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 - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By great - April 10 - 3:46 am

  This suv has great power and works very well in mud and snow compared to others. If has much smoother ride than most real suvs and isnt a toy suv on a car frame.

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  THIS IS A GREAT SUV! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By apurplesquirrel - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt find a better deal than this and it has been a great choice so far! I have the 02 Rodeo LS 4WD and it looks and rides excellent! I have the factory stereo and think it is just fine, despite others poor reviews of it. The sliding sunrood and side tubes were a nice addition too. Highly recommend this one!!

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unknown - March 29 - 3:16 pm

  My second Rodeo was just as reliable as my first one.

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  2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD OUTSTANDING SUV! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gunner4life - March 14 - 10:42 am

  I have owned my 01 rodeo half of its life. its been as reliable as a honda should be! it does lack horsepower no doubt. but the v6 does the job! the paint has held up and still looks great. as well as the leather seats! the only thing I can point out is the steel wheels. not a big fan of them! and as far as the recall/ rusted frame, mine has held up! always garaged kept! and hasnt seen salty roads for 6years now so I am sure that helps. mine has 168,000 miles and still running and going strong! I will never sell this SUV! Ive been making improvements as of lately with the new decals and wheel replacement.... I would purchase another rodeo down the road if need be! a 2004 model NEXT TIME....

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  Many, many problems - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unknown - February 20 - 1:50 am

  Ive had this SUV for about 4 years and it has less than 100k miles on it (only 28K being put on by me). I would never buy another Isuzu. The following has gone out or been replaced: gas gauge stopped working, front and back brakes and drums replaced, in dash CD player rebuilt after eating my CDs, rebuilt the transmission, all four tires, shocks, air conditioning compressor, and the water pump. It was in the shop 3 months ago with a bill over over $1,000. Theres now something wrong with the anti lock brakes as the car keeps shimmying when I apply the brakes. It rattles and squeaks all the time. A great SUV if you want to repair it yourself.

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  My second Rodeo, just as great!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Melanie - February 17 - 9:50 am

  This is my second Rodeo. My first was a 2002 LS. I never had any problem with it. Another driver hit me and I think I would have been killed if I were not in my Rodeo. So I bought another one with the insurance money. This one is newer and has the 3.5L engine, the gray trim, upgraded sound and fog lights. I love it even more than my old one. It has great pick up, great interior. I love the controls for the stereo on the steering wheel. The price was great and it is in perfect condition. I know it will last forever too. My old one never had any problem. These vehicles are such great quality and value and low maintenance that I cant understand why Isuzu quit making them. I love mine!

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  No problems!! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By raven166 - February 13 - 7:20 am

  I have had my black Rodeo LS for 5 years now. All I have had to do was buy new tires. And that was because after 5 years all tires need replacing. My Rodeo still looks and runs the same as when I bought it. I have never had a problem with this vehicle and I am very happy that I chose to buy it! It has been worth every penny. I am sorry they quit making them because I would buy another one. I will keep it forever. I might even buy a used one someday to have another one. They are so reliable, I never worry on the road that my Rodeo will break down on me or not start. I really do love it!!

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  50000 Miles and no complaints - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By OE - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems other than a bad ABS sensor that was replaced under warranty.

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  Mediocre - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By buckeyescott - February 1 - 10:00 am

  For the price, this was not a bad buy. Got a 0.9% int rate too. Not the best vehicle, but also not the worst that Ive owned. I had more problem with a 96 Ford Explorer than with this Rodeo.

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  2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD - Ironman - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By twistlock - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I checked-out the Nissan X-Terra, Jeep Cherokee and Isuzu Rodeo. Surprisingly the Rodeo was the best blend of off- road and asphalt performance. No problems in almost 3 yrs of ownership. I believe only 2 safety advisories (not 100% recalls) for the 2000 model yr. Great value and low-maintenance (so far)!