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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  Great car, some reliability issues - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wbsr92 - January 30 - 7:16 am

  Have run this car several miles. Great family car. Lacks power, however gets 22 mpg. Purchased extended warranty and used it several times. Car had exhaust manifold defects, two failures. Running great for now. Parts are expensive. Several sensor failures. Overall I like the car, bought it for the long run and hope to get 10 years out of it. Front brakes replaced at 114k, timing belt 112k, original tires 56k. Shocks 105k.

• 

  first rodeo experience - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By tenis_guy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  purchased a new isuzu rodeo LS 2WD in 2000. up to recently the car has been very reliable. around 30,000 miles had problems with transmission, eventhough i have performed a transmission fluid flush, granted it was not done at the dealership as they ususally charge quite a premium. perhaps that was my fault for not taking it there in the first place. luckily, the warranty covered the repair. besides other minor problems (usual wear and tear) the car has been very reliable. the only suggested improvments consist of improved suspension (very stiff), and improved noise control. otherwise good vehicle for its price.

• 

  Great Truck-based" SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By cptsesso - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I chose the Axiom because of Isuzus reputation for producing rugged, dependable trucks. Also, because I didnt want a "cookie-cutter SUV". People definately notice the Axiom. It looks and drives "almost" like a car, but it is still a body-on-frame, truck based SUV unlike some of the others on the market. If it wasnt for the internet,I would never have stumbled across the Axiom. I had never seen or heard of the Axiom before and neither has anyone who has questioned me about it. The curious are really impressed overall with the Axiom and all the included standard features.

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  Loving our new SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By SKM - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Axiom for about 3weeks, and we love it, it a great SUV, glad we got the Axiom over the rodeo.

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ASSMAN - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. One of the best Ive ever owned.

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  No Complaints - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By roughnail82 - December 24 - 11:46 pm

  I bought the vehicle brand new back in sept. of 01 and havent had any major problems with it. This SUV is rock solid. I have put this suv through hell and back. I havent changed the oil since november of last year and it has 162k miles on it. Ive had it for so long ive given up on it dying. I take it offroad all the time which ive never gotten stuck. I drive it like i stole it atleast 95 mph on the highways everyday and drive in bumper to bumper in afternoons. I havent had to replace anything really except the belts and a couple batteries. This is an awesome suv

• 

  Isuzu Rodeo 4 Wheel Drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By huntly - December 22 - 7:10 pm

  This is my second Isuzu, having owned a 1988 Trooper for 13 years. I truly loved that truck & went to places very wild. The Rodeo is in a different world. It has a very nice V6 engine, powerful and maintenance free. Night and day from the old Troopers high maintenance 4 cylinder. I have 30,000+ miles and have done nothing but lube it and one wheel alignment. I have driven round trip from WA to FL and had no problems. The roof rack holds 200 lbs, which is much more than most vehicles and since I carry a kayak and gear, is a nice quality feature built in. Many pro reviewers dont like Isuzu, but my experiences are all good. High speed driving is excellent & the brakes are excellent. I am not sorry.

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  a lot for the buck in an Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By coop dawg - December 19 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the nices cars that I have driven yet. The style the way that it handles, all of its extras. the on screen indash display of every thing that gose on with the car. Yes this is the MID Size SUV of the year in my book. Go check one out for your self.

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  Seriously think before buying one of these - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By AhhhIsuzuCars - December 14 - 10:56 am

  Disclaimer: Never buy from a person. I have had this car only 8 months and it has been AWFUL. I have had to replace the brakes, replace the transmission, then have it rebuilt, replace the tires, abs sensor, transmission mode switch, cables, EGR valve, there was a transmission leak, wheel bearings, 2 plugs, timing belt, water pump... the lists goes on and on. Ive reached my last straw. Its now in the shop for the computer in the car about 800.00-1,000.00 I bought the car for 6,000 - RIP OFF - and put more than that into fixing it! Seriously think before buying one of these. It was supposed to be a late b-day present! HA! Best one ever. DONT BUY FROM A PERSON!

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  Rodeos rule - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By luckydpj - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have always had an Isuzu, I find the to be very long lasting and quite reliable. The Rodeo is the mid size one and it offers a lot of SUV for the dollar.