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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  Its Better Than you Think - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Steve MB - January 21 - 8:56 am

  Izuzu gets a rap but this is a great vehicle, thouroughly enjoyable, super performance, I dont disagree with the steering comments but my explorer was far worse. Over all a great ride.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By bigbad2001 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I got the Special Edition and I love it. I have not had any big problems, except a few annoying things that the dealership fixed right away. The drive is nice, it is not like a car, but then again, I didnt buy a lexus. The engine is quiet and drive is smooth, especially with the Intelligent Suspension Control. I would have liked the interior to be a little more spacious, My friends who are 6 feet or taller have some space issues - also the moonroof takes away about 1-2 inches of headroom. The looks are definitely nice, it is black with grey lowers and grey aluminum wheels. It gets attention wherever I go.

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  2nd Rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By judi - January 5 - 12:53 pm

  I love my 98 Rodeo; its my 2nd, the first was a 97. I have had some costly problems with it however. At 97,000 miles, a transmission, numerous sensors, fuel indicator, and other small things. The body, living in the sun, is still in fantastic shape and the truck is large enough to fit my family but not too bulky. Can go just about anywhere in it. The gas mileage could be a little better.

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  GOOD SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By CRAIG - December 28 - 10:00 am

  JUST PURCHASED IT AND I LOVE IT. FOR THE PRICE YOU CAN GET BETTER.

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  A True Sport-Utility - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By sjbass - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a 98 S V6 model for over a year now. 200+ ponies is useful when you have to commute L.A.s toughest freeways, and the rear cargo area is large enough to hold all my musical equipment. The only problems I had so far is: 1) fuel gauge is inconsistent, and 2) ABS and Check Engine lights go on and off intermittently. Thats it. This is the only SUV that works hard and gets 19+ mpg...

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  PRACTICAL-NOT PICKY - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By KEITHMB - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I READ ALL THE REVIEWS OF THE RODEO AND SOMETIMES HAVE TO SHAKE MY HEAD AT THE COMMENTS THAT PEOPLE MAKE! I THINK A LOT DEPENDS ON HOW YOU DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE. 4WD DOES NOT MEAN 4 WHATEVER DRIVER! TAKE CARE OF YOUR VEHICLE AND IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. LOVE THIS VEHICLE. THE LOOKS, THE PERFORMANCE-V6 HAS PLENTY OF POWER (BETTER THAN THAT KOREAN V6), THE RELIABILITY. HEY ITS NOT A BMW OR LEXUS CLASS SUV-BUT ITS NUMBER ONE FOR ME!

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  Good Buy - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By hulak - December 18 - 9:56 am

  No problems to date. For the money, this SUV has a lot of space & features. Great warranty. Great styling. The ride is a little rough. Could get better mpg.

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  Rodeo S V6 - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Scheer - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Burned a huge amount of oil (quart every 900 miles or so) Had to have engine replaced under warranty after 27000 miles. Gas milege is at around 15 mpg combined.

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  Driving for 1 month (1200 miles) - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Wes64 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  1st SUV driven & drives nicely like car. Drove on gravel roads w/ pot holes, in pouring rain & big puddles & handles much better than my 92 Accord. Its sluggish, compared to Accord, but goes well when pressing gas & A/C is on. Back door opens sideways. Cant drive w/ back window open. Seats are comfortable while driving or riding whereas the editor review said it wasnt. Average of 18.5 MPG w/ A/C on. Towing sounds good from the specs of 3500 lbs, but havent tried towing anything yet (manual says dont drive over 45 MPH). The engine is quiet after 1st gear when & not much road noise, even w/ large tires (16" P245). In first gear its noisier.

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  The Rodeo Rocks Hard - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RodeoRocks! - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We shopped around for over 7 months & the ‘03 Rodeo was such a killer deal, brand new. Major fun, great warranty/well built. Love displays; stereo is the easiest thing to operate! Floormats like no others; they grip solidly. Perfect sized, head- turning, sharp SUV for a super deal. And remember, John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."