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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  So Far So Good... - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lrdvader64 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Had early problems with gas mileage and computer chip programming errors. Other wise has performed well. Disappointed with the extremely soft ride and dealership where I purchased it. They have been extremely unhelpful, and have switched to a more local dealership.

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  I love it! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By harmsfarms - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 02 w/ the SE package, what an attractive vehicle! Isuzu should market this line with an equal push with the LS model. Drives great, stops great and looks like a million bucks!

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  Unique and innovative - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By blackburndad - May 15 - 5:50 pm

  As an automotive technician, I have to say I am still impressed by this vehicle, even after being the original owner for over 4 years. Love this truck and love Isuzu.

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  Lots of little problems - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 2001 rodeo driver - May 15 - 5:53 am

  Good size. Drives well to Tahoe. Lots of passenger room. Lots of mechanical prblems. Check engine light comes mostly with low gas (got it checked, cant be fixed). When its cold, the engine is a little picky to start. Ride is a bit rough. Wheel has a shake at freeway speeds. Gas mileage is definitly that of an SUV. The most bothersome problem I am having now is with the transmission. Which is definitly no good.

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  my first new car/suv - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By carlessman - May 14 - 10:00 am

  this Rodeo is so cool i can buy it again tommorrow

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  Mixed Emotions.... - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By brantm21 - May 6 - 10:12 pm

  Had this car for a family vehicle. It was reliable, yes. And it was comfortable, yes. Its hard to put into words but it was just awkward to drive. I did like the ability to stiffen the suspension but it still handled horribly. I loved the interior personally. The sunroof was a nice touch. Never had a problem with it mechanically. Drove it probably 15k Highway miles all over this beautiful USA country.

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  My first SUV now I am in heaven - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By P Ray - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I thought SUVs were only for the rich. I just bought a Isuzu Axiom and I need a degree to learn all it does. It is classy, sporty and handles great. I used to have a Toyota Tacoma and the seats were important to me as if it isnt comfortable I am not going to want to stay in it for long and as most Southern California people know we do a lot of driving. It handles great, and I always know where I am going as it has the compus on the screen and temperture controlls. My sun glasses never get lost now because it is like a well orgainzed machine, with something for everone. Speaking for someone that gets hot flashes the tempurture controls are so great becau

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  Satisfied - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ccarnes - April 27 - 2:03 am

  I have put 50K hard miles on my Rodeo in less than 3 yrs. bringing the total miles upto 160,000.Twice a week I drive 130 miles over three different high elevation mountain passes.I have always felt safe and never gotten stuck.I have made a few minor repairs(brake pads twice, alternator,EGR,fuel pump and I had to disconnect the horn ) and now it appears that the computer may be going out.Sometimes it dies immediately after starting up, idles roughly, & there is a minor delay in the acceleration.The Check Engine light comes on, but it will not give the code reader a code.This sucks, but I am more than happy to put in the time and $ to fix it.

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  2nd look - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Joe Walsh - April 24 - 8:56 am

  Just completed a trip to Denver, CO with 3800 lbs. of loaded trailer this past March. While going North on I 15 and onto I 70 East, we had a good winter storm. Lots of road ice, and at first, heavy wet snow which turned into the "freezing" kind. Was not sure if I could make it over Vail summit given the 2" to 5" ice and pack snow and the blinding, wind driven heavy snow. Did I mention heavy snow? Well, not only did we make it (4WD; did not spin a tire). At one time, we slowed to just under 25 mph. due to stalled traffic (dumb drivers); even at that speed we had lots of traction which is a good thing! On this part of the trip at 60-65 (loaded trailer) we averaged 15 mpg. Return home averaged 19.7 at 75.

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  Love it! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By sc rodeo - April 23 - 5:03 am

  My fourth Isuzu SUV. Bought it new in 04. This ride has given me more than my moneys worth. Ive always liked the looks, the performance and the reliability,- no unpleasant surprises. Predictable maintenance history and a compatible vehicle for rack systems, hitch systems, etc. Its flexible for carrying all sorts of cargo. Have put 112k miles on this thing and if it dies tomorrow, Im still be glad I bought it.