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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  To many problems - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By steve1survey - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I use to love this truck till it hit 2 years old and 50000 miles. The Fuel gage died. "I think this needs to be a recall" My CD changer broke 2 times the second not under warrenty so im stuck. My starter and battery died and had to be replaced. My right speaker blew I dont play loud music! It idols high sometimes when stopped and after I drive on the highway for more than an hour my truck idols high and low for about 30 seconds when I stop and none of this under warrenty

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  Worst car I ever owned - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ahtan1 - March 11 - 11:06 am

  I bought my new Isuzu Rodeo in 1999. At 25,000 miles, the car died in a car parking lot, could not get it started. Contacted the Isuzu Customer Service to get Road Side Assistance and waited for more than 2 hours; no more showed up. Eventually managed to start the car myself and drove back home; gave the car to the dealership to fix the problem, but they could not find the problem. I ended up on telling them how to find the startup problem and they have no clue how to fix it and they ended up erasing the computer system in the car and reprogramming it. At 52,000 miles, the fuel gauge is gone. At 56,000 miles, the tires were gone. At 81,000 miles, the transmission went bad.

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  Edmunds too tough, I like it! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By jeff - March 9 - 12:23 am

  Bought this 04 Axiom used with 48,000 miles. The seats are low compared to a Suzuki Grand Vitara it replaced but I got used to it. This vehicle flies! Power is fantastic, gas mileage is 13 mpg. Looks alone are a home run. I personally like the dash but does have a lot to it. You just have to get used to it. My only complaint would be the rubber stripping around the doors it seems to move or come out of its fasteners and not fit as well as Im sure as when it was new. I have had it 4 months or so and really like it.

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  Ive had no problems - it turns heads - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Mpfeltr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  It always seems funny to me where reviews come from. Every veh Ive seemed to own doesnt make it what Reviews state as top 10. Perhaps I like to be different. Anyway pricewise my axiom is middle of the road. Appeal wise it turns head, and for me Im glad it not a clone seen everywhere. Ive had not a single problem with it and I now have 20K on it. My gas mileage hovers around 19mpg c/h and Im a lead foot. Rebadged Rodeo.. not!

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  9 yrs old, 154K and still running strong - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lynn3765 - February 25 - 9:52 am

  Bought this in 2002 after reading many reviews and talking to a few different owners. Ive had this vehicle for 9 years and other than normal wear and tear repairs, have not had any issues. I am still getting 23 mpg on the highway; about 19 city. As long as the routine maintenance is kept up, this vehicle has been a gem.

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  12 Years and 124,000 miles later - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By markumz - February 20 - 11:04 am

  This is a truck & is built like all trucks should be. Used for work commute & as a family vehicle. Past problems/repairs: Both front pass windows came off track (tried to put them down while frozen). AC leak in 2000. 2 cd players in 2001. Life Maintenance: Oil change every 10,000 miles or so. 4 Batteries, 4 sets tires, 2 exhaust systems from the cat on back. 4 maybe 5 sets brake pads. timing belt @ 75k as recommended. Big repair$: 2011- Alternator, 4 rotors, pads & 2 rear calipers. Never touched: motor, AT, Driveline components, susp/steer comp, plugs, wires, cooling, ps system, electrical, body hdwe.

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  Bucket of Bolts - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By disgusted in R.I. - February 16 - 10:00 am

  One week after I bought this car, in a bad snowstorm, I had all the electrical circuitry turned on. The front and rear wipers, the defroster, the lights and the radio. Ten minutes into my trip, everything in my car started to go dim, and then the car died. I called the dealer and was told not to use the defroster; there will be a recall. Great, brand new car and I can’t use the defroster. I should have known then that this would be an omen. This car has been the worst ownership experience of a vehicle I have ever had in my 28 years of driving. Never have I prayed to get to my destination as many times in a car as I have with this one

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  I love it - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By sandy859 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Its diffrent looking so you get the looks and compliments. It rides nice and has room for all 3 , yes 3 car seats in the back. The only trouble I had was getting the license plate on the front. Will no doubt trade it in 4 years for a 2006 Axiom. I would like to see the 6 disc cd player someplace else other than in my storage compartment, where I keep my junk.

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  Our First Isuzu SUV - 2007 Isuzu Ascender
  By Heidarella - February 12 - 7:23 am

  Being used to a big Dodge I was skeptical to purchase a smaller vehicle. Surprisingly the interior feels roomy with pretty good leg room. Fits my family and animals well. Handles wonderful in the snow and the ride is quite comfortable. I travel to CT a lot and this SUV is more than satisfactory in comfort for the long trips. I love the turning radius when parking especially in Boston. The engine has pretty good zip as I waited for a "Lag" when going up hills, but that never happened. The pick up was right on and the full frame gives the feeling of sturdiness. With all the outside recreational activities this SUV has supported us well!

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  Dont hesitate to buy! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Debi - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I thought I was going to buy a Volvo wagon until I saw the Axiom! There is no comparison once you consider features, specifications, warranty, and price. Im a small person (52"), and Ive never had a car that fits me better. My husband (66")is very comfortable in my Axiom. I have almost 9,000 miles on it, and I havent had one problem. I did the mfgrs. suggested 7500 mile maintenance, and everything checked out great. The cost was reasonable for the service as well. I usually have buyers remorse over major buying decisions, but not this time. Dont be afraid of this car... it is a tremendous value, and a really fun and functional family car.