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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  stay away - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mikepe - January 20 - 10:00 am

  bought new in 99. replaced fuel guage $500--at 40,000 miles---at 25,000 the manifold gasket went which kept the car idle at 4,000 rpm--try to stop when your doing 55 on highway, almost killed myself, fought with isuzu to replace it or i was going to take them to court and papers---they fixed it the next day, obviously they know there is a problem, other than that the car has been fine, love the ride, the looks, and the truck comes in very useful to haul stuff.---you get what you pay for---i would not recomend this truck nor will i buy isuzu again. life is a lesson and the lesson here is stay to the top 3 manufacturers--honda, toyota, and nissan

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  Woah - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By drivzgrlzcrz - January 12 - 11:23 pm

  I will start off by saying I am very picky about my ride, and I love this vehicle it caught my eye at first but to be fair I looked around the lot only to return to it and peek inside, this is when I turned into a kid. Sweet interior, I knew 2 minutes into my test drive I was hooked. This SUV is unique and I get loads of compliments, I was previously interested in the Scion lineup & the Element but this is so me. The engine sounds like a tuned up car in power drive, super fun. Yes the pass doors could open more, the ride is wobbly in comfort, & the steering around turns uses more muscle but try to find an SUV that is perfect.. There isnt one, but this is very close.

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  2002 Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Rev3Racer - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Axiom the week they came out. I was in the market for an SUV to pull my new bigger boat. Just had my 30,000 mile check-up. The vehicle has been flawless. In 30,00 miles, Ive had one driving light go, and thats t. I use Mobil 1 synthetic every 5,000 miles. The truck pulls my 23 foot boat with no problems. I would say my only complaint is the ride stinks on bumpy roads. It is great for highway diving, and handles way better than the other SUVs I tested. Overall, Im very happy with my decision. If you told me 3 ears ago, I would be driving an Isuzu, I probably would have laughed out loud. I was wrong. Its been a very good experience.

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  BAD to the BONE! - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By FLASH451 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Until someone builds something better the VX is it! This is the first time I have owned or even seen a 4X4 that you can buy and go right to off road IMMEDIATELY! All other 4x4Â’s including jeeps have got anywhere from $3000 and up before they are really off road ready. The jeep wranglers for example lean so much in a turn they feel like they will roll right over and they will. However the VX can hit a corner with hardly a hesitation and while in the corner you can just nail it and it will just hook up and launch you straight down the road. Also a VX has the articulation that other 4x4Â’s just dream they came off the assembly line with.

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  Isuzu Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By mandi - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I began leasing my 2002 Isuzu Axiom 8/01. At that time there was not much info on the vehicle. I am satisfied with appearance of the car, and the interior is comfortable, however there have been some problems which will prevent me from continuing to drive it when my lease is up. I believe the price is a bit high for what you get. There is a lot of rattling and noise coming from the dash. Also, there is some paint discoloration. The engine will also become very loud when the air conditioning is used. The ride can also be very bumpy. I will shop around a bit more next time.

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  Almost There - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By pTooner - December 30 - 10:00 am

  They came very close to building a truly exceptional vehicle. I like almost everything about it. The only problems are the difficulty of getting into the back seat and little oversights like the lack of a power unlock for the rear door.

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  Lemon - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By parkert - December 30 - 10:00 am

  In the shop twice for 10 days each in the first 10500 miles. Isuzu wiggled out of its warranty with the greatest of sleaze.

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  Fun rig -- great in rain -- gas hog - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By toby - December 26 - 1:56 pm

  This rig is a real fun ride. Two suspension modes allows different choice of rides. Switch over to the TOD - this an excellent vehicle for wet conditions and fast take offs at stops. Push button HP boost allows more push for uphills and passing. After 35k miles my only problem with my Axiom is that - going 55 on a flat road - you will only get 22 mpg at best. In the city 11-17. This engine is inefficient. My GMC 1/2 ton Denali gets as good of gas mileage as this much smaller V6. All in all - this ride has got a stylish look, plenty of power for driving around town, moderate interior room, and multiple suspension modes for fun travel. It will keep you looking for cheaper gas.

• 

  powerful V6 - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Johnson Enmanuel - December 24 - 2:00 am

  good improvements, like the cruise control and volume/ch&trk buttons on steering wheel, smooth ride, powerful engine

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  You may like it now, but try to sell it! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Not Happy at All - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper doesnt hold its value. If you are not in it for the full term of the note, dont buy it. I paid a really low price for it new, but I will still be upside down in my note for a very long time. And comfort? Whats that. I think Isuzu Engineers sleep on stone beds!