Isuzu news and reviews | cars and SUVs

The word Isuzu, meaning 50 bells, is the name of a river that flows through a province dotted with ancient Shinto shrines in Japan. The company itself dates back to 1916 when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company first decided to broaden its business to include automobile manufacturing. A strategic partnership with the Wolseley Motor Company of England in 1918 produced the first car, the A9 and the first truck, the CP. By 1949, the company opted for its current, more succinct name, Isuzu. In postwar Japan, the production of Isuzu trucks boomed as the company’s trucks played a significant role in the country’s reconstruction efforts. The 1960’s saw the launch of many passenger cars, including the Gemini, a car produced through a partnership with General Motors. Isuzu hit the American market in the 1980’s with the Pup. This was followed by the Trooper as the American market began to hit stride with the SUV craze. A Srategic partnership with Subaru in 1987 gave birth to the Rodeo and Isuzu pick up truck. American sales were relatively strong through the 1990’s, so much so in fact that General Motors acquired a controlling interest in Isuzu by 1999. The new millennium brought bad news. 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.

cURL error 6: Couldn’t resolve host ‘feeds.blackfalconmedia.com’

worldcarfans: Isuzu

Isuzu's North American Sales to End Thursday, 31 January 2008, 7:05 am

Isuzu will end sales of its i-series pickups and Ascender SUV in North America in a year.

worldcarfans: Isuzu | Chris Jackson

Prodrive Tuned Isuzu Rodeo Ready for Launch Monday, 7 May 2007, 5:09 am

Isuzu's new facelifted '07 Rodeo is now available in range-topping Denver Max LE trim, complete with its standard Prodrive Performance Pack which boosts power from 136 to 167 PS.

worldcarfans: Isuzu | Text & Photos edited by Clinton Deacon

Isuzu Rodeo Receives Extensive Facelift for 2007 Friday, 30 March 2007, 2:21 am

A substantial facelift, plush new interior and world-beating new common-rail diesel engine are highlights of the new '07 Isuzu Rodeo which enters showrooms from April

worldcarfans: Isuzu | Text & Photos edited by Clinton Deacon

Two Isuzu Project Pickups at SEMA Wednesday, 1 November 2006, 3:16 am

Two exciting and aggressive Isuzu Pickup project vehicles, both developed by Street Scene Equipment of Costa Mesa, California, will be displayed at this week's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

worldcarfans: Isuzu | Text & Photos edited by F. de Leeuw van Weenen

New Isuzu D-MAX Announced in Thailand Monday, 14 August 2006, 2:19 am

The new D-MAX boasts of a new design that conjures up dynamic and speedy image – the outcome of efforts to pursue high quality and performance image – while carrying on the design concept of "GOOD STANCE FOR TOUGHNESS"

worldcarfans: Isuzu | Text & Photos edited by F. de Leeuw van Weenen

Isuzu Rodeo gets New Prodrive Performance Pack Friday, 11 August 2006, 5:45 pm

Isuzu is now offering a Prodrive Performance Pack for its new 2.5 litre entry-level Rodeo Denver Max pickup. Costing just £760 including VAT and fitting, the PPP boosts power from 100 PS at 3,800 rpm to 128 PS – a 28 per cent increase.

worldcarfans: Isuzu | Text & Photos edited by Clinton Deacon

Two New Isuzu i-370 Pick-ups Announced Wednesday, 2 August 2006, 2:33 am

The i-370 4×2 Extended Cab and the i-370 4×2 Crew Cab will join the already announced i-290 4×2 Extended Cab and the i-370 4×4 Crew Cab to double the size of the 2007 Isuzu Pickup lineup.