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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  had alot of suvs this ones been best - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By chipface - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought new after my 99 durango was totaled. Never had it back to dealer for anything. Oil changes and a new battery have been it. No squeaks, rattles nothing. Very smooth power, added a flowmaster muffler and k&n filter, no problems. Gas mileage is typical, even better then most. Durango was 11 at best mpg. Ford explorer 4.o was at 14. Isuzu is at 16-19 mpg. Depreciation is only setback. Shouldnt be considering they built the rodeo for honda as a passport. Best vehicle Ivve owned for no problems in 20 years.

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  Comfortable limo type ride - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Kent - December 19 - 2:13 pm

  Great ride, good performance and comfortable for 6 of us on a 1500 mile trip to South Florida. Gas mileage of 21 was great and on regular gas. The AWD was great in the rain, and using the trailer hitch and wiring was easy. Good heater and A/C system. Price of $24,000 was lower than some minivans we looked at and this has all wheel drive. Much tighter vehicle than the Town and Country, and more versatile than the van.

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  A cool SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Donna - December 8 - 3:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle new. It is the 2nd Isuzu Ive owned. I really love it. Its styling is my favorite thing. I never have had any issues with it. But I do wish it was a little better on gas.

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  best bet - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rowddy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  biggest repair was oil change in 82000 miles. runs great, will run at sustained speed over 100 all day long. would never consider another as a replacement. runs as good in 4WD as ford does in 2 WD

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  LOVE MY RODEO - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RICK-RICK - December 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Rodeo as a third vehicle for our growing family. Although the Rodeo does not have as much room as our minivan its much sportier, handles better and the overall experience we enjoy with it is satisfying. I use to sell Rodeos a few years ago and felt great everytime I went on a test drive with its new owner. Our Rodeo has 68000 miles on it and the only problem I could begin to discuss is the paint issue. The overall rating more than makes up for the paint issue in my mind. Highly recommended by my family.

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  Excellent SUV Choice - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kori - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned an SUV before and I love the Rodeo. It rides great and I love the design of it. Now that Im in it I cant imagine myself in anything else. Thanks to Isuzu and Champion Isuzu Houston.

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  Trooper Believer - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Pory - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trooper. The first is a 94 LS. Theres not another SUV out there to compare feature and price to. I bought my Limited with a few thousand miles on it for $20.5K and its screamin loaded with all the goodies. Its quite solid and has enough oomph to get you around (more on that).

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  I love my axiom:) - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By scorpiobelle - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Axiom EXCEPT- It feels like its going to tip over sometimes. I wish that the center of gravity were a little lower...

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  Best Vehicle (SUV) - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Joe Walsh - November 11 - 4:33 pm

  I now have over 22,000 miles with no problems other than a TPS sensor (Throttle Valve Position Sensor) which I replaced myself. I also installed an "Alpine Supercharger" with about 4lb. of boost which give about 50 HP at the tires. I can run away from the Honda 255 HP Pilot as I did while going over Donner summit, on my way to Reno, NV. Overall, Trooper has been just great for me. Looking forward to 06 or 07 when they, hopefully, will have a new Trooper for U.S. market. Fruther, I have seen 22.22 MPG 56-70 MPH with the supercharger and a low of 15.4 while going over Donner summit.

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  rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By theresa girard - October 17 - 10:00 am

  i love my new rodeo. this was the best purchase i have made and was very happy with the deal i got.