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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  Was a good starter SUV - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By B Morris - March 26 - 5:33 am

  Overall, I would say I am happy with my purchase. I bought it new in 99 and although the manifold cracked and muffler broke off (under warranty) and had a few recalls, the vehicle has been very reliable. Especially when I replaced the stock Goodyear tires. It was a deathtrap when it rained. Unfortunately, I have 81K miles and I am afraid its nearing the end. Gas millage is going south, gas gauge is on its way out, seat is breaking down, oil burning, and it was not designed for desert heat. I had some rubber pieces melt and/or break in the last year. The service guy told me years ago not to keep it over 60K miles, and I see why. Overall, it has served me well, but not built to last a long time.

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  Great Vehicle - Great Price - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mshu - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the price, the trooper is misunderstood. If you want a lot of vehicle for the money take advantage of the opportunity. Plus has one of the best warranties out there, and is a Japanese built product.

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  axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By TJMAN - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Axiom from Isuzu has a styling that is eye catching and modern. The interior works well however the rear seats needs to becme a little more simplistic to fold down. All in all a great value in 4 x 4s.

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  Awesome Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By barati - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is bye far the best riding Midsize SUV on the market today. Ive driven every type, and the Axiom was the only one that road like a luxury car and with one switch of a button, the suspension tightens up and it drives and hugs the road like a sports car.

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  Ohio Axiom Driver - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Oh Axiom Driver - March 19 - 4:56 am

  Overall Ive been happy with my Ax. The ride is bouncy, and I had to replace my factory tires after 20k mile because I almost flipped it on an exit ramp. I put Pirellis on it and wow, what difference. Ive also had in the shop for transmission problems a couple times...oh and now that Ive passed 100k in miles, I burn a quart of oil a week. This is known problem with the vehicle, but no one knows what to do about it.

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  Best vehicle ever made - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By aztrooper01 - March 8 - 8:53 pm

  I have always wanted an Isuzu Trooper for as long as I can remember. I have looked very hard and came across a 2001 S/4WD with an automatic transmission for only $5299. I called the dealer right away and drove down there to pick it up. It had everything I wanted and needed. I have driven it over a thousand miles since I bought it last week and it runs great. Smooth acceleration, stops, ride and turns. Not as top heavy as people say. The only thing I have done to it was put in a sound system as the stock one didnt have a cd player or subs. There is a slight problem with the transmission but will only cost between $400-$600 to fix. The front pump seal is bad. But can wait to fix it.

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  I HATE THIS SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By JUNK - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had a reoccurring problem this thing keeps down shifting while driving on the highway at highway speeds on level ground. The dealership hasnt been able to fix it after six attemps and the isuzu reginal rep stated there was nothing they could do. My family is terrified to ride in this thing now. For your own saftey buy something else.

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  WOW! What you need and more..... - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Greg Thorton - March 1 - 10:00 am

  All we can say is wow. It has everything we need and our luxurious Limited model was less than Envoys base model. Plus the warranty is really great. No problems in our six months of ownership, we are very very pleased. The interior is much more pleasing than the bland Hondas. Most people who own an Ascender as just as happy as us. The powerful engine makes highway driving a breeze and city driving safer. Plus, it looks beautiful. People stare it it and they ask waht it is, because it looks so nice and luxurious. Compare it to any other SUV and it wins. Best kept secret SUV!!!! Visit Isuzus website!!!

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  impressive vehicle??!!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By ITS NOT IN A NAME - February 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv is complete in all aspects..the exterior&interior designs of this vehicle are as good as "hondas" and the "toyotas" why is it that it is underrated in the reviews and the resale value...and one thing i noticed if its a honda like the passport the resale is much higher than the rodeo while they are 100% exactly the same vehicle,.so whats in a name HAH! its time to change our judgement,. OK!?!?

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  Very good after almost 4 years - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By F.N. - February 22 - 1:16 am

  I have to say that after almost 4 years, my Rodeo has held up quite well. True, I havent put but 45k miles on it, but its handled them as well as I could have hoped. I have to admit that I, too, was shocked to find out how badly it depreciated. I dont understand that. It gets decent reviews and reliability ratings so why does it lose so much value? The gas mileage could be a bit better and I have also noticed the spluttering at cold startup but its done that since I bought it so I dont worry about it. Overall, this has been a very comfortable, reliable vehicle. I just wish it was worth a little more now.