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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  Stay away! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rayv5 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Paid $21000 new in 2002 and try to trade back in one year later and would only give me $11000 at the same dealer I got it from. Others would only give me $8000 to $10000. In 34000 miles have had problems with the brake paddle three times. It uses 1 1/2 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. Jumps bad if I do not use 93 octane gas. Hate that I got stuck with it!

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  What a shame - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 4 long years. Only 70,000 miles. Problems: Trans Slip, Fuel Gauge Broke, Engine Light ALWAYS on - Dealer has no clue - ABS Light - Always on - Nobody can seem to figure out how to align my steering - Electrical system completed shorted out - hmmm is that dangerous? YES!! The only reason I keep the car is because I cant decide which is worse keep - roll the dice and keep the car for another year or take on another 5 year payment. I rate it a 2 since it still starts.

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  great performance! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rodeo101 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Considering the resale value of most suvs these days the rodeo is a steal. Its performance is grade A, while its exterior speaks for itself. Interior is nothing to brag about but it has everything a person would need on a day to day basis. 4WD is a breeze with the push button operation. I used to own a jeep cherokee and the rodeo blows it out of the water in everyway. Well worth the money so far, and Im sure it will continue to impress me.

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  Rodeo an excellent choice - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mervin - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned for four months. Used mainly as an urban family hauler. Excellent reliability. Except for oil changes, no servicing required.

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  88000+ and still running strong - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By FHFMA - November 12 - 4:36 pm

  We bought this SUV new after an issue with a used car we bought from the same dealer. While it wasnt our first choice for SUV I had owned a 1984 Isuzu PU with a diesel engine one of the first in the country and had great service with it. This is my wifes primary vehicle and while it avg 18mpg around town it will get 25mpg on hwy trips. Its heavy even for the V6 and autotrans accounts for less MPG. Only problem was the transmission had to be replaced at 60K due to a known factory defect. This was covered by the long warranty. Only other issue now will be the cost to replace the timing belt. Important to note this vehicle was supplied to HONDA and sold as the PILOT prior to them making one.

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  Great value/Great price - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Paul Favorite - October 21 - 3:33 am

  Great truck

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  All around fun car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Roger17 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Rodeo for almost 3 years and it has been pretty good to me. No major problems ever. Mostly put on highway miles. Great acceleration! Very quick car, even at highway speed. Though the steering doesnt feel that solid as Id like at high speeds. Handles turns well. Have had my 6CD changer replaced twice!! The front seats are too short and become uncomfortable on long trips. Not enough leg room for me (6ft 2), the steering wheel is too far away. Interior is almost too simple and basic but I kinda liked that at first.

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Nowski - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how much power the 3.2 engine has. A recent trip to Yosemite, fully loaded down with 5 backpackers + gear, we were passing cars going uphill from Yosemite Valley up to Tuolomne Meadows at an elevation of 8400. Air conditioner full blast, 95 degrees outdoors, sunny, smoke-filled air from forest fires, this Rodeo just took the corners and muscled up the hill faster than other Explorers, Blazers, 4Runners, Tahoes, etc. (I still got 20 mpg for the trip...not bad at all for an SUV) Id prefer more leg room in the back, but...I guess you cant have everything.

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  Wonderful vehicle/fun to drive - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rays baby - September 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just returned from a 8,500 mile, 17 state road trip. We were looking for a midsize SUV that looks good and performs well. We noticed a lot of SUVs on the road and especially many Isuzu Rodeos. On arrival home, we looked at and purchased a new 2004 Rodeo. It is a wonderful vehicle. My wife is 5 feet tall and she loves to drive it. We have to draw straws to determine who is going to have the pleasure of driving this vehicle. We love the exterior and interior of this SUV. We have the running boards and roof racks, with spoiler over the rear window. We have driven 3,500 miles so far, our MPG averages 23 long distance, and between 18 and 21 around town. We love the engine power.

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  Dependable, economical - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By workin man - September 26 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned my Rodeo since late 2002, using it as a work vehicle. Overall, its been a dependable work truck with good gas mileage and plenty of ground clearance. So far, Ive put 104,000 miles on it with few problems. Its easy to work on, but hasnt needed much repair so far.