Just shy of 30 years after entering the U.S. market as a unique brand, Isuzu has pulled the plug on its non-commercial vehicle line in the U.S., effective January 31, 2009. The automaker's commercial truck business and diesel engine business will not be affected.
The company first made the announcement last January when it became clear that the GM truck and SUV that Isuzu's only two models were based on would die soon and that replacements would not be available for Isuzu. The company only sold 7,098 of the vehicles in 2007 and its withdrawal from the U.S. market has been predicted for some time. Isuzu says that it will continue to support current and future owners with parts and service, honor warranties and that its commercial truck and diesel engine businesses in the U.S. will not be affected by the closure of its passenger vehicle business. The withdrawal is reported to cost Isuzu in the neighborhood of $37 million.
Officially founded in 1937, the Japanese automaker is best known for its commercial trucks and diesel engines. It partnered with GM in the early 1970s and began producing small cars and trucks that were rebadged as GM products for sale in the U.S. In the early 1980s, Isuzu came to the U.S. as its own brand, though it continued to work closely with GM and as a result, the two companies shared many platforms and models. After sales peaked in the mid-90s, Isuzu's non-commercial cars and trucks have fallen into a downward spiral in the U.S. market, to the point where the only vehicles in its line-up today are the Ascender SUV (Chevrolet Trailblazer/GMC Envoy) and i-290/i-370 small truck (Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon).
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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
i miss the old school luv trucks
We had an older Trooper II back in the late 80's early 90's. My dad will tell you that to this day it was the best vehicle we owned. Never gave us any problems at all. It was traded in on a mini-van for us bastard kids.
We have not had passenger Isuzu in Canada for years now...
My Cav
I give up...
i'm buying a VW those people love trees, so they should love eachother too... "Andy"
I miss the 2000 Isuzu Rodeo we had.......thing was a beast in snow!!
Quote:
Just shy of 30 years after entering the U.S. market as a unique brand...
...And just shy of 20 years of not bringing anything unique to the market that you couldnt get as a rebadged Honda SUV or Chevy/Geo pickup.... They wont be missed.
What happened to them is almost what happened to Suzuki in the mid 90's, too much corporate sharing with no unique models, plus a lack of brand focus led to a fuzzy and unfamiliar brand identity to many. You start talking about a Suzuki Swift, and people geneally have no clue what you are talking about. But say "Geo Metro" and everyone is like, "Oh, ok!" Same thing with an Isuzu I-2800 or I-3500.
I'd still love to get me an old Impulse turbo, or Piazza though.
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
