Overview & Reviews

Though it may not look like it, Isuzu has completely revised the Rodeo from top to bottom, giving it more modern styling, a user-friendly interior, more V6 power and added room for passengers and cargo.

• Silky V-6 engine. Stylish interior. Rugged exterior. Roomy rear seat.

• Disconnected steering. Lousy 4WD button placement.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 66.00

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  not recommended - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By h - August 12 - 9:23 am

  Too many minor problems including, paint pealing from all four wheels within first 30000 miles. Dealer repeatedly unable to fix rattle that occurs at 2500 rpm. Throttle body problems. Seats uncomfortable on long rides. ABS modulator had to be replaced, of course just after warranty expired costing me over $500. I hear the ABS modulator is a very common problem with the Rodeo, surprised it was never recalled. Poor wet weather traction.

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  I keep thinking itll get better... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mkinma7 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  So far this car has been a headache to own. Its noisy cabin is just a start to the myriad of problems I have found with the Isuzu. Problems from paint flaking off of the tires to the radiator cracking during a particuarly cold winter have all added up to many more dollars of repairs than Id like to admit. Each maintenance problem is followed by another large maintenance problem. The deal I originally got when purchasing the car has been long lost with the thousands of dollars required to run it. Never again will I buy an Isuzu.

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  KY Sucker - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By KY Sucker - May 30 - 8:43 am

  We bought the Rodeo just in time for the engine to throw a rod a month after we bought it. We liked everything about it except for that misfortune. Since, we have heard Isuzu engines are prone to problems. I am disappointed in Isuzu for not standing behind their product. With so many problems, who will buy their vehicle? NOT ME!

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  Do not buy a V6 - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tom Davis - April 6 - 9:46 am

  I very much enjoyed the Rodeo, except for the engine. The Isuzu V6s have a major design flaw. Lots of Isuzu owners from 1998 to at least 2005 have had to have at least one engine replaced in the vehicle. It is this V6 engine that has caused Isuzu to close around half of their dealerships and put them very close to just going out of business. Around 60k miles the engines begin using lots of oil and usually end up with a spun bearing.

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  looks nice but a beast to work on - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By officerjones85 - December 16 - 1:53 pm

  It is a Nice looking car Ill give it that, but parts are very expensive. If your wanting to save a buck and fix it yourself forget it. Its so compact and difficult to work. Youll be spending hours on minor projects.

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  Mechanical nightmare - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Isuzu No More - November 22 - 5:26 am

  Im a 19 year old college student and last year, my dad bought me a Rodeo to drive to and from school (4 1/2 hours each way). I chose it thinking it would be a good, reliable vehicle with low maintenance costs. I was wrong. Come to find out, these engines are extremely problematic and I have yet to see a car with this engine over 170,000 miles. A comparable Toyota 4Runner will run twice as long with no problems. There is a reason why Isuzus things depreciate so quickly. My 150,000 mile Rodeo burns about a quart of oil every 600 miles, so I always have to have some on hand. And the parts are ridiculously expensive, often higher than comparable parts for a BMW--literally.

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  I Dont Know What Happened? - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ANGIE KING - November 15 - 1:30 am

  When I bought my Rodeo a little over a year ago it was running fine, no problems when we bought it. It had 85000 miles on it. We did the regular maintenance. Well when the thing hit 100,000 miles we decided to change the timing belt as recommended; everything went down hill from there. First the belt was done wrong so the valves were smashed. It’s been 10,000 miles since the belt was changed. We have since replaced the water pump, the thermostat 3 times, the radiator, the drive belt, the belt tensioner, the hoses, we have had the head resurfaced and let me tell you the parts for these things dont come cheap. I love the look of my Rodeo - it is a very rare orange color, if it would just run!

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  Ill never buy another Isuzu! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Frustrated in VA - July 6 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, capable on and off-road but a real maintenance nightmare. Have replaced a/c 3 times, horn/airbag unit twice, alternator, generator, battery cable, water pump, EGR valve and seal, purge valve solenoid, intake gasket, rear wiper motor, rear door lock 3 times, rear passenger door lock, right rear ABS sensor, plus a dozen factory recall items. Im now a rental car expert.

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  New models = bad news - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SWC - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This was the first year this body style came out so there were many trips to the dealership for recalls....at least 10. Issuses: the paint on the rims started coming off a year after buying it. The interior is less than comfortable and there is no lighting inside. No glove compartment light, no map lights, no key lights, well ok, one dim dome light in the center. As for repairs, ive had to replace the ABS module($450) and the breaks have NEVER been right. I tried the dealership but they couldnt "duplicate" my problem. Midas wanted $1,000 for the repairs. The rear windshield wiper broke as well. I will NOT purchase another rodeo ever.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By navi8or - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Worst car I ever owned. Constant warranty breakage, then a lot more breakdowns as soon as the cheesy warranty was expired. Depreciated so fast I was upside down for most of the duration of my car loan, and spent more time in the shop than in my garage.