where is isuzu cars/ trucks made

[directory]

...and how did they know to make such a great off-road vehicle?

and why, as the customer--did we make this an off-road vehicle?

you don't see any saturn vues or acura (whatever's) out on the trails...or with aftermarket lift kits, etc...

[directory]

i apologize for poor grammar...

where *ARE* isuzu....

[marcre]

I'm not sure, but the Vues and the likes aren't really off-road vehicles. My mom and sister have CR-v's and it states in the manual that they are not for serious off-road use. The Acura is too expensive to abuse and it falls in the same catagory as many newer SUV's, not a true off-roader.

Some vehicles just have what it takes to be an off-roader. The rodeo has a nice platform. I've always liked the ground clearance and that is a major need for that type of driving. The only thing I don't like about my Rodeo is it is fat. I mean, I think this is a real heavy vehicle.

I still lover her though.

Marc.

[directory]

Originally Posted by marcre

...is it is fat.

you mean phat...right!?! lol

[Ramblin Fever]

YES - they are HEAVY vehicles! I've had 2 and I think the '97 is the heavier of the '91 & '97 yrs that I've had. Both V6's & Auto's, only difference was the '91 was 4x4 and the '97 is a 4x2.

[rodeo02]

Isuzu was popular over-seas long before the trooper, impulse & p'up were imported to the US in the early 1980's. They were already proficient in making 4x4's and cars. IMHO- isuzu was always a bit out of their element making gasoline engines. Heck- they gave up totally on a 4cyl after ~1997? and went with a daewoo 4cyl for 1998+. I like the 3.2/3.5's, but they just were not mass produced enough. Most of todays FWD/AWD "SUV's" *could" do very light off-roading, but you'd tear up their tiny little xfer cases, rear diffs and half-shafts in no time. The suspensions on them could not take the beating for long either. Many have struts all the way around as opposed to shocks and springs.

G/luck
Joel

[directory]

yeah, but i'm sure if there was a demand (is said if...)--smaller SUV's would hae aftermarket 4x4 parts.

there are a few with smaller wheel base that could work well, plus they have v6's. (but who wants to pay that price --then get a scratch...)

hell, check out all of the stuff for the suzuki sidekick...guys use those all of theitime. there are a few locally that are lifted, have huge tires and you can tell they run them--and those are only 4 cyl. it just amazes me what people will use to off-road.

i wonder if we'll ever see a porsche ceyenne off-roading...lol

i guess it just takes one idiot to make a market for stuff. thanks to guys like calmini and stinky fab and independent4x (and a few others).

where is "home base" for isuzu? china, japan, taiwan?

[Lakeshow23]

Originally Posted by directory

where is "home base" for isuzu? china, japan, taiwan?

If we had to go by success, it's probably Thailand. Isuzu is having major success there, actually dominating some markets there.

[marcre]

home base is Japan, I beleive. Mine was made in Indiana if I remember correctly.

I do mean "fat". I always thought the rodeos were too heavy, no big deal though because they are "phat". I love this thing.


In an unrelated story, I am mad because I broke my Rodeo today showing my nephew some stuff under the hood. I had to make a call to Merlin.

marc

[ronhl80]

So, what is the relation between Isuzu and Honda, did Isuzu build the passport or Vice Versa, and does Isuzu have anything to do with GM?

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by ronhl80

So, what is the relation between Isuzu and Honda, did Isuzu build the passport or Vice Versa, and does Isuzu have anything to do with GM?

The rodeo/passport, amigo, rodeo sport and axiom were all made at Fuji Heavy Industries in Lafayette Indiana. It's a subaru plant that also had a line for isuzu, the plant was called Subaru, Isuzu Automotive "SIA" for most of isuzu NA's life. Basically, isuzu contracted out the work to SIA. Troopers and Vehicross's were always made in Japan. Honda didn't have an SUV of offer, so they bought rodeos from isuzu and slapped Honda badges on them. Isuzu's for North America were always loaded with GM parts because GM was such a HUGE share-holder. As of about 2004, GM sold nearly all of it's stock, but isuzu is essentially dead in the US now.

Joel

[redbug]

Isuzu now seems to only re-brand chevrolets. The Axiom is no longer available. I test drove an Axiom once, it was so much better than my Rodeo... I think it failed due to its ugly grill.

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by redbug

Isuzu now seems to only re-brand chevrolets. The Axiom is no longer available. I test drove an Axiom once, it was so much better than my Rodeo... I think it failed due to its ugly grill.

Since Canyons and Colorados are essentially "re-engined, re-fendered, re-grilled, re-badged" Isuzus, doesn't that make the I-280 and I-350 "re-engined, re-fendered, re-grilled, re-re-badged" Isuzus? Or are they "un-re-badged"?

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by redbug

..I test drove an Axiom once, it was so much better than my Rodeo... I think it failed due to its ugly grill.

The only reason the axiom flopped was no one new they even exisited. I remember one axiom TV commercial early on, then that was it. The offered incentives on them when it was too late. Now caddilac makes one that exactly like an axiom, + all the other "cross-over SUV's" out there.


Steve, with that colorado/canyon/I-280 thing. I thought the concept or design for that mid-sized truck was from isuzu, but it's 100% GM parts on it. Actually that 4/5cyl engine and trans is supposed to be pretty good.

Joel

[directory]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

but isuzu is essentially dead in the US now.