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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  Cook car after little upgrade:-) - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mike Arlet - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Put lift kit from Calmini on it,air intake and cat back.Now have aroun 240HP and 255Torque.Kit help with handling-now i feel more like in sport car then in SUV:-)Not problem till now.

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  2001 Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By R.E. Marino - March 14 - 10:00 am

  The only concern I have is the gas milage. Of course, we knew about that when we bought it. Not good on long trips (MPG about 18),

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  great pedagre - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By john delano - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THESE TRUCKS RUN UNTILL THE BODY RUSTS AWAY. CONSTRUCTION WORKERS CANT KILL THEM. WHEN I PUT EXPENSIVE MOBIL 1 IN THE CRANKCASE THE THINKS IT WON THE INDY 500. THE CAR OWNS THE ON RAMP, AND MAKES YOU CHECK OUT THE REDLINE ON THE TAC.....IT REVS TO 6000 RPMS QUICKLY WHEN YOU STEP ON IT. THE CAR ADJUST THE SHOCK HYDROLICALLY AND THE SPORT MODE GIVES A FIRM STANCE WITH 12" GROUND CLEARENCE AT THE FRONT BUMPER AND 13" AT THE REAR BUMPER. IT HAS STEEL PLATE PROTECTION UNDERNEATH. THE IMPORTANCE IS WHEN TRAVELING ROUTE 95 FROM FLORIDA THERE IS A DANGER OF TRUCK TIRE RECAPS ON THE ROAD.

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  Best car I have ever bought! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Kellie - March 5 - 1:36 am

  This is the perfect car for someone that is looking for style and comfort. If you have champagne taste but a beer budget, this is the car for you. It is very luxurious and very sporty at the same time. I love it and recommend it to everyone looking for a mid-size SUV.

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  Decent - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rodeo - February 29 - 2:13 am

  I have had my Rodeo for a little over a year now. I agree with the power issue... there is none. Also, when braking, you better start early; this Rodeo will continue to roll without any gas given to it. I like the exterior look, interior has much room for improvement.

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  Worst Brand on the Road - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unchunter - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Problem vehicle, never will purchase another. Rebuilt engine at 70K because of timing belt break (a recalled item), new engine at 145K because of egr/check engine light problem. WILL not pass emissions inspection; very costly vehicle to keep, but too much invested to get rid of it based on lousy value of it, despite new engine. NEVER, NEVER Again will I use this brand.

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  Great Car - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Cody Mitchell - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Quite, comfterbal, and smooth riding.

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  2000 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By sam - February 15 - 10:20 pm

  I have taken very very good care of this vehicle, only driven about 10,000 miles per year, has 97k on it now, had to replace **expensive** parts, transmission, and more. Warranty paid for most. My opinion, Isuzu needs to take better care of their consumers, think twice before buying Isuzu.

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  Better than magazine ratings - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By PJSchlum - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Consumer guides did not rate this SUV very highly claiming rough ride. Obviously they did not drive mine. Hugs the road tight, not rough as other SUVs Ive test driven (Highlander, Sorrento, and the new Chevy one). No fancy buttons and bells, but has everything I need. Isuzu gives you more bang for your money. Simple but all anyone would want in an SUV.

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  Love our towing power - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Margie - January 31 - 10:00 am

  We didnt want a huge car or truck but we needed something that would pull our camping trailer. The Axoim does great. Weve been all through the mountains, pulling our trailer with no problems what so ever.