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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  A Lucky One? - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dpgull - April 27 - 5:13 pm

  I pray I continue to get a clean slate...Had an Amigo loved that, and now seemed to get a realy nice low mile LSE with no engine knock and all parts still together, they sure did take care of this one, and due to the fact they depriciate so fast and hard, could not find a better deal for the money anywhere. Do your homework and really check them out before you buy, they are not all lemons

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  Never let me down - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By objective owner - April 27 - 10:10 am

  This car serves its purpose of getting me to the mountains or on long freeway trips. I dont see it as an in-town car and dont use it much for that. I can easily drive it 16 hours straight without discomfort, so not sure why others complain about comfort. Even mountain driving has averaged 20-22 mpg, so again not sure why others get bad mileage. Its not a love affair, but Ive had no repairs and it does what its supposed to do. Granted, a set of Michelin cross track tires smoothed and silenced the highway ride like I could not believe. No rattles yet, and everything works. Compared to my Honda Accord, it has been a charm reliability wise -- no living at the dealership.

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  We love our Rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Billy007 - April 7 - 10:00 am

  We have not had any problems with the vehicle at 83000 miles. The car is peppy and fun to drive. The interior is comfortable and looks good. I especially like the dash layout and how easy everything is to use. This is my favorite SUV on the road over anything else.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Brobas - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My first Rodeo, 2000 model was taken back in a NY State Lemon Law Dispute. I received this one in trade. Overall I like the truck. Very stylish, awesome off-road ability. The dealership I bought it from has been great.

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  Happy Camper - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Vince - March 18 - 7:56 am

  78,000 miles when I bought it, now 161,000. Most reliable vehicle Ive owned, but at 120,000 I had preventive maintenance done to it also, installed a new timing belt, water pump, oil pump, and belt tensioner. All four items came together as a parts kit and they are all together in the engine too, kit made sense to do all. Could do better on oil consumption, but not too terrible. Uses cheap fuel sending units and replacements are cheap too, I replaced the first one myself at 81,000 and the second one at 158,000, cost less than $40 each. I get a ABS light when the trans fluid is low once a year, have to add fluid through drain plug. Lots of shops scam people on this, check levels 1st and save $$$!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Isusuman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  After leaving the dealership in a brand new automatic Rodeo for under $16k, I felt like it was a steal.. and it was. The Rodeo is a vehicle true to its heritage. It is a no frills SUV and acts like one. The 4ccyl does not have a lot of pep off the line, but has excellent power at highway speeds. The Rodeo handles great, but the brakes leave little to be desired. Overall, it is an excellent value if you have a limited budget!

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  The Plague of 1998 - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By boozetown@go.com - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 98 Rodeo for 3 years and then bought vehicle at the end of the lease. From the beginning I had nothing but problems including having the brakes worked on 8 times in 3 years. Just after warranty, I spent about $1500 more on the brakes and they still were not right. Also had fuel injectors go out that costed about $500. And had to have the bracket holding the rear spare taken off to remove the tire. Nothing good to say about vehicle except it does look good.

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  Nhubu - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gdf56 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  a very good reliable car that is very attractive in price style not to mention safety because it protected me completly in a head-on

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  Pretty Good Truck - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 1Time - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my rodeo for 3 years now. Its has been a great truck! Only problem has been the fuel sensor or something, the hand stays on e all the time, but I just reset the trip tackometer every time I fill up. I doubt if it is still under warranty it has 88k now. The head rest if very uncomfortable for resting on long drives but other than that, I like the truck.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bryan - February 2 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this car new in 2003 for my wife. Having owned a 1994 Rodeo with 180,000 with no problems I knew this was the way to go and I wasnt let down. Our 03 rodeo now has 130,000 miles and still drives like new. Weve performed regular oil changes and had a new timing belt installed at 70,000 miles. (not because it was giving us problems, thats just what you do at $70,000 miles) but thats it! This car has never been in the shop. This car is so inexpensive to own and maintain. You simply cant beat a rodeo!