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:

• 

  solid suv - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By zippyputt - June 11 - 10:00 am

  A great solid Japanese built car. The quality shines through.

• 

  Surprise!!! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By tix6174 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle!! Had already been looking at the Envoy XL and Trailblazer EXT, but didnt really care for the stylings of those. Stumbled across the Ascender here on Edmunds and discovered it was the same truck, so had to find one to test drive. What a difference!!! The GMC "felt" smaller inside and I dont like the look of the TB (plus there are hundreds around here). The ride was much better too! So for about $5000 less, I got a better warranty and up-level options (Limited minus leather), plus that great V8.

• 

  1999 Rodeo "The Best" - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RJP - May 17 - 6:23 am

  Bought my 99 Rodeo about 7 years ago "used" with 30K miles. Been the BEST Auto I have ever had and I have owned many ...... !! Serviced and changed oil regularly as scheduled. Now has over 135,000 miles and still runs great and is nice and tight. Only repairs made during my 105k ownership aside from tires & brakes is a starter replacement and gasket leak to sealed transmission about $400.00 cost. and a couple of batteries. Made many long trips it is a pleasure to drive. Average Hwy 21 mpg at 70 & 75 miles an hour. Wish I could find another with lower miles would buy it in a heart beat ..... You gotta shoot-em to kill - em ..... Great Mid-Size SUV ... !!

• 

  Model prone to Frame Rust-through - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By MA Axiom Driver - May 12 - 5:36 pm

  02 Axiom with 85K miles. We live in central MA and driven by my wife who babies the car. Rear Trailing Arm/Stabilizer completely rusted off the frame. Completely unacceptable on todays car. Same frame as Rodeo and Honda Passport. Do NOT BUY this car until you physically check for frame rust and specifically on the rear trailing arms.

• 

  Nice SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Land - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Ford Explorer prior to my Rodeo. I would rate the overall performance and ride equally, despite the much higher price tag on the Explorer. What the Rodeo gives up in space, it more than makes up for in looks, performance, pricing and warranty coveage.

• 

  Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Julie - April 25 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Trooper - I have driven it over 60,000 miles and it has never gone into the shop. We moved across the country 2 times - the Trooper provided for a comfortable ride, and handled mountains wonderfully. The Trooper was large enough to fit our 2 large bloodhounds comfortably - for 2 days of driving (never heard a peep out of them). I especially love how well I can see the road from my Trooper.

• 

  2000 isuzu - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By stevenv - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and put 91,000 miles on it. I replaced the tires, brakes and battery. Very pleased.

• 

  2nd Trouper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By RiverRat - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd trouper. Both vehicles have been trouble free. I have used both trucks off-road and for pulling boats and sand-rails. The 2000 model with the larger 3.2 engine does a great job. The climate control has been a great bonus to truck, along with the heated seats retrackable mirrors.

• 

  Good vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unknown - March 29 - 3:16 pm

  My second Rodeo was just as reliable as my first one.

• 

  A Sexy and Functional SUV - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By Tiger Bait - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2001 Isuzu VehiCross. Have wanted one for almost two years, but not at previous sticker of 30k. Now you can find new one for 23-25k, and at that price a real steal. A truly unique SUV, capable off-road and comfortable on pavement, with real head-turning ability. If youre looking for an SUV and want to make a statement, buy a VX.