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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  A secret, shhh..before they up the price - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Harvey - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This TRUCK proves you cant take an experts opinion. It has excellent quality and is fun to drive. The chimps that complain usually DISS the console display. Forget it, and get used to it. Ive seen reviews about the truck like bearing...it is a truck...duh! Try taking your RAV4 through some sand or...ahh, you get it. Have you ever gone to a movie that gets a bad review, and liked it? Get away from the maddening crowd and dont tell too many people, they might start charging full price.

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  Happy owner - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Chrome - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Never owned an Isuzu before and was cautious before I drove one. Other than lacking in legroom (Im 6-3") and somewhat easily scratched interior plastic parts the car has kicked *ss. I bought the 4 cyl. manual tranny model and 99% of the time I have more than enough power and torque to do anything that needs doing. Theres some windnoise at highway speeds but acceptable. Seats are the most comfortable in any of the cars Ive owned. Sporty feel.

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  Warning Will Robibson - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By jmingo - May 25 - 4:13 pm

  Had nothing but problems with my Ascender. Major vibrations at 65 mph .2 new rearends, 2 new transfer case .2 new driveshafts.Broke down on Hwy, blew transmission transfer case, Customer support from isuzu is pitiful and downright rude. never buy from Izusu.

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  Not many in Alaska - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By mariannek - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is not common in AK but it is the right car for driving conditions here. The front panel is a bit distracting. Love to have both CD and disk player. Wish there was more room to put "stuff". Why the 17" wheels??

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  no prolems here - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By k9fto - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I wanted another SUV and looked at a whole lot and decided on the Rodeo. I like the ride and power it has. It is bumpy like a small truck but very robust. I tow trailers with it and have had no problems. It runs flawlessly and looks good.

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  Bottom of the Bunch, But fun!!! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Camraun - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to help move my brother to PA. Granted, the time we moved him was in December with lots of snow. The rodeo performed better than i expected (except for gas mileage). For a car i bought because it was the only one left, i am quite happy with it (so far). I primarily travel in it. so the seats could be more comfortable. They dont do too well on anything over a few hours drive. so far, though, i am satisfied even though ive only driven it about 8 mos because i considered it mainly for traveling. i was going to get rid of it when i purchased it. now i am keeping it.

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  Excellent Mid-Range SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Pcolaboy - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Rodeo for nearly two years now and Im still enjoying it. It combines great looks, practical features, and SUV functions. Aside from initial dealership headaches while trying to have additonal options installed, I have had ZERO problems.

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By HappyIsuzuOwner - May 15 - 2:00 am

  For the price, you cannot get more for your money. The Axiom has it all: Great look, drive, handling, interior, comfort and features. This is a must buy.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jp12 - May 7 - 5:30 am

  Our Rodeo has 157,000 on it. Ran the thing all over the east coast.Bought it used with 29,000 on it. The upper spring perches rusted off of the frame rail.Frame still looks good though. Bought some perches from a junk yard down south, they look new. If the weld comes out ok, we will run this vehicle another 157,000. Now only going to be used for new england winters. Does use more oil than it should,we just keep an eye on the level.

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  good SUV - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Scott - May 5 - 10:13 am

  Im not a big fan of any SUV basically because they all look the same. Having said that, my 2005 Ascender runs perfectly. The suspension is just fine; its one of the few SUVs that have a truck suspension rather than an automobile suspension. Oh and by the way it has the best turning ratio than anything Ive ever driven, and I used to have a Chevette.