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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  Trooper drivers are loyal. - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By jelze - April 18 - 5:13 pm

  Once you own an Isuzu Trooper, no other SUV will do. This car can hold anything except a 4X8 sheet of plywood (tie on roof rack instead) and can go anywhere. It is comfortable to drive, great visibility all the way around - no blind spots. The engine has enough power to zoom into the fastest highway traffic or amble on the softest sand. This is my third Trooper and I will definately buy a fourth.

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  Happy owner of Isuzu Axiom 2002 - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By rolf - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this suv in Nov 2001,because I can carry diferent kind of items for my business and when I drive in the highway is very comfortable, and change to a diferent climate I live at 7000 altitude and going down to Phx, I do not have problems, going to the woods or driving in storm conditions (the snow showers) I feel confident.

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  WHERE HAVE ALL THE TROOPERS GONE??? - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By PJKBIATCH - April 15 - 1:16 am

  I have yet to have a problem. Check engine light came on, but it was due to emissions. I live in TN so that is not a problem. :) I really enjoy the ride. It is a 2000 and it turns heads when I pull up to the light. I enjoy riding in it and I hate that I ride it so much that gas mileage is a bit off. Highway=ok, city=stinks.

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  looks good in crystal blue - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By FCC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our Rodeo Dec. 25, 03 and so far it has been nice to drive. Only use it in city driving so suspension concerns are not an issue. love the look and the ride, interior could use upgrade.

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  Trooper Review - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By lamjr55 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper is fun to drive and is very comfortable inside. The plush seating and layout of the controls make this vehicle very easy and fun to operate. The ground clearance is great.especially in the rain and snow. The visibility is fantastic and affords the driver a safe view of the road. The 4WD button is a god send from the earlier 4WD operations. A truly fun and functional vehicle to drive.

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  Axom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By thlien - April 9 - 6:16 am

  Got a great deal from the dealer. It can haul a bunch of stuff and for the price it was packed with features. Heated seats. Tow hitch. Roof rack. Leather seats. Great stereo.

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  I love mine! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By K - April 6 - 9:36 am

  I got this Rodeo after having owned a 93 Rodeo. I am planning on buying another one! I love it, I lived in Ohio and went to college in Tennessee and my Rodeo got me through dozens of long trips over the years and remained solid. I love the toughness of the vehicle and the ability to keep running. I maintained the truck with oil changes, belts, tires, etc. I have had a few minor problems, one fan went out that cost me $200, and I have a small coolant leak right now, but what do you expect at 160k miles! I have put nearly 100k miles on the Rodeo since purchasing it, and feel I have more then got my moneys worth. My husband and I call it "Old Faithful"!

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  Very Nice SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By GregCAZ - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I really like this SUV. It has run great with NO problems. I love the cargo room and the exterior looks like and SUV not mini-van on steroids. There is plenty of front leg room and the rear seat has plenty of room for my 6 son. This SUV gets high marks from my whole family.

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  Bullet proof - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ed Dennis - April 5 - 10:00 am

  One of the tighest vehicles I have ever experienced. No rattles ever. This is a true 4 wheel drive vehicle, it is built on a truck frame and will go anywhere. All of the new SUVs are compromises trying to make a vehicle ride and handle like a car while it looks like a 4 WD SUV. The newer models are really cars not trucks and if you get them in to rough terrain they will leave you there. The rodeo will bring you home and in style. Absolutely no problems in 18 months.

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  Rodeo Fan - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SUV Heaven - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After much research I bought a used 2001 LS V6 Rodeo w/ 45k miles late July from Pugmire Isuzu of Marietta Georgia, great dealership. My previous car was a 95 Ford Contour so to say the least, the Rodeo is an improvement. The V6 engine is smooth as silk and seems very reliable so far. Plenty of power, takes hills like a champ!! The engine idle is so quite, when I left the dealer the day I bought if I thought the engine cut off while I was waiting at a stoplight. Interoir is nothing fancy but I did not buy a SUV for luxury. Build quality seems to be very solid, no squeeks or rattles. Love the sporty/aggressive looks, stands out from all the other cookie cut