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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  Ive owned a 87, 94 & 02 Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By jim - May 2 - 4:03 pm

  Absolutely the best in harsh driving conditions; the 02 is tops for driving out on the beach with no bogging down or a hint like its struggling. You would be surprised how much room you have for big bulky items in the back. My 02 came with regular passenger tires for a more comfortable ride to my dismay but they worked in the sand.

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  Great Truck, Not Great Dealer - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mass01532 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid, good looking truck, feels very safe esp. in bad weather. Got a $32K truck for $21K. Lots of room, great sound system, great ride. Interior bits (carpet) could be better quality. Exterior paint chips kind of easily. The dealer service is really poor. Every single trip made to troubleshoot an issue required a second trip back since they didnt have a part.

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  Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mark Rockman - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The rodeo is a very reliable truck. It is simple to go into 4 wheel drive and has minimal maintenance problems. It is great off road as well as handling on the open road. I love it..

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  Best Looking SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Marcellus - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Axiom. I love the uniqueness of the car, its not too big over the top look, its out of the box design thats not just a aquare or retangle box on wheels and its bold in your face,very different front fascia. Its a minivan for people who dont want to be seen in a minivan but rather an SUV. Its just a "cute" vehicle thats different from the standard square boxes out there.

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  Did I get a lemon? - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By johnq - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Trooper. Does everyone have good reliability with these vehicles except me? Had to have the auto transmission replaced at 41K - warranty (a $4000 job). Had to have engine manifold valve gaskets replaced. Vehicle has shut off twice while driving down the road. I have heard of others having these problems, but most seem to have no problems. Strange, wonder if all these bad ones were made the same week. At least I still have 20K left on the warranty.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Wolf83 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  One of the bet SUVs Ive ever driven. Awesome Power, needed a little more interior refiniement but overall a great vehicle. Has great offroad capability. Helps to have Spare on the hatch. I love this SUV.

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  Ahead of its time. - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By mnoland - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving the VX. The handling is great on road as well as off. In town, I have learned to realy on my side mirrors more than the center rear view because of the lower visibilty. I did instal an aftermarket air filter by Calmini which increased the power and gas mileage and would advise anyone else to add it on. The overall feel is like having a car built around your favorite, most comfortable chair.

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  Stylish fun - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By administrator - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Love it! Fun vehicle to drive and has a smooth comfortable feel over bumpy roads. The interior is very spacious, one doesnt feel "close in", that is, the driver does not "fit like a glove" in the driver seat...its not a sports car...its a SUV.

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  Nice - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Durkk82 - April 5 - 2:23 pm

  I just bought this suv and I love it, but the fuel gauge does not work. The motor has a slight knocking sound. Over all its a very nice car, it looks good and rides great. So really I have no complaints.

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  Good on paper, but.... - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By reed jones - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Going on 4 years, replaced engine under warranty (just barely), otherwise OK. Gives off very musty odor from AC (?!?), lots of creaks and rattles, loud road noise, lousy seats. Great off- road, fun to bang around in, but not reliable and not refined at all. Wouldnt buy another Isuzu.