There is some truth in the author's description of Isuzu. After the Isuzu Trooper (and Ford Explorer) were deemed less-than-safe due to their potential for rollover, I found myself as one of those associating Isuzus as a brand not to buy.

Add to that this notion that Americans should buy American cars, plus the stigma of the 3.5L motor in the VX, it's definitely a hard sell (as I look at them now.) Doesn't matter how great the looks are, it just means I'm being honest about my feeling toward the badge with this forum.

Beyond this Isuzu line mentioned in that article, I also find myself mourning the loss of Pontiac. A GTO was the very first car I bought in 1975. Their G8, Solstice, and GTO were models I thought (hoped) would save that industry. I thought they would appeal to the younger generation. Because they didn't, I guess it proves people are becoming more interested in driving vehicles that get great mileage. (At least that's the only reason I can think of buying a frumpy Toyota or Honda. Blea...yuk!)