isuzu

A brief history about isuzu: Isuzu Motors is one of Japan’s most enduring names in transportation, known for building vehicles that can take on any road or load. The company’s story began over ninety years ago and mirrors Japan’s industrial rise. Its origins trace back to the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, which, by 1910, was already looking to expand beyond shipbuilding into the emerging field of motor vehicles.

In 1918, the company partnered with the Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company to produce its first truck, marking Japan’s entry into the commercial vehicle era. Just a few years later, it acquired a license to manufacture British Wolseley automobiles, setting the foundation for a long tradition of collaboration with international manufacturers. By 1922, it had built its first passenger car, an early example of Japanese engineering ambition.

After years of development and experimentation, the company introduced Japan’s first domestically produced bus in 1935, featuring air brakes and an underfloor engine. It was a technical milestone and reflected the company’s growing engineering capability. In 1937, a series of mergers led to the creation of Tokyo Jidosha Kogyo Company, which shifted its focus to diesel engine technology. By the end of the 1940s, the company had become a major player in the medium and heavy-duty truck market. It adopted the name Isuzu, inspired by a river whose name means “fifty bells ringing in harmony.”

Harmony soon gave way to global recognition. In 1955, Isuzu vehicles began operating at Japan’s Antarctic Observation Base, proving their durability in extreme conditions. Just a few years later, Isuzu introduced the world’s first light-duty forward-control truck, the forerunner to its popular N Series. The company’s growth attracted the attention of General Motors, leading to joint ventures and co-developed models such as the Chevrolet LUV and Buick Opel, which helped Isuzu enter the North American market.

The partnership with GM grew stronger over time, and in 1983, Isuzu Motors America was established to support the company’s U.S. expansion. Through the 1980s, Isuzu became a respected global name, winning more than 20 Good Design Awards from Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry. It also achieved a milestone in truck production, surpassing three million units and earning recognition as the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial trucks.

The 1990s brought new achievements with models like the Trooper and the Rodeo, both of which combined off-road capability with everyday usability. The Rodeo even won the Alcan Winter Rally three years in a row, cementing Isuzu’s reputation for rugged reliability. The company continued innovating through the early 2000s, co-developing advanced Duramax diesel engines with General Motors and expanding its global reach.

Today, Isuzu remains a leader in medium-duty trucks and pickups, known for their longevity, efficiency, and low operating costs. Its vehicles are used by businesses and governments around the world, from construction fleets in Asia to delivery networks in North America. Beyond trucks, Isuzu continues to invest in cleaner diesel technologies and alternative fuels, working toward a more sustainable future while staying true to its legacy of dependable engineering.

From its humble beginnings in Tokyo’s shipyards to its global presence today, Isuzu stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation. Every truck that bears its name carries a century of craftsmanship and a reputation built on reliability, strength, and the ability to keep moving forward no matter the challenge.

Current Models

Browse through this isuzu’s current models below and explore their specifications