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:

• 

  Check Engine Light - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Chelo - August 4 - 11:46 am

  Overall, I adore my Ascender-Limited! Purchased January 2004. She is loaded, drives smooth, exceptional Bose sound system, Onstar - everything I wanted in an SUV. Only one problem; 7 visits to dealer because of the "check engine light". Replaced ignition, cooling fan system, battery replaced and new battery was drained, and only has 16K miles.

• 

  Great value and a true workhorse - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Katmandu-1 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  If you like the GMC Envoy XL or the Chevy Trailblazer EXT then check out the Isuzu. The Isuzu specific version including unique front grill, headlights, bumpers, and fenders. Most of all, we liked paying 4 grand less than for the GMC/Chevy, and getting a better warranty! We wish front seats were not so stiff, but incredible mix of interior features more than makes up for things.

• 

  Very Good SUV - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rcopa1 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Have had this SUV for about 3& half years, with 41,000 miles. Has been very, very reliable. Noticed someone else wrote their fuel sensor is bad, mine also is borken and always reads "E". Other than that not one problem, nothing. Love the pick-up and the transmission shifts very smoothly. Want to get another Isuzu but hate to let this one go. Its still under power train warranty and has been so good to me.

• 

  Great Buy - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Gail ETaylor - August 1 - 7:40 am

  This is my second Asscender. I love them its very dependable I have had this one soon to by 5 years other than regular maintenance only one shop repair has occurred in 5 years. This is the best SUV I have owned. I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  This SUV has been trouble-free for me - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bob R. - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Even though the Rodeo gets an overall bad rap by reviewers, its given me little trouble after 39,000 miles and almost 34 months of driving. I had to have my noisy front door hinges repaired (service bulletin and quickly fixed) and Ive just noticed a little tear in the front drivers cloth seat with a metal pin in view. Thats it!

• 

  Mamas Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Psyclingnut - July 29 - 10:00 am

  One of five dealer closeouts left on the lot, our Rodeo had 11 miles on it, and now has 2,000. GREAT family vehicle! We kayak and bike, so with the roof rack and the tow hitch, we can carry everything when we go on vacation. My wifes Rodeo is the LS with 3.2 V6, auto, Tilt Wheel, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Remote Security Alarm/Door Locks, AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD In-Dash 140 watt stereo with 8 speakers, & 16" 245 tires with sharp looking alloy rims.

• 

  Put the Brakes On - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Not So Happy Now - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2001 on recommendation of friend. Truck is fun to drive, looks great. However, the ride is rough, the 4-cyl is way underpowered, and the brakes are bad. Only 31,000 miles of mixed city/road driving and we had to have entire front and rear brakes replaced for "heat spots" from overheating. Lots of squeaks and rattles. Resale value terrible. Buy it if you like a good-looking truck but dont care about reliability or performance.

• 

  A l m o s t perfect... - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By easychair - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Trooper, this is the best one yet. Near-V8 power, great blend of comfort, sensibility, and utility. Nice manners on road, but does everything right in sand, steep hills, big rocks, whatever. Needs a little more grunt for towing my trailer in the AZ mountains. I added LT tires and Rancho shocks. At 57k, reliabilty has been exceptional.

• 

  Bad Egg - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jorge A. - July 10 - 11:16 pm

  I have been very unimpressed with this SUV. I have owned three different SUVs and this one has performed the poorest. I bought it brand new from a dealer which told me I would love it. From day one the vehicle has been emitting a rotten egg smell, the ride is very bouncy and bumpy. I have spoken to the sales reps, service dept, and have even taken the vehicle in for a diagnoses of the problems. I have recieved negative results in getting the issues fixed. Gas mileage is below average. I would just like a better one that works correctly. I should be able to get Isuzu on a Lemon law.

• 

  I wouldnt drive anything else - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TacosforTaku - July 6 - 8:40 am

  I got it when my base model 96 rodeo was dying (almost 300000 miles), and it was everything I wanted in a vehicle. I love how it still feels like a truck instead of a car and it gets up and goes in a pinch. The 5 speed is greatly welcome. My gas gage is one of the few that still works, but it burns oil and its fuel pump is dying. But its got great room and is fun on long road trips with my friend.