Launched in 1959, the N-Series (ELF in Japan) is Japan's representative light-duty truck. Recognized for its outstanding combination of economy, safety, reliability, and durability, it is the best-selling light-duty truck in numerous countries around the world. Ongoing evolution incorporating state-of-the-art technology drove a full model change in 2006, to further improve its capabilities as a global truck that meets the highest global standards.

The Isuzu Elf (Japanese: いすゞ・エルフ, Isuzu Erufu) is a medium-duty truck produced by Isuzu since 1959. Outside Japan, it is known as the N series and Q Series. The range was originally mainly available in Japan and other Asian countries. Australia was another important market for the Elf and N series – to the extent that it was manufactured there from the 1970s using many local components. Since the early 1980s, it has also been sold and built in the United States (under the Chevrolet and GMC brand as a W-Series), and also as the Isuzu N-Series. Only North America receives the wide-cab version competing against the Avia D90/D120, Hino Dutro, Hyundai Mighty, Iveco Daily, Mazda Titan, Mercedes-Benz Vario, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, Nissan Atlas, Renault Trucks D, Tata LPT 613, Toyota Dyna and the GAZ Valdai.

For the common Andinian market (including Chile and Peru), the truck has been assembled in the GM-Colmotores assembling plant in Bogotá, Colombia since 1991, with annual quantities already of 20,000 up to 60,000 units. The local assembly has been increasing because of increasing demand in the Colombian and neighboring markets. It carries "Tecnología Isuzu" (with Isuzu Technology) lettering.

In Indonesia, the Philippines, and several other countries, the Elf is not only used as a truck but also converted into microbuses by local body makers. The lighter four-wheeled models are commonly used as an intercity Angkot or Jeepney (share taxis), as a school bus, or as an employee bus.