Isuzu is the unsung hero of the 90s SUV boom. Famous for the hilarious "Joe Isuzu" commercials and the rugged Trooper, they were masters of diesel engineering. While they left the US passenger car market in 2009, their legacy survives in the cult-classic VehiCROSS and the millions of GM trucks powered by Isuzu-designed Duramax engines.
Explore the current production vehicles.
The legendary, boxy, and incredibly capable 4x4 that became an icon of the overlanding community. The Trooper was a simple, tough, and reliable go-anywhere machine, a true Japanese alternative to the Land Cruiser and 4Runner. A beloved classic.
The popular and dependable workhorse of the 90s SUV boom. The Rodeo was a tough, body-on-frame mid-size that was so well-engineered, it was also sold as the Honda Passport, cementing its reputation for rugged reliability and versatility.
The fun-loving, two-door convertible SUV built for adventure. The Amigo was a quirky and capable open-air machine, a perfect companion for the beach or the trail. Its final generation was renamed the Rodeo Sport, but it never lost its playful spirit.
A rally-inspired concept car brought to life. The VehiCROSS was a radical, futuristic, and incredibly rare two-door SUV with a Torque-on-Demand 4WD system, composite body panels, and 'ceramic fangs' in its grille. A true automotive unicorn.
The tough-as-nails, unkillable compact truck. The Isuzu P'up was a masterpiece of simple, reliable engineering, a no-frills workhorse that earned a legendary reputation for being able to withstand incredible abuse and keep on running. A true survivor.
A hidden gem of Japanese performance. The Giugiaro-designed Impulse, especially the second-gen RS with its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and legendary 'Handling by Lotus' suspension, was a true rally-inspired weapon for the street.
A bold and futuristic crossover that was years ahead of its time. The Axiom featured a dramatic, concept-car-like design and a sophisticated chassis, representing Isuzu's ambitious attempt to redefine the SUV for the 21st century.
The final chapter for Isuzu SUVs in America. The Ascender was a large, comfortable, and capable SUV based on the GM Trailblazer platform, offering up to seven seats and even an available V8 engine. The last of a proud lineage.
The last Isuzu pickups sold in the US. The i-Series trucks were rebadged versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, offering Isuzu's loyal customer base a familiar and reliable compact truck option in the brand's final years.
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If you grew up in America in the 1980s, you know exactly who Joe Isuzu is. He was the pathological liar in the TV commercials who would claim the Isuzu Trooper could drive up Mount Everest or hit 300 mph, while the subtitle on the screen read "He's lying."
It was one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history. It put a relatively small Japanese truck manufacturer on the map. But behind the jokes was a serious company. Isuzu is, first and foremost, a commercial truck and diesel engine manufacturer. They build things to last.
The Isuzu Trooper was the quintessential 90s SUV. It was a box. It had zero aerodynamics. It had "70/30" split rear barn doors. And it was brilliant.
It offered Land Rover capability for a fraction of the price. While the V6 engines were thirsty, the chassis was robust. Today, clean 1st and 2nd Gen Troopers are becoming sought-after overlanding rigs, appreciated for their simplicity and massive glass area (visibility is amazing).
In the late 90s, Isuzu went crazy. They took a concept car and put it directly into production with almost no changes. The result was the VehiCROSS.
It looked like a moon buggy. It had two doors, fangs in the grille, and plastic cladding everywhere. It used sophisticated monotube shocks (with external heat reservoirs) usually found on race trucks. Only about 4,000 were sold in the US. At the time, people didn't get it. Today, it is a certified cult classic that turns more heads than a Lamborghini.
Isuzu stopped selling passenger cars in the US in 2009, but their heart is still beating in millions of American driveways. The legendary 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 found in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks? That was developed by a joint venture with Isuzu.
Isuzu also built the Geo Storm (a sporty coupe) and rebadged their SUVs as the Honda Passport and Acura SLX during the 90s. They were the "ghost writer" for half the industry.
If you are buying a used Isuzu Rodeo or Trooper (Automatic):
Isuzu may only sell commercial box trucks in the US now, but the Trooper and VehiCROSS remain icons of a time when SUVs were honest, rugged, and a little bit weird.
Since January 31, 2009, Isuzu Motors America has focused exclusively on commercial trucks and industrial engines. While you cannot buy a new Isuzu SUV like the Trooper or Ascender in the US today, the brand remains the #1 selling Low Cab Forward (LCF) truck manufacturer in North America.
The 2026 Isuzu N-Series Gas (NPR and NPR-HD) features a powerful 6.6L V8 engine producing 350 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission designed for optimal acceleration and fuel efficiency under heavy loads.
With wheelbases ranging from 109 to 176 inches, these trucks can accommodate bodies from 12 to 20 feet in length, making them a versatile choice for US delivery and landscaping businesses.
Isuzu is world-renowned for its diesel engineering. The 5.2L 4HK1-TC turbocharged diesel engine used in the N-Series carries a legendary B10 durability rating of 375,000 miles. This means 90% of these engines are expected to reach nearly 400k miles before requiring a major overhaul, providing incredible long-term value for American fleet owners.
Isuzuâs signature Low Cab Forward (LCF) design provides significant advantages for urban driving in the USA:
The 2026 Isuzu NRR EV is the brandâs first fully electric Class 5 truck for the North American market. It features a modular battery system with capacities ranging from 60 to 180 kWh, offering an estimated range of up to 150 miles.
It supports both AC and DC fast charging, allowing US businesses to transition to zero-emission logistics without compromising the payload capacity and reliability Isuzu is known for.
Yes, the 2026 Isuzu N-Series comes standard with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Full-Range Adaptive Cruise Control, specifically calibrated for heavy-duty commercial use on American highways.
While not sold in the US, the global Isuzu D-MAX is a towing powerhouse. The 2026 model features a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg (approx. 7,716 lbs). It utilizes a robust 3.0L turbo-diesel engine with 450 Nm of torque, making it a top competitor for the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in international markets.
The 2026 Isuzu F-Series represents the "Medium-Duty" powerhouse of the lineup. These Class 6 and 7 trucks are powered by the Cummins B6.7 diesel engine, offering up to 260 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
With a GVWR of up to 33,000 lbs, the F-Series is designed for the most demanding American vocational applications, from refrigerated transport to heavy-duty construction hauling.
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has a vast network of over 300 authorized dealers across the United States. These service centers specialize in everything from routine maintenance to complex diesel engine repairs, ensuring that your "workhorse" stays on the road and remains productive.
The PSMP is a pre-paid maintenance plan for US commercial owners that covers scheduled services for up to 6 years or 200,000 miles. It helps businesses lock in maintenance costs at todayâs rates and ensures that all work is performed by factory-trained technicians using Genuine Isuzu Parts.