Its as reliable as a 10 year old vehicle would be, expect to change items like plugs, shocks, do brakes, tires.. etc on those over 100,000 miles. Timing belt and waterpump get changes at 100,000 miles.
The issues on all isuzus of this vintage are:
-Possible oil consumption, leading to spun bearings and replacement of engine.
Cause is not well known, but those that have been well-maintained may burn oil, but may not have the sudden evac problem. Mine is at 102K, but has no oil-burn. (knock on internet wood) I still check every gas fill-up.
-ABS unit will fail eventually.

The issues on the VX specifically:
-The windows bind due to an engineering cock-up, where the window regulator's plastic bits and the window channel rubber has about a 30-40,000 mile life. After that they bind to the point where you can't move them up and down without help.


Gas mileage is poor - at best 17mpg city - at best.

If your not looking to do work on the car yourself AND don't have money for a mechanic - don't get a VX, get a 2003 honda civic or toyota corolla.