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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  outstanding! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By suziesuzu - January 4 - 3:23 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 90+ thousand miles and no problems except one ... seems a small gasket on the transmission was leaking fluid. No big deal and no damage incurred after driving it for a week before noticing the leak. Fun to drive. Not bad mileage, for an suv and 4wd. Ive had Chevy, Ford, and Chryslers, never go back! Although a bit tight to get in the back seat, very fun to drive in the snow or the twisties on the dry.

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  Three Troopers - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By PD - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I own three troopers. Not a single failure / problem in 250000 total miles.

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  My car rocks - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By g karis - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car for a great price

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  Best deal in the large SUV market! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By sanabu - December 17 - 1:16 am

  I just picked up my 2005 Isuzu Ascender Limited. It is a real joy to drive. It is a very smooth drive and highly comfortable when you have a family of four. The best part of this giant SUV is the price. It is GMC made. It is actually the GMC Envoy minus 8,000 dollars. It is very pretty car. I get a lot compliments on its looks.

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  2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS - 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS
  By P G Hachey - December 13 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned my V-Cross for about 7 months now, and it is the finest vehicle Ive owned. I bought it with 74000 miles and Ive driven about 5500 miles, enjoying every one of them. It can be high maintenance, only because it is very rare and some parts are hard to find. But the main components mirror the Trooper lineup. The outward appearance in unique and current to todays new model SUVs. Its funny that all of the new models coming out today by other manufacturers have taken the a lot of the V-Cross stylelines and Isuzu came out with this in 1993. Someone had a crystal ball into future SUVs of the 21st century. In addition to owning a unique vehicle, I enjoy the camaraderie with fellow owners.

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  You get what you pay for - in a good way - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Cosmo - December 12 - 10:00 am

  True, the storage space is limited and the ride is not as smooth as the Highlander or Endeavor, but the price is much lower, too. My Axiom seems well made, is really fun to drive and I got the XS 4x4 fully loaded (minus the trailer hitch) for under $26K.

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  zero resale value - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By 0resalevalue - December 12 - 10:00 am

  If you are 6ft tall & have big feet, DONT BUY IT. hit my head on tailgate, rear doors dont open far enough to easily get in and out. gas pedal and brake are so close together you hit them both with big feet. the steering wheel is too far away No room to stretch out when using cruise on the highway. I was offered $14,000 in trade today for a vehicle that sold for $29k less than two years ago. I think all these reviews are input by dealers and salesman or reviews like mine are deleted. good news, my 15 yr old daughter likes it, i hope she desrves it when I give it to her

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  The best suv for the money, hands down! - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By drdmoore - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. More solidly built than my wifes RX300. The seat could use a little more padding but I have gotten use to it. JUST A CRIME THAT THEY DO NOT MAKE THIS VEHICLE ANY MORE!

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  Different but great - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By SUVBOY - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I liked the fact that the Axiom was different. The roof rack installed improved the look dramatically. This is my second Axiom. First was bought a year ago and stolen. The gray leather with black exterior is a big improvement. Engine performs well. Fuel mileage is only ok though. Considering the deals available. The Axiom is a great value for the money. I think Isuzu builds a pretty good vehicle overall. My previous vehicle was a Nissan Pathfinder which had many major problems after 30,000 miles.

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  *warning* Blown Crank Shaft in Engine - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoveMyRodeo - November 26 - 3:23 pm

  My rodeo never could keep oil in engine. Did not leak on driveway and even tho routine oil changes were performed, the engine light did NOT come on to warn about low oil in between routine changes. Crank shaft in engine blew and beautiful well built vehicle dead. Would have kept this truck forever, but ended up being a nightmare to own.