Overview & Reviews

Just about every automotive manufacturer produces a sport-utility vehicle today. But back in the early 1990s, there was only a sprinkling of truck-based, off-road vehicles to whet the appetites of those trendsetters who were ahead of their time in appreciating elevated seating heights and macho styling. The Isuzu Rodeo was one of these pioneers; a midsize SUV with ample room for five passengers and a comfy ride. Compared to more rough-and-tumble models from Jeep or Chevy, the Rodeo was much easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, and it quickly became a best-selling import SUV.

For the second-generation Rodeo, Isuzu concentrated on weight reduction, noise deadening, passenger comfort and improved on-road driving dynamics that all made the Rodeo a more livable daily driver. Thanks to a generous warranty, it was initially one of our top choices in the segment, but quickly found itself outclassed by newer competitors despite some minor updates.

Although a well-maintained used Isuzu Rodeo should satisfy shoppers on a tight budget, those willing to spend a bit more would be better served by more refined SUVs such as the Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner.

Most recent Isuzu Rodeo

The second-generation Isuzu Rodeo midsize SUV arrived in 1998 with the same basic shape of its successful predecessor. The spare tire was now attached directly to the hatch (rather than a separate swinging tire carrier), or it could be mounted under the truck for a cleaner tail end design. These two configurations also reduced weight, which was a key design goal for Isuzu's engineers. In total, 285 pounds were shaved off the Rodeo by reducing frame and engine weight, by switching to rack-and-pinion steering and by using a five-link rear suspension design.

This reduced the burden on the four- and six-cylinder engines, which despite going up in power, were hardly known for providing quick acceleration. The standard 2.2-liter inline-4 engine available on the base S model made an anemic 129 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, and could only be coupled to a five-speed manual. The 3.2-liter V6 available on the S and standard on the LS and LSE produced 205 hp and 214 lb-ft and was mated to either the manual or a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard with four-wheel drive being optional on all trim levels, but only with the V6.

The base S model with the four-cylinder engine was essentially a stripper (though antilock brakes were standard) with only a few options like air-conditioning available. Standard and optional equipment on upper trim levels included alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, full power accessories, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, moonroof, leather upholstery and a six-speaker stereo with cassette or CD player.

In 2000, the Isuzu Rodeo received more than 200 changes, including an aggressive styling refresh, updated seating and an optional Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC) system that automatically selected one of 17 shock rebound and compression rates depending on road conditions. A new Ironman LS package included sunroof, alloy wheels, ISC, special decals and a Best of Black Sabbath album (wait, that's a different Ironman). A transferable 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty also became standard in 2000 and a two-door Rodeo Sport model was sold from 2001 to 2003.

When that second-generation Rodeo debuted, we considered it one of the top midsize SUVs on the market. We were particularly impressed with its quality interior, silky V6 engine and roomy backseat. After a long-term test and two years later, however, we were no longer so enamored (quite the opposite, really) and thought that in general, recently introduced SUVs were much better choices than the Rodeo.

While the V6 and ample space continued to score points, our long-termer's three breakdowns, shoddy build quality and numerous electrical gremlins were simply unacceptable and we began to view the interior plastics as increasingly cheap compared to those in the newer competition. We also complained about the vehicle's paltry gas mileage, low towing capacity and rough-riding suspension.

Past Isuzu Rodeo models

The original Isuzu Rodeo was introduced for 1991. Like its replacement, it was available with four- and six-cylinder engines and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. With its long wheelbase, this Rodeo offered one of the best rides and largest backseats on the market.

Initially, both the 3.1-liter V6 and 2.6-liter inline-4 made only 120 hp. The V6 made 30 more lb-ft of torque, but its upgrade to 175 hp in 1993 was certainly welcome. The four-cylinder remained unchanged. Early Rodeos were also not very safe, receiving poor crash test scores and offering almost no safety equipment. Antilock brakes were standard, but were rear-wheel only with four-wheel ABS becoming an option in 1995. That year also saw front airbags added along with a redesigned dashboard courtesy of Honda, which rebadged the Rodeo as its Passport SUV a year previously. The only other significant changes for the Rodeo occurred in 1996 when Isuzu bumped the V6 up to 190 hp, added a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system and improved the vehicle's ride quality.

