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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  Humm...somebody is oicking on Isuzu - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dyma82 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Isuzu for three years already, and I am really please with it performance so far. I have never had a serious problem with it. The most terrible problem I had was my rear wiper stopped working after three years of use. I found that acceptable. I found my Isuzu Rodeo really reliable and some friends of mine who own Rodeos also speak hight of it. I dont think there is any SUV out there other than Isuzu Rodeo from which you can get so much power out of a 3.2 6 cylinder engine.

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  Omaha Bound Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By wallyworld68 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car very much but plan to get rid of it opting for a similar design with better gas mileage.

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  got knocked out of gear - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kim McGlamery - May 24 - 7:16 pm

  I love my Rodeo, but it was easily knocked out of gear by a 2 yr old while it was not running and keys were out. It went rolling with her in it as I tried to jump in and stop it I lost my grip and fell under. Crushed my left side. How could this have happened? usually have to step on brake to move gear shift.

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  Wish I never would have bought it - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ansauer - May 24 - 8:20 am

  Its been nothing but trouble since the day after i purchased it. All transmission problems, lots of jerking when i try to speed up, things fall apart easily on it, made very cheaply

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  Good times some of the times... - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ishoozuu - May 23 - 8:03 am

  Bought the Rodeo used with 70,000 miles on it in 02. I put on 70,000 in 6 years -- I had to take the car in a couple of times to the Isuzu mechanic for factory recalls, which is cool because its free and the fluctuating gas gauge and broken gas pedal were starting to get to me. Other than that nothing major. A/C needs recharging every 3 years ($40 a pop -- not bad). And as for the squeaking this car notoriously does, I just took mine in to get every bolt tightened and the squeaks are gone. Should only cost you about $50 if the mechanic is as honest as mine. Ha!

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  1998 Rodeo V-6 4 Dr Wagon - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Larry Brewer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I leased my 1998 Rodeo over three years ago. Overall performance has been good. The V-6 is peppy enough to allow for rapid acceleration when needed and the storage room is adequate. On the negative side, I find the lumbar system inadequate on trips over 4 hours -- lower back pain and tired legs. The paint is fading on the drivers side. Paint on the wheels is also peeling off. The vehicle had six thousand miles on it when leased.

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  Wise Trade - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By CP-Shelly - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the 2002 Axiom and I am extremely pleased with my decision. The acceleration is much quicker and the ride is far smoother. I fill my tank more often but the tank is smaller and takes about $7.00 less to fill it up. While the drive and interior really peaked my interest the 10 year/120,000 mile powertrain warranty sold me without a doubt.

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  Buy something else - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By MacGeek - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Engine pings on all gas except 93 octane. Rear Brakes began sticking (early grab, late release) after 3000 miles. Replaced by dealer at 9300 miles because of "glazing". One week after fix symptom returned. Truck-like ride which is more harsh than it should be (I hate torsion bars). Overpriced for what it is. Uncomfortable seats although I like the my custom Classic Soft Trim two tone/perferated leather interior ordered at delivery time. I like the extra power outlets (center console and cargo area) but they are available only with key on. Shoulda bought a Highlander.

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  WHAT A GREAT SUV - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By JOEISUZU - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I cant see why people dont take advantage of this truck it is great hey people eat up the passport hello it is the same car wise up get the rodeo it is the real thing would never trade it and I sold a 4 runner to buy mine and do not regret it one bit

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  SUV Dream - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Chelo - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2004 Ascender Jan 2. It caught my eye - exterior/interior design, Isuzus reliability, quality & performance - Sweet & Fully loaded! As for fuel economy - the mileage is almost the same as my Lexus ES 300 - just a few bucks a week. And, my insurance is a few buck more than my ES 300 because of all the safety features! I enjoy driving my Ascender as much as my Lexus - which is now parked in my garage! Austins traffic is like an obstacle course & wild - I feel much safer in my Ascender!