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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  Cool. I love that it is rare! - 2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By Tim D. - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The styling is still futuristic. I really like how solid it is. It is built with over-kill durability. It is quiet, fast and stable. People stop you in parking lots to find out what it is. The fact that there were only 4,153 imported into the U.S. makes it even better from my perspective. I plan on keeping it forever. It is too cool and rare to sell in my opinion. My pet peeve with it is that there are no cup holders ... ok, I can live without them. That is my only complaint. I think they are a great value. You just have to find one.

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  2002 Izusu Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By kulhand57 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I really like this vehicle compared to my last one(2002 Pontiac Grand Prix) I know that is comparing apples to oranges but oh well. I have drive the nissan xterra and pathfinder, but I felt this truck had a more smooth ride to it.

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  The Truth - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By The Truth - October 23 - 8:46 am

  Great truck, but only flaw is how the material used, such as paint and trim; they somewhat fade and come loose. Great overall truck, great bang for the buck!

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  First 200 miles - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By rkelly21 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Before I say anything else, be sure to shop around for this vehicle. I saved about $4,000 by simply looking at dealerships that were about 20 miles away. I really like the look, feel and ride that the axiom provides. We were considering a rodeo but after test driving the axiom, there is no comparison. Its an excellent choice for most.

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By bougt it used - October 20 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 50K on it, and it feels/runs like its brand new. I love the exterior, and the leather interior/sunroof/all power windows, seats, etc. Handles great, when you drive it like a truck instead of a sedan. This is my first SUV, and I have to say I am very happy. Gas mileage is poor, but I expected that with the purchase. Lots of cargo room, however, people in the back seat do not have much leg room. Sound system is great, love the 6 disc changer. No problems so far (mechanically). V6 engine has good get up and go! Very quiet ride, but a little bouncy...though I have found almost all SUVs I test drove to be like that.

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  Smooth ride. - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By aemohr - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride.

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  Lovin It! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By orion - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just got a 2003 Axiom after researching and test driving a number of other SUVs. For the money there is nothing even close. Take the unique, exotic styling, add the top-end leather package, and torque-on-demand AND four-wheel drive modes, and its just amazing. I picked mine up for well under thirty thousand. To get an SUV with a leather package anywhere else puts you into the mid-thirties. Mine is black with chrome everything and looks like a true luxury SUV. I couldnt be happier! Plus, nobody has them...just makes it that much cooler to drive.

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  Lovin It! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Orion - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just got a 2003 Axiom after researching and test driving a number of other SUVs. For the money there is nothing even close. Take the unique, exotic styling, add the top-end leather package, and torque-on-demand AND four-wheel drive modes, and its just amazing. I picked mine up for well under thirty thousand. To get an SUV with a leather package anywhere else puts you into the mid-thirties. Mine is black with chrome everything and looks like a true luxury SUV. I couldnt be happier! Plus, nobody has them...just makes it that much cooler to drive.

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  surprising suv - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jfig - October 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought the truck one year used and have been surprisingly happy with the Rodeo. This suv has exceeded all of our purposes and expectations, however with two young ones, the back seat is a bit cramped with the car seats. We have had two oxygen sensors replaced as well as the routine maintenance performed. All other mechanicals have been maintenance free. The wife will have a hard time parting with this one.

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  Hidden Delight - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By The_Maxx_Guy - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this vehicle just out of pure luck. And I have driven a lot of SUVs including BMW, MERCEDES, ACURA, FORD etc etc. But believe you me, this TRUCK has no comparison. The price and performace ratio is AMAZING. So much TORQUE, that this vehicle can easily out run any other SUV in its class.