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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  We like it! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Gloria Scott - January 15 - 8:53 am

  As this is a larger SUV than the one we traded (Mazda Tribute), we didnt that the ride would be quite so smooooth! Nice! Just hope the vehicle suits us as much as we like the handling - thus far.

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  axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By sueboys3 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  it is a very nice car that is fun to drive

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  Good for the long haul - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By dcguy - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Axiom base 4x4 for over a year now with 24,000 miles and not a single problem. However, I am very disappointed with the resale value and now feel locked in to owning this truck for many years in order to break even. Although they call this a "crossover", it is only that way in terms of looks. This thing is definitely still a truck underneath and not a very smooth performer, although it certainly has adequate power and feels very solid on the road. Its a good value if you can get one new for under $24k, otherwise there are a ton of other choices worth the extra price. You just have to compare everything, donÂ’t be sold on looks alone.

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  A real Love/Hate Relationship - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RossM - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Have over 70k miles on my Rodeo in nearly 4 years and it has been a mixed experience. Love the acceleration, rugged looks, and generous cargo space. Hate the defects like broken gas gauge, faulty ABS indicator, and worst of all - DISASTROUS BRAKES. On wet or bumpy road surfaces in a quick stop, this truck is GUARANTEED to slide, twice causing rear- end collisions and many more close calls. Not safe so is now reduced to the status of a station car. Depreciation has been rapid also. Fast and fun, but in my view, not worth the risks.

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  2002 Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By BSettle - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a good experience since day one. I drove the vehicle 2000 miles to the southwest at speeds between 75 and 85, and still averaged over 20MPG. Absolutely nothing but 2 oil changes.Would like a setting between the soft or performance settings on the suspension but can think of no other faults. I constantly get looks at he body with people asking what brand it is. Not many on the road and doesnt look like Blazer/ Explorer clones. Would recommend this vehicle and would buy another. VERY Satisfied!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kevin Win - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Like a Toyota, just a hell of a lot cheaper.

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  Tough To Complain - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By A Wolf - December 22 - 11:30 am

  After 4 years & almost 80K, cant really complain. Done basic maintenance only, no unusual problems or costs, and still going strong. Cant complain about the 18-20mpg from a 4x4 SUV that sees a lot of city driving, I think its darn good. Dont get why people complain. Do run mid grade fuel to eliminate minor knocking. Has some minor squeaks & rattles, but mostly Im impressed with its ride quality and how well it has held up.

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  My Trooper 1999 - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Acuga - December 20 - 3:10 pm

  Living in an almost winter land (Illinois), we found our Trooper an excellent vehicle for this kind of weather, specially when snow, and rain it is involve. We had own this veh, since 2000 and it has 165000 miles with almost zero problems.

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  Reliable but VERY ROUGH RIDING - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bethlehem - PA - December 18 - 12:50 pm

  Purchased car used. Engine is very reliable over the years. Major problem with the axle (breather tube) over heats. Replaced twice. Isuzu was aware of these problems with their car. With exception of axle problems, just normal wear and tear maintenance performed over the years. Mileage never reach potential as I would only get 14 to 20 miles/gal.

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  Another Sucker - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DMS1011 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Ok, I purchased a 2001 Iszuzu for my wife to drive. As others have mentioned the depreciation is AMAZING - Thankful I am in a lease. Now my issue, the lease is up in 30 days and I have not recieved a single call or notice from Iszuzu reguarding lease turn-in. Go to a dealer and they refuse the vehicle. Like many of the other comments listed here, cheap interior, lots of power with the V6 - simply said - its a box on wheels and you get less than what you pay for with other manufactures.