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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  Rodeo no more - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jumper79 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Poor dealer service, poor follow up from regional rep - could not correct a performance problem after repeated trys. Missing consistently after 50K miles, clutch going out at 60K, three recalls so far. Dealer mechanic broke off PCV during recall timing belt change and then hid problem. I will never buy an Isuzu again.

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  Only the Beginning! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By EC - January 14 - 2:00 am

  After taking the Rodeo back to the dealer 5 times in last 19 months (first time after the first 27 days!) for the same problem in the front wheels, the problem was finally diagnosed by an outside mechanic- wheel bearings! However, the problem has caused significant wear and cupping of tires (20000 miles on vehicle) and while driving, loss of brakes. All of this could have been avoided if thorough checks would have been made! The Rodeo is definitely a gas hog-16 mpg! And the engine pinging-another problem that started in the first month of ownership! Not to mention the depreciation. What a mistake!! No wonder they give a 120000 mile powertrain warranty!

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  What Quality Improvement? - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jayhawkboy - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Honda supposedly improved Isuzus quality issues in the late 90s. Either Honda didnt teach well, or Isuzu didnt listen. Incredible number of little things started going wrong after one year. Hood latch broke. Rear glass loose. Body panels rattling. EGR vale, fuel filter, replaced twice. Engine stall. Door hinges replaced. On and on. Some warranty items, most not. Never buy an Isuzu.

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  Never again - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By muttleyrules - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We start with nine recalls, THEN fuel sending unit died, moonroof frozen open, CD player ate CDs (twice), brakes went, alternator went, EGR valve clogged (all this was in the first 60K miles), lousy service and about 3000 bucks worth of repairs in the past nine months (not including tires and battery). Incidentally, 30/60K and misc servicing was done yet no one noticed any problems. Seats are uncomfortable and if the tilt wheel is down you cannot see all the idiot lights, which is handy because this thing lights up like July 4th. Alas, it technically is not a lemon, but it should be!

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  sporty economic import fun - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jeff Samples - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very suprised. I have been looking for a mid-size SUV for my wife for some time now and we have had our Isuzu for a week now and our very excited. I sale pre-owned vehicles for a living and have never been in a vehicle that rode as efficient as this one. Its not the biggest and the best. But its the best value for the $.

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  Blown Engine - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kris Davis - October 14 - 9:23 pm

  Bought this vehicle brand new at the dealership. I got 13-15mph from day 1, no matter how I drove it. About 3 months ago, the low oil light came on. I immediately pulled over, checked the level, and added 4 quarts to bring it to full. For a 5 quart engine, to warn with only 1 quart in the engine is just a little too little. Since that day, I checked the engine every time I started it up for the day and had the oil pan gasket replaced. The engine started making a rapping noise on the day the oil got that low. Since then it has gotten worse and worse. The mechanic told me that it was just the lifters making a little noise. Yesterday the engine seized while driving. Not happy!

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  Suitable for a Millionaire - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Allen - October 4 - 7:03 pm

  I looked at the Rodeo because a millionaire friend of mine loved his. I test drove it and loved it. It has been unbelievably reliable and trouble free. It has 55,000 miles in 2 1/2 years and runs like new. I havent put a dime into it.

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  Better than a Blazer - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Fezzmo - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Blazer prior to buying the Rodeo. The Rodeo is faster, more solid, more agile, and it goes better in the snow. I drive over 30K a year and I have had only one mechanical problem that required service. I will have over 70K by December 03. I get 20 miles per gal. so I dont understand other peoples issues w/ gas milage. The auto does "spark knock" on low octane fuel when the engine is strained (pulling a hill), but it does not create a mechanical problem. However, the 205HP engine does fine. I was surprised to see this auto rated below an 8 overall.

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  I LOVE THIS SUV!!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By drumkey86 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!

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  2001 Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Zd - September 22 - 10:00 am

  2001 Rodeo w/ 60,000 miles, has been nothing short of great for me. Interior looks kind of outdated, gas mileage not too good, but what I would excpect from an SUV