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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  Too many repairs - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By BL - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for a pretty sweet deal in April of 2001. Years later- I now know why. The resale value on Rodeos is horrible. In the 3+ years Ive owned it, its had several recalls, replaced the alternator and serpentine belt @ 75K, got new brakes twice, endured 3 flat tires within a 4 month span, the CD player eats CDs and wont play burned ones, interior noises (rattles, squeaks) are getting very loud, and the seats are uncomfortable. Not enough storage space in the glove box and arm rest. Hard to see over the rear spare tailgate mount. The exterior (mine is silver) still looks great. Gas mileage has been pretty good. Pretty peppy v6. I regret buying it.

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  Isuzu Rodeo Sport 02 - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By GWise - August 15 - 6:43 am

  Good reliable little vehicle. The only mechanical/electrical problem we have experienced is a defective dashboard light dimmer switch which the dealer replaced at no cost and an fuel injection oxygen sensor. The fuel economy is not the greatest for a relatively small vehicle but its truck based construction allows greater towing capacities than similar small sport utilities. I would buy it again.

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  Great - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By James - August 7 - 1:36 am

  Love it Smooth. Nice...

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  axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By jennkrimm - August 6 - 10:00 am

  i love this vehichle and i would tell anyone who wants an suv that this would be a great purchase

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  Why all the bad press? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By chapy - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Its no Acura as far as quality goes but considering what I paid I believe it to be a pretty good value and have enjoyed driving it so far... Some of these editors must have an axe to grind with Isuzu.

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  lemon - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gregthe fool - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Two AC compressors. Isuzu will not budge an inch on anything out of warranty. Numerous problems related to AC, Instruments, switch between AC and Power train. Ill never buy another

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  My perfect Mom Car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By csnickie - July 30 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased a used 99 Rodeo just before I became a mom.....giving up my truck. Safety was the #1 factor, and love that it "Frame on Chassis" not unibody. Now with over 185,000 mile on it, it is still the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. As with the rest, the gas gadge went out...drop the tank and add a new one....and it was worth my sanity. For girls who love trucks, like to 4x4 in the snow, or have to haul a trailer, I wouldnt drive anything else. Was actually rear ended by a Chevy Surburban once, and the tire on the back absorbed both the impact and damage. I also drove it to the bodyshop. As all cars, alternator, starter, h20 pump replaced. 185,000 mile though...and counting.

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  Good choice - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Antoine - July 29 - 11:30 am

  Since I have bought this vehicle there have been some things that I have been dissapointed with like the fuel economy, but overall I would say it is a good buy for the price compared to other SUVs in its class.

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  Get Rid Of It - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By PEddie - July 29 - 5:56 am

  Mushy ride, feels unsafe; REDUCED POWER light randomly comes on, effectively disabling the car, dangerous if youre not in your driveway when it happens; essentially you cannot count on it when you need it.

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  Go Farther - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By bfrye - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Best over all ride among SUVs. Best warranty. Excellent vehicle..............