchase.

• 

  cheap power - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dollar - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had my RODEO for two years and am very suprised of how fast it has depreciated, I guess I got what I paid for. The interior of the truck just screams out cheap. When you feel and see the thin plastic material that ISUZU used for the dash and other parts. I have not had any major problems, exept I had to change my rear break shoes within 40,000 miles. Good power for small truck. Air conditiong seems to take forever to kick in. You will find yourself like a bobble-head when the road gets bumpy. Sleeping policemen (speed bumps)seem to be a little too much for this truck. If you dont mind cheap interior, rough ride, poor mpg, then this truck is for you.

• 

  Beats any high priced GM/Ford - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By isuzuV64x4 - July 16 - 6:56 am

  I have owned several SUVs in the past and this is the first one that did not cost me an arm and a leg to purchase or maintain. The GMC Envoy I bought for my wife ended up costing me an extra $900 6 months later when a rock hit her headlamp assembly and broke it. The headlamp assembly alone was $900 to replace! GM has officially priced themselves out of my market. Cost of ownership on the Rodeo is very low. As long as the oil is changed and manufacturers suggested maintenance is followed, this SUV will last for many years. The tailgates sideways opening is a little awkward in tight spots, but functional nonetheless. I could not be happier with the drive and overall operation.

• 

  The Wife Loves Her Truck - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By MyWifesHappy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper is a truck, make no bones about it. Drive it right after driving a Mazda Tribute and youll know what I mean. However, if you are in the market for a really truck-like sport ute, this one wont disappoint. Its solid and an aboslute blast to drive off road. Dont pay anything near TMV for one, either. I bought my wifes Trooper LS for $24,000.

• 

  Do not buy - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kswift - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My engine blew out before the warranty expired. The company would not stand behind its warranty. The "customer service" people are belligerent and confrontational.