No, Isuzu no longer manufactures passenger cars for the North American market. The company made a strategic decision to completely withdraw from the passenger vehicle segment in 2009. Instead, Isuzu has doubled down on its core strength: manufacturing durable, reliable commercial vehicles. You'll still find their diesel engines powering everything from lightweight pickup trucks to severe-service trucks, but the badge on the vehicle will be from a partner like General Motors. Isuzu's own brand in the U.S. is now synonymous with commercial trucks, particularly the highly regarded N-Series.
This shift was a business decision based on market realities. Competing in the intensely competitive passenger car market against giants like Toyota, Honda, and Ford required massive investments in marketing, dealership networks, and frequent model updates. Isuzu determined its resources were better spent dominating the niche it knew best. Their current lineup includes low-cab-forward trucks that are workhorses for businesses across the country, from delivery services to construction crews.
| Isuzu Vehicle Timeline & Data | |
|---|
| Final Isuzu passenger car sold in the U.S. | 2009 Isuzu i-Series pickup (a rebadged Chevrolet Colorado) |
| Final Isuzu SUV sold in the U.S. | 2008 Isuzu Ascender |
| Primary focus since 2009 | Commercial trucks & diesel engines |
| Example of current Isuzu model | NQR Class 5 straight truck |
| Key partnership | Diesel engine supplier for General Motors |
| Global sales focus (outside North America) | Commercial vehicles in Asia, Oceania, Middle East |
While you can't walk into a dealership and buy a new Isuzu sedan or SUV, their legacy of building tough trucks lives on. If you're looking for a used Isuzu passenger vehicle, models like the Trooper SUV from the 90s have a cult following for their off-road capability. But for a new vehicle, Isuzu's expertise is exclusively in the commercial sector.