User Reviews:

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  Great Buy - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jdifranco27 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Not sure why there arent more of these on the road. My wife and I have had the car for two years with no problems. Great fun SUV.

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  I Like It - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Christophe - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems so far, the vehicle has good power and acceleration, just plain fun to drive (especially off-road)

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  Buy One - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mr.Rodeo - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Dont listen to the professional critics, take the word of somebody whos owned one for 3+ years. Just traded in the 2001 Rodeo Sport for the 4Door model(expecting child). As impressed with this one as I was the previous model. This one seems to have a smoother ride than the sport though. The warranty speaks for the reliability of the vehicle. Do you really think a car company would place a 7/75k mile warranty on a vehicle that always needed service...Thus the reason Chevy n Ford only offer 3/36k. Yes we had a few problems w/ our 2001, but nothing that wasnt covered by the warranty. The real selling point for this vehicle is the price. $20,500! Loaded, this thing compares to a Pathfinder.

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  My Blessing - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ebonyj30 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I like this vehicle very much. Its a comfortable & enjoyable machine and quite pleasing to the eye. I have no problems with the interior seats as mentioned in Reviews. They are comfortable and appealing in appearance.

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  Nice SUV for the price - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Shar - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I think the rodeo is very good for its price, even though it has a few drawbacks, every vehicle does. The seatback latch cover fell off, the plastic peice that covers the door light came off, I do get a squeak somewhere (dont know where). The ride is a little rough, but compared to an expedition where my head hit the ceiling when i went over a pothole...its not too bad. The power is good, but not excellent. Kinda sluggish on the highway. The breaks are efficient enough, even though I get the anti lock shake, as i call it every now and again. The handling is a little on the looser side, but not enough to really make a difference.

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  Watch Out For Resale - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Previous Owner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I loved my rodeo but when i decided to get a Toyota 4Runner I didnt get alot back paid-$22,000 got-$8,700 back. miles-36,000 in 3and 1\2 years. p.s. WATCH OUT!!!

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  Biggest mistake I ever made. - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By F Long - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  I purchased this car in Oct 06. It has been in the shop 4XS for transmission problems, just had trans overhauled as of today still not fixed. I only put 6000 miles on it because I never get to drive it. Its always in the shop for weeks at a time. It rides like an elephant, very bumpy ride. If they ever fix it Im trading it in ASAP. I will never buy a Rodeo again. Exterior looks great but dont be fooled. If you see it on the dealership lot, run the other way as fast as you can.

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  Happy owner - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Chrome - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Never owned an Isuzu before and was cautious before I drove one. Other than lacking in legroom (Im 6-3") and somewhat easily scratched interior plastic parts the car has kicked *ss. I bought the 4 cyl. manual tranny model and 99% of the time I have more than enough power and torque to do anything that needs doing. Theres some windnoise at highway speeds but acceptable. Seats are the most comfortable in any of the cars Ive owned. Sporty feel.

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  no prolems here - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By k9fto - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I wanted another SUV and looked at a whole lot and decided on the Rodeo. I like the ride and power it has. It is bumpy like a small truck but very robust. I tow trailers with it and have had no problems. It runs flawlessly and looks good.

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  Bottom of the Bunch, But fun!!! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Camraun - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to help move my brother to PA. Granted, the time we moved him was in December with lots of snow. The rodeo performed better than i expected (except for gas mileage). For a car i bought because it was the only one left, i am quite happy with it (so far). I primarily travel in it. so the seats could be more comfortable. They dont do too well on anything over a few hours drive. so far, though, i am satisfied even though ive only driven it about 8 mos because i considered it mainly for traveling. i was going to get rid of it when i purchased it. now i am keeping it.