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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  Thought it would be a good SUV but.... - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By al2113 - April 15 - 4:16 am

  I really liked it at first. The first and second gear ratios are awefull. You just cant get through them without jerking the car around. Its so cheaply built. I did have fun with it, although it was way underpowered ( I thought I was gonna die going up huge hills.) But then When i was trying to switch lane (with those horrible blind spots) it took me a little too long to make sure it was clear and I ended up REAR ENDING A CAR! THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE INSTANTLY AND INCINERATED EVERYTHING WITHIN MINUTES AS IF SOMEONE USED A FLAMETHROWER ON IT FOR 15 MINUTES STRAIGHT. I dont even know what to think of this vehicle.

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  BAD ENGINE! BEWARE! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By John - April 13 - 4:50 pm

  My Rodeo drove ok. Power not bad for a V6. But LOOKOUT when you get some mileage on it. At about 93,000 miles the engine started losing coolant. I could not see it leaking anywhere. I took it to the shop assuming the head gasket was leaking into the cylinder and burning there. If that was the problem, it would have been a $3000.00 dollar fix. The repair shop called with bad news. A head bolt broke in the block and could not be repaired. A second hand engine with 70,000 miles would have been a $5000.00 repair. After paying $3000.00 for AC work I decided not to fix it. When just out of warranty, the Isuzu rep did not replace my rusted out fog lamps. I DO NOT RECOMMEND BUYING ISUZU!

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  looks smooth but has bumpy ride - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By shannon - April 11 - 11:03 pm

  The suv looks nice and has a lot of special features other trucks dont have. The leather interior is great as is the CD changer.

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  rodeo please what a wast - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By luke m. - April 10 - 2:00 am

  bought my rodeo in 98 so far. Oxygen sensor rep. twice. Everyone in nj charges me $34 for oil change. Trans change costs $260 to change. now has 76,000 Needs new motor mouse, rear bridge, oxygen sensor again, timing belt, water pump the list goes on. Get a pathfinder if u want an suv. DON`T BUY RODEO !!!!! PLEASE WHAT A PICE OF SSSSSSS. 25K FOR A S. PUT $2100. LOOKS GOOD BUT BREAKES

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  Disappointed - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kc - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Seems to wear a lot worse than other vehicles Ive owned, at only 30,000 I had to replace the fuel sending unit as well as a number of lesser items to the tune of $700... replacement parts are much more expensive than similar vehicles and it seems to need to go into the shop for a few hundred dollars worth of work every few months... parts take longer than average to be obtained as well. We wont be keeping it long.

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  What is an Ascender? - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Tmon7765 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We sure didnt know. We had been out looking for a new utility vehicle for the family and work for a little over two weeks and almost settled for a Mitsubishi Montero Limited. Now dont get me wrong I own two already a 1991 (still running strong) and a Sport 2000. We needed something bigger and newer. We looked at GMC, Ford, Toyota and Nissan until we found a small add on the internet for an Ascender. We went to our local dealer and were amazed at the size and amount of equipment being offered for the price. Well 48 hours (weekend) later we drove off in ours. Great buy! Well worth your investment, take a look.

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  my car from dad - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ascender - April 8 - 8:43 am

  I actually love this car; its seats are soft, itÂ’s very roomy inside and it has several power outlets for you to use. I have two cell phones that do need to be charged at times. I think the ride is so smooth and quite and I think itÂ’s actually bigger then it looks but overall I enjoy this car very much.

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  Best Value For Your Money - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Doug K - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Its very unfortunate that Isuzu has discontinued the Trooper. After researching Ford, Chevy and Toyota, the Trooper was hands down the best value for the money. It has more interior room than ALL mid-sized SUVs, and the exterior has a bold, strong stature. The 3.5L 215HP engine has plenty of power, in addition, it has an outstanding reliability record. From the drivers seat, you have a good idea what the road must look like from a big rig... Its outstanding. Theyre still out there, if youre in the market for a new SUV, you still have time to get the best value for your money.

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  Trooper Fan - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooper Fan - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a real 4WD and Japanese reliability at a decent price. $19,500 for S Model with 5000 miles on it. Throttle response is great. Pathfinder and 4Runner cant compete at any price. Replace a totalled subaru. Needed more room. Miss my subaru so bought a legacy and now I have both.

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  Best buy - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Bill - March 28 - 12:43 pm

  A good vehicle with a bad rep. I dont know why people are ripping on the transmission, which is the same exact transmission that was in the Trooper from 90 to 02 and is also in many GM vehicles. Great engine and serious acceleration. Never left me stranded. Only typical wear and tear in the 5 years Ive had it. Wont sell it because its resale is lower than its actual value.