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:

• 

  Been Great - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bandit - September 5 - 2:23 pm

  When I bought this SUV in 2005, I was actually looking for a Nissan Xterra. But I got way more for my money with the Rodeo. It has over 100,000 miles on it now and is just been great! It has the 3.5 direct injection v6 and this has to be the most powerful in its class. the only problem is it has always used a little oil since dat one, but if you are aware of this and keep an eye on it, it will never cause you grief. Overall,the car is great you wont be disappointed, except by maybe the gas mileage, which is to be expect on any SUV.

• 

  Still Going! - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By smeeks1 - September 3 - 3:26 am

  I have 118,000 miles and weve been through a lot together! When I first purchased it (had 15k miles) it had an engine switch problem, dealer had to have it towed in to repair. At about 90,000 miles I experienced electrical issues with my AC, I have to jiggle it for it to be extra cold. This does use a lot of oil for some reason, I change it religiously 2800 miles. This is my first car, I think its very easy to handle. I whip it around quite easily and never get that "tipping" feeling. The design still looks pretty good for an 8yr old car. I plan on keeping my rodeo until it dies and I dont think thats anytime soon. I would recommend it overall. Its really fun to drive, great visibility too!

• 

  Homeowner, Fisherman, Hobbyist - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Picky Driver - August 31 - 6:36 pm

  Very dependable. Great rear bumper is a 6 inch wide rest, a shelf or a seat when tailgate is open (like no other SUV has). Also, because back window lifts up separate from the tailgate, I can carry 12 ft long pipes and lumber just extending 2 feet out the back window while it is nearly all the way down. The seats lay down as a flat surface unlike most SUVs that leave the passenger seats at an angle when folded downward. CONS: I notice that the paint chips at each rock dent (lacks flexibility) then quickly rusts underneath. Tires squeal in tight turns even at idle speed. What other compact SUV is built to tow over 4000 pounds? It pulls a 17 fiberglass boat easily on road or in & out of ramps.

• 

  A comfortable Tank and Fun - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By skylandry - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Toyota Crew Cab for comfort but didnt want to giveup a great 4wd. The trooper met all my needs. It is great off road and very comfortable on long trips. If it had a pickup bed it would be perfect. If you want a true rough and tough SUV that looks fancy and is comfortable look no further.

• 

  ITS A GAMBLE... - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ROD S. - August 22 - 4:06 am

  It had 50k on it when I bought it used in 2006, ABS was out already, but I have no problem stopping in regular or normal Winter conditions, I have added cold air intake to increase mpg/power. 205 hp/217tq are not impressive #s but it feels a lot torquier than that. I believe I bought a good one (except ABS thing) but Buyer Beware theres badly built ones out there. ISUZU didnt build consistently.

• 

  You could do much worse - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By KingMikey - August 20 - 11:23 am

  Honestly, I had this car for 7 years and 105K before my wife totaled it last week and with the exception of an AC compressor a year or two ago, the vehicle was flawless. I towed a 3500lb boat and it was perfect. Even with the 2WD model the limited slip system never got me stuck at a boat ramp or anywhere else. And it always had plenty of power to tow that boat. Fuel efficiency was always a problem whether towing or not though.

• 

  Loving my Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By brandon20068837 - August 19 - 10:33 am

  I absolutely love my Isuzu Rodeo. I really never wanted a 4-door SUV because I didnt like the looks. I have not had one problem in over the year Ive had it. I bought it with 139,000 miles, and it now has over 148,000. It drives like its 2 years old, and never seems to let me down. Im thinking about getting an Isuzu Ascender after this one bites the dust.

• 

  The Rodeo Keeps On Pleasing Me - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SUVLover - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I have put over 18,000 miles on my Isuzu Rodeo so far. I drive constantly and the Rodeo has always pleased me and my fellow passengers with its roomy interior, cargo space, acceleration and smoothness. The warranty is incredible and I have never experienced any problems with this vehicle. I would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking an SUV that is not watered down "yuppie" SUV. Between its smoothness, pure power, warranty and stylish design, the Rodeo just makes me happies every day I drive it.

• 

  Sleek Looking Gas Hog - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By miwokman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck 2 years and it hasnt let me down. Fun to drive, plenty of zip, and when the kids are not in the back, nice cornering with "Sport" drive engaged. The bad - the gas milelage stinks - expect 14 mpg if you drive in stop and go traffic or do lots of city driving. This means a fill up every 225 miles with the small 16.9 gallon tank (go further if you like looking at the "low fuel" warning). Ride is harsh in the back seat, futher harsh when sport is engaged.

• 

  Absolutely No Buyers Remorse - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By nuschler22 - July 26 - 11:40 pm

  My wife and I drove every SUV on the market. We were heading toward the Dodge Durange but "accidentally" discovered the Axiom. The Axiom is by far the quietest in its class and has as much if not more off the line and cruising power as the 8 cylinder Dodge Durango. With doing mostly city driving, the in dash mileage gauge shows weve averaged 19.8 mpg since weve bought, though it seems we get more. The vehicle is quieter than any other SUV in its category and handles like a nice sedan.