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:

• 

  Axiom - good SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By wrpupkis - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Axiom 15 months ago and have driven it 28K+ miles. Good decision; vehicle has been reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. Last week we got over 2 feet of snow, my wife had to go to work so I had her drive the Axiom. Her comment was that it handled as good if not better than her 1997 Jeep Cherokee Grand Larado she purchased new and drove for four years, which is huge because I too liked the way that vehicle handled in bad weather. Ive had good gas mileage for an SUV, it handles well on the open as well as back roads, and it is a handsome looking vehicle.

• 

  Love the Rodeo..... Almost - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ryan - September 5 - 11:00 pm

  I love almost everything about the 2004 Direct Injection Rodeo, except for the fuel injection problem that I have had in BOTH 2004 Rodeos I have had. It sometimes wants to hesitate during my first acceleration of the day, but then performs fine. I cant seem to find anyone else that has had this problem, but I have experienced it in both Rodeos that I have had.

• 

  What Happened to the Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Chris Holko - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I cannot believe they do not make this vehicle anymore. Although it couldnt compete with vehicles in its class due to not having the optional third seat or V-8 engine, it blows away all domestic vehicles in its class. If anything Isuzu should have rengineered the trooper and discontinued the rodeo. I purchased the Trooper for $100 over the cost of the redeo and it was the best decision I made with cars. Who can beat a full size SUV for $23k with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty.

• 

  Underrated and Awesome - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Anfieldman - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I really lucked out and bought a 2002 XS model brand new with 70 miles on it in Feb. of 2003 for $23,900. What a great deal. My only complaint about the vehicle is that the tires it comes with are complete crap. Ive already had to replace one of them because of rip in the sidewall. Isuzu should look elsewhere to provide the tires.

• 

  Best SUV around - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Skinny - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 2 Troopers and loved them both. Large size SUV interior without taking up 3 parking spots. Very reliable. You cant find a better SUV for the price.

• 

  The things I dont like - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Auto mechanic - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Isuzu used with about 8500 miles on it. Ive had to take it to the dealership for a faulty turn signal light which turned out to be a short in the wiring, the 6 disc CD player had to be replaced( it skipped whenever it felt like it). If you like changing your own oil, the 4X4 V6 is quit challenging getting to the oil plug and filter. You will be removing a skid plate to make access to the oil plug drain possible. If you are looking for a gas saver, this aint it. Then again which 4X4 really is? Dont forget to make sure the gas cap is all the way on, the check engine light will come on. Same for Honda Accords.

• 

  I cant wait to buy my next Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By the_druid - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I drive all over the midwest,putting about 33k miles per year. I love my Rodeo. It gets fair gas mileage, actually great for and SUV. I can hall all the gear that I need. I love the split rear fold-down seats. The seats are comfortable onlong trips, really fits my heighth and long legs. I think the look is more masculine that other "yuppie station wagons" on the market. I have had no mechanical problems of any kind.

• 

  A Real Sport Utility Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By allblk - August 13 - 1:26 pm

  Truck is great, rides very good, 4WD system is top notch.

• 

  Awesome vehicle! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Tommyboyswife - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Our family purchased one of these (Axiom) last year and we love it! Beautiful and fun!

• 

  Best Isuzu yet - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tdorsey - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Trooper LS and an Axiom LS and this one is the best Isuzu of the three. The ride, and ease of driving make it a pleasure. The seats are more comfortable than the others and the road and wind noise are lots less. With the warranty and the price, why would you buy GM