Overview & Reviews

For 2002, Isuzu has fiddled with the Rodeo's option packages and improved the available Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC) system.

• Stylish exterior, great powertrain warranty.

• Cheap interior pieces, flaccid suspension, uncomfortable front seats, questionable build quality.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 79.00

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  9 yrs old, 154K and still running strong - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lynn3765 - February 25 - 9:52 am

  Bought this in 2002 after reading many reviews and talking to a few different owners. Ive had this vehicle for 9 years and other than normal wear and tear repairs, have not had any issues. I am still getting 23 mpg on the highway; about 19 city. As long as the routine maintenance is kept up, this vehicle has been a gem.

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  What next? - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By NY Mary - October 26 - 3:26 am

  I bought my 2002 Rodeo in Dec. of 2002 and I had high hopes for it as I had previously owned a 1999 Rodeo. The first one had a defect in the paint that Isuzu never took care of but the car ran great. Unfortunately, my 2002 Rodeo had what started out as an oil leak that the dealership could never find and ended with a new engine having to be put in. My warranty covered everything but the inconvenience and aggravation of bringing it back each time was too much. As for the body, every time I look at it I see new dings and defects in the paint which Ive grown accustomed to. The interior is cheap plastic which youre always finding mystery bits and pieces.

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  Perfect SUV for us! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Emily - October 5 - 10:00 am

  What are the folks at Edmunds.com talking about?! My husband and I went SUV shopping months ago, and the Rodeo by far is still a great bargain, costing thousands less than competitors. I absolutely love my SUV, and although we dont have kids yet, we still use the versatility of this SUV. I wanted a 4Runner initially, but it was a ripoff, and cramped. THIS is the SUV to buy!

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  Great Value for the Money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By HENRY - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and it has a lot of power, especially if you press the "Power" button. Appears to be a bit smaller than my 1994 Rodeo, especially in the back.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Henry - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and it has a lot of power, especially if you press the "Power" button. Appears to be a bit smaller than my 1994 Rodeo, especially in the back.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Lou Lou - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a new 2002 LSE Rodeo! I actually went to the dealership dead set on the Axiom, but after driving the Axiom, I didnt feel it was very comfortable. I tried the Rodeo and fell in love with it! It is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. I traded in a loaded 1999 Honda Accord and I like the Rodeo 10x better! It drives much smoother than the Honda did; it feels more like the ride/drive of the Toyota Camry. My mom owns the LEXUS SUV, and I actually think the ride of the Rodeo is more comfortable!

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  Love my Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Chrissy2002 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I read a lot of reviews, did test drives and comparison shoped for my truck. I finnaly decided on the RODEO. I have to tell you even when I see my friends with the Chevys and Fords with all the Bells and Whistles I still think I made a better choice. My Rodeo will far outlast and of those SUVs . Its rugged its fun to drive its dependable (Best Warranty out there) and it says a lot when you a chic like me driving one. It is an SUV that makes you enjoy driving and trying new things with it. And lets face it, the sound system is Great.....

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  2002 Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jbauman - June 14 - 11:16 am

  I like it a lot - and it tows 5000 pounds on level ground with no trouble at all. Hills can be a challenge, but then again, Im at max towing capacity. Except for two nagging problems, its been very reliable. One problem is a persisten check engine light (PO440 code, a known problem), and two failures of the accumulator piston seal on the transmission (another common problem). Both fixed under warranty.

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  Often Seen high mileage - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mountain Canuck - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Every vehicle line has its lemons. Our Rodeo SE has been a solid and reliable all-round truck. I have been the only owner from 12 km and have beat it around in the snow and through the bush a lot. This year we picked up a 2700 lb (loaded) tent trailer for it to haul. After hauling the trailer fully loaded up a 12-15% minimum highway grade for about 40km, it didnt falter once. In fact it performed very well. Changing all fluids at the regular service intervals helps keep it going. If you are concerned about mileage, change your fuel filter. Its a $12 part and only takes 15- 20mins. Mine is changed yearly due to local delivery of poor fuel quality. Its like driving a new truck every year.

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  Worth the money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By randymarsh - January 23 - 4:45 pm

  We bought ours in 2002 new and it has been a great car for the money. Dont expect 4runner or Pathfinder comforts in these cars, but they are much cheaper. The ride is a little stiff and the interior is cheap, but positives are a fairly peppy engine and good exterior styling. These do burn oil, but if you check it regularly and top it off as needed, you should never have any problems. At 112K miles, the only issue was the ABS light coming on a couple of times around 30K miles. Make sure they are maintained (fuel filter every 30K and the previously mentioned oil burning). Transmission fluid is sealed so a lot of places cant change it, but an Amco can handle it.