Car Brands Beginning With I
Several car manufacturers have names starting with the letter I, though most are regional or historical brands rather than household names in North America. The most recognizable is Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan that sells vehicles worldwide. Beyond that, you'll find Isuzu, a Japanese truck and commercial vehicle maker; Isdera, a German sports car manufacturer; and Iso, an Italian brand known for high-performance cars. Each operates in different market segments and geographic regions, so availability and model selection vary significantly depending on where you live and what type of vehicle you're looking for.
Understanding which brands are actively selling in your market, what their reputation is, and what models they currently offer helps you narrow your search if you're considering a purchase or straightforward want to know what's out there. Some of these brands have long histories; others are newer or have shifted focus over time.
Key Takeaways
- Infiniti is a Japanese luxury brand owned by Nissan and sells sedans, SUVs, and crossovers in most major markets worldwide.
- Isuzu specializes in commercial trucks, vans, and diesel engines and is more common in Asia, Europe, and Australia than in North America.
- Isdera and Iso are niche European sports car makers with very limited production and availability outside their home regions.
- Availability of I-brands varies by country; some models sold in Asia or Europe are not offered in the United States.
Infiniti: The Luxury Division
Infiniti launched in 1989 as Nissan's premium brand and competes directly with Lexus, Acura, and BMW in the luxury market. The brand sells sedans like the Q50, crossovers and SUVs including the QX60 and QX80, and has introduced electric models such as the QX60 Monograph. Infiniti vehicles are sold in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, though model availability differs by region.
Infiniti dealerships operate independently from Nissan dealerships in most markets, and the brand maintains its own service and warranty structure. Pricing sits in the mid-to-premium range for luxury vehicles—typically higher than Nissan but competitive with other Japanese luxury brands. Financing and lease options are available through Infiniti Financial Services in many regions.
Isuzu: Commercial and Truck Focus
Isuzu is a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1916 that focuses primarily on commercial vehicles, light trucks, and diesel engines rather than consumer passenger cars. In markets like Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe, Isuzu trucks are common for both commercial and personal use. The D-Max pickup and MU-X SUV are among their best-known models outside Japan.
In North America, Isuzu's presence is much smaller. The brand exited the U.S. passenger vehicle market in 2009 but continues to sell commercial trucks and engines to other manufacturers. If you're shopping for a used Isuzu in the United States, you're most likely to find older models from the 1990s and 2000s. In other regions, Isuzu dealerships and service centers are more widely available, and new models are regularly introduced.
Isdera: German High-Performance Sports Cars
Isdera is a small German manufacturer based in Hildesheim that builds hand-assembled sports cars and supercars. The brand is known for models like the Commendatore and the Imperator, which feature mid-mounted engines and carbon-fiber construction. Production numbers are extremely limited—often fewer than a dozen vehicles per year—and prices reflect the bespoke nature of the builds.
Isdera vehicles are rarely seen outside Europe and are not sold through traditional dealership networks. Buyers typically work directly with the manufacturer or through specialized exotic car brokers. Availability in North America is virtually nonexistent, and finding service outside Germany requires specialized knowledge and connections in the exotic car world.
Iso: Italian Sports Car Heritage
Iso is an Italian brand with roots dating back to the 1950s, originally known for building refrigerators and heating equipment before moving into sports car production. The Iso Grifo and Iso Lele became cult classics among enthusiasts, featuring American V8 engines paired with Italian design. The brand ceased production in the 1970s but has been revived in recent years with limited-edition models aimed at collectors.
Modern Iso vehicles are extremely rare and expensive, marketed primarily to wealthy collectors rather than everyday buyers. Like Isdera, Iso operates outside the conventional dealership system and production is measured in single or double digits annually. Finding one for purchase or service requires connections to the collector car market and significant financial resources.
Comparing Availability and Market Presence
| Brand | Primary Market | Vehicle Type | Availability in North America |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infiniti | Global (Japan-based) | Luxury sedans, SUVs, crossovers | Widely available through dealerships |
| Isuzu | Asia, Australia, Europe | Commercial trucks, light vehicles | Limited; mostly used models |
| Isdera | Europe (Germany) | High-performance sports cars | Extremely rare; specialty brokers only |
| Iso | Europe (Italy) | Collector sports cars | Extremely rare; collector market only |
If you're shopping for a new vehicle in North America, Infiniti is by far the most accessible I-brand. Isuzu vehicles are easier to find used, particularly trucks from the 1990s and 2000s. Isdera and Iso are collector-level purchases that require specialized knowledge and connections, and most people will never encounter one for sale in their local market.
Where to Research and Find I-Brand Vehicles
For Infiniti, start with the official Infiniti website for your region, which lists current models, pricing, and nearby dealerships. You can also check major automotive sites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, or Cars.com, which carry inventory from Infiniti dealers nationwide. Financing information and lease terms are available directly from dealerships or through Infiniti Financial Services.
For Isuzu, availability depends on your location. In the United States, used Isuzu trucks can be found through general used car marketplaces like AutoTrader or Facebook Marketplace. In other countries, Isuzu's official website and local dealerships carry current models. For Isdera and Iso, specialty exotic car websites, auction houses focused on collector vehicles, and direct manufacturer contact are your only realistic options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Infiniti a Japanese brand?
Yes. Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan, a Japanese automaker. It was created in 1989 to compete with other premium brands like Lexus and Acura. Infiniti vehicles are engineered and designed by Nissan but sold under the separate Infiniti brand through dedicated dealerships.
Can I buy a new Isuzu in the United States?
Isuzu stopped selling passenger vehicles in the U.S. in 2009 and does not currently offer new consumer models there. The brand does sell commercial trucks and engines to other manufacturers. If you want a new Isuzu vehicle, you would need to look in markets like Australia, Southeast Asia, or Europe where the brand remains active.
How much do Isdera and Iso cars cost?
Both brands produce extremely limited-edition vehicles priced in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Exact pricing varies by model and customization, but these are collector-level purchases, not mass-market vehicles. Prices are negotiated directly with the manufacturer or through specialized brokers rather than listed publicly.
Where can I find parts and service for an older Isuzu?
Used Isuzu parts are available through online marketplaces, salvage yards, and some independent mechanics familiar with Japanese trucks. Isuzu no longer operates a North American dealer network for consumer vehicles, so you'll need to work with independent shops or specialists in Japanese vehicles. Parts availability is better for common models like the Trooper and D-Max.
Are there any other car brands starting with I that I'm missing?
A few others exist but are either defunct or extremely regional. Innocenti was an Italian brand that stopped production in 2000. Hindustan Motors in India produced the Ambassador, though it ceased production in 2014. These are historical brands rather than active manufacturers in current markets.