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, but - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TCope - June 9 - 2:20 pm

  We bought a 4-cyl Rodeo brand new, loved the exterior design; paint is still good at 82k miles. Almost immediately had trouble with brake drums and rotors that Isuzu would not cover. Harder to get service now that they are out of business. Had to replace exhaust manifold twice, and now EGR valve and fuel tank sensor have gone bad. Used to get 26-30 mpg highway, now 16-17 mpg in town. 4-cyl just doesnt have enough power, and with rear while drive it is terrible in the snow. If youre buying, look for a 6-cyl with 4WD. We loved driving the truck, but were through with the repair bills.

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  This is a great vehicle!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By TatMan1973 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love at first sight! Test drove everything from a 2002 Trooper, to a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with all the trimmings and nothing matched the comfort, ride, experince, or value of the Axiom! Very nice... No problems besides it was used!

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  Engine and transmission - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By WYODRIVER - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Complete transmission failure at 36,000 mi. and engine failure at 50,000. Both were replaced under warranty. Lots of room and performs reasonably well in the snow.

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  Probably the best SUV around. - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By I_luv_isuzus - June 4 - 4:43 am

  I have loved this car. I think it is very capable of off-roading, driving around town, towing and driving around passengers. It has great features for the price. When compared to competitors, best bank for your buck. I would definitely consider buying another Rodeo when the time comes.

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  Better than you think - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dp - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Forget the biased Edmunds review...this car outperforms its peer group in almost all classes. The ride is comfortable and peppy with great all weather performance. Build quality is excellent with no problems after 15k ahrd miles. Looks are love/hate but if you love this is the one!

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  the best suv under $50,000 dollars - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dc4611 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I was set on the mercedes suv or a lexus rx300 .I looked on the web and could not find that much info on the new axiom.After comparing 13 different suvs the choice was clear.It has an excellent ride and great power.230 horses under the hood and 230 ft lbs of torque and it feels like a whole lot more!Not to mention a 10 yr 120,000 mile powertrain warranty that covers almost everything under the hood and axles.

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  Mikes baby - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Mrivardns - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I rate this vehicle below average in terms of Japanese quality vehicles. The paint finish is inferior and my drivers side door does not line up flush to the body of the vehicle. My vehicle is a 2002 first year intro. The side door faux finish chrome bumper guards are deteriorating and the clear plastic covering on them is coming off. Sloppy handling and very numb and sluggish stearing.

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  timeless - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ter_94 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2e Rodeo. I Am buying my 3ed right know. the first (93) Rodeo I Installed a tune up, one set of tires & brakes. I sold that car with org. clutch, batttery, muffler. So I thought I would try one more Rodeo . after two years the guy I sold it to called and said it was the best car he ever had. I have 82000 now (98)and I have installed tires and brakes @70000 thats all other than oil. Still have the org. clutch, battery, Ect. I have had a problem once with the ABS but thats it. Its great to buy a car and not have to have it worked on all the time. ( unlike a German car I had worked on every 2 months)

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  Have found the love ONE - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Deux - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it couple weeks ago after taking a while to do the research and compare between its class and I had come up with the final excellent decision is this SUV. You cant get the same SUV with all the standard features at this price. If you decide to buy one try to get the LSE trim, spend a little more but it worth it. The perfomance is excellent. Ive try on the I-5, it came up to 110mph easily, no problem. Very comfotable drive in the leather seat. I love it!!!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By jackie - May 15 - 11:56 am

  I did plenty of research and drove about every other van and SUV that was a 7 seater. The Ascender is really a great vehicle. It is very roomy in all rows. It is versatile with folding seats. Storage is better than any other SUV I tried. I have every option on mine and it is really nice and very enjoyable to drive. I had a minivan for 16 years and really am pleased with this change. I still have room for 7 people but it is a whole lot more fun to drive. The gas mileage is not great, but it is not much different than my older van. I get about 16 in the city and I got 19 on my first long trip. I highly recommend this vehicle.