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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  okay - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mom22 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My husband needed to trade in his lease truck and I wanted to upsize from a sedan (Camry). My husband saw it on the lot and jumped in without looking. My husband loves the Rodeo. I am patiently waiting for a minivan now. I hate how it drives! Who knew that a rough off road handling meant city streets. AND not to mention the noise level.

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  My axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By angela L - December 10 - 6:00 am

  I purchased my axiom used a year ago and I am loving it. But, there is one problem, my radio does not work but I can still play cds, not sure what thats all about. Overall I wouldnt trade it.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By JRoss - December 7 - 1:13 am

  This is our second Isuzu product. Our first was a Honda Passport (Isuzu Rodeo). It is still running with zero problems at 135,000+ miles. I expect the same with this vehicle. This car seems to built to the same high standards.

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  Better than the rest - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By randr - December 1 - 6:23 pm

  Searched and test drove all the other SUVs on the market , nothing else came close to the Ascender. My neighbour traded in his new Tahoe as soon as he seen my Ascender, this vehicle should be rated much higher amongst the others.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bill N. - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Without question best SUV Ive ever owned. Price was driving force to buy it, but then found performance and reliablity was excellent. Great warranty, but have never needed it.

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  New models = bad news - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SWC - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This was the first year this body style came out so there were many trips to the dealership for recalls....at least 10. Issuses: the paint on the rims started coming off a year after buying it. The interior is less than comfortable and there is no lighting inside. No glove compartment light, no map lights, no key lights, well ok, one dim dome light in the center. As for repairs, ive had to replace the ABS module($450) and the breaks have NEVER been right. I tried the dealership but they couldnt "duplicate" my problem. Midas wanted $1,000 for the repairs. The rear windshield wiper broke as well. I will NOT purchase another rodeo ever.

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  Great SUV at a Great Price! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mikellanes - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV for about 5 months now... a few minor problems: back lock came un-done had to re-install locking unit. Rides nice, uncomfortable after many hours, runs at 100+ MPH very smoothly for hours on end :)

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  I love my Ascender and Saved a Bunch - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rodney - November 21 - 6:03 pm

  I keep reading the reviews and cant understand why they rate it low. I love the vehicle. It has power and steers fine and is great for hauling stuff around. I really enjoy this vehicle and would really recommend it. I went from a 2001 Honda Passport (AKA Isuzu Rodeo) and was very comfortable with my purchase.

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  Excellent SUV with lots of room - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Akbar - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. I tried out Honda Pilot, Tahoe and found this one to be among the best in its class. The ride is unbelievable, very smooth and yet the engine spits out 275 Hp.

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  Reliable SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By swthuney3 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The trooper has been reliable and easy to drive.