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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  Served me well - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By isuztroop7 - February 4 - 9:26 pm

  Ive always wanted a Trooper more than anything and finally purchased a used one after Isuzu ended its production. Its been 3 and half years and its time to move on to a new love. She always made me want drive friends to places and parties. Never let me down on muddy trails, sandy Virginia beaches or snowy Connecticut highways. Always felt safely in control. The stock sport 4WD model came with lots of options but not as many as the LS or Limited. Ill never forget that outstanding truck.

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  Watch out for timing problems - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By dawelch_in_AK - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper is great up here in Alaska off roading, or whatever. Good to drive in all weather conditions; love the Torque on Demand. HOWEVER, I recently had the timing belt changed, and a week later, the bolt that connects the timing belt to the engine sheered in half. This royally hosed my engine. Bent 6 valves out of 24. This bolt supposedly should not break, but it did.

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  My 2000 Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Peter Kumble - January 27 - 7:23 am

  This is my second Trooper - bought it new in 2000, replaced my 1991. Huge improvement. I really wish that Isuzu was still in the auto business and made these because I have no idea what I will replace it with. I have used this vehicle in every way possible. My one complaint is that the motor uses oil, has since new.

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  Like brand new - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tommy C - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have used this vehicle for the last 3 1/2 years for my sales calls. It has performed flawlessly. Ive changed the oil every 3000 miles, added gas and tires when needed and finally put on a set of brakes at 132,000 miles. I just got it back from the mechanic for some routine maintenance and the only thing he changed was the serpentine belt, the original were still in great shape. See if your Doctor tells you that on your next checkup.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By dapperD - January 18 - 12:46 am

  I have only had this Ascender for a short while but fell in love with it the moment I took it on a test drive. It has a very soft ride for city driving. Highway driving while smooth is a bit choppy. I think it has to do with aerodynamics and that Im used to owning a car. Compared to the Ascenders cousins (Trailblazer, Envoy), it cant be beat for warranty and price. I bought mine brand new for $19,965. Apparently, Isuzu was offering quite a bit off of MSRP yet it wasnt advertised. This is almost $7,000 off of sticker price (I think its because Isuzu is in big trouble financially). How was I going to pass that up? This SUV is a beauty and you wont see many on the road.

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  New Isuzu - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By MikeP - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a good solid SUV. I have had it for just over a month and it is everything I expected. It does well in traffic as well as off road. It has good power for towing small trailers and campers. My son likes the rear moonroof. The cargo space is just enough to fit al of my hunting equipment. There are only a couple of issues, Im always at the gas pump and my right leg is always hitting the shift lever.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rabid_girl - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is a 99 with almost 100,000 miles and not a lick of trouble yet. It rides well, has excellent pickup (I love stomping on the gas and passing at 85), and I get 20 miles per gallon with the V-6. It was unbeatable for the price. Im gonna drive this car until the wheels fall off.

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  Unbiased - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By Smittyx7 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  For a single person who likes the off- road stuff as well as the regular road, this SUV has performed as advertised. Nothing too fancy, it just gets you there and back. People will miss this no nonsense 4x4 in a few years ....

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  Its no Rodeo Drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By say no to isuzu - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Got the SUV new back in late 2000. Within 30,000 miles the car needed new engine seals, trans. sensors/ knocks, fuel sensor and other electrical work. It was all covered under warranty...but new engine seals on a car with less than 30k mile (driven with care and serviced)? Oh, here is the sad part, after the dealer fixed and replace all of the above, half a mile down the road after leaving the dealer the car started up again with the transmission problems. Its a lease, it will be turned in but I would never buy or lease another Isuzu.

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  100,000 trouble-free miles - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By MTN MBA - January 6 - 8:30 am

  The Trooper continues to be a trooper! Only issue was a bad EGR @ 50k that was not covered under warranty (EGR apparently only to 24K) = $150. Ive continued hard use, with the addition of towing - surprised me with 19-20 mpg in CO mountains with trailer - apparently higher highway speeds are what brings my mileage to 16-17 (75-80 here in AZ). Installed OME 2" lift & it rides like it should now - does not bottom-out with heavy load. Continues to excel on backcountry trails. Interior has held-up well even though Ive used like a pickup (bikes, building materials). Exterior paint excellent with exception of chipping on rear flares near doors. Use of K&N air filter aids pick-up. Overall build quality remains tight/quiet.