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 Winter with it - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Michael2K - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a used 99 Rodeo and just went through the first Winter with it in N.Y. The 4X4 was worked excellently and got me going on the road and in and out of snow.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By free4all - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 4 cylinder stick and in a flat environment it works fine. I took it in the mountains and it is way under powered. The is great looking and extemely comfortable. My next Rodeo will be a 6 cylinder.

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  my redeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By harleygirl - May 26 - 10:00 am

  After test driving all the other suv there really was no difference in them except for the price and the warranty. The other mauf. should take lesson in standing behind there products like Isuzu offers. Maybe then the dealers would not have to pressure people into buying. There was no pressure from my dealer at all.

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  I love this SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mztalker19 - May 19 - 4:33 am

  I have a family of five now and we need a van. I am going to hate to see my truck go. It has been so good to me. I have made multiple trips to Missouri from Michigan in this truck. I have not had any problems with this truck. Helpful reminders is to make sure you tighten the gas cap past three clicks and keep oil in it is about all. I have noticed that the oil tends to burn a little quicker than other vehicles BUT it doesnt leak it. Has never been a big deal. I am VERY impressed with this truck and whomever buys it from me is going to be happy! Good luck, you wont regret it.

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  good - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James T Prescott - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable vehicle

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  Many problems to follow my purchase - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By amber - April 22 - 10:33 pm

  The day after I purchased this SUV at 63,000 I was replacing parts. That should have been my warning, but I really liked my Isuzu. The truck has a lot of problems that maybe a handy person can fix themselves with the help of a junk yard. I have had to replace problems including both catalytic converter$, oxygen sensor, tires, brakes and rotors, cv boots, the windows dont roll up and or down, Ac, gas gauge fluctuates on a full tank will blink as if on empty and out, power steering pump broke, burns excessive oil, horrible on gas, keyless entry had to be replaced, and heat shield had to be removed. I have owned my truck for a few years, now at 126,000 mi.

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  like the energizer bunny - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By vpm24 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My car seems to be a disaster magnet- people hit it, bump it, scratch it, a car I was parked next to even caught on fire and melted half of my Rodeo. No matter what happens, I get in the the car and it starts right up, quietly, every day. Even with 111000mi, the only thing I have had to replace was a $17 pulley!

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  Great SUV for the price - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo driver - April 2 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased LS 4X4 new, in 1999. With just over 90,000 miles, it continues to look great and run well. Some of the paint has been "dinged" by off road work. Ive been pretty fanatical about keeping a good wax coat on it. Nothing unusual - normal wear items replaced (brakes, tires, shocks, battery). Because the dealer has an excellent reputation, there are many of these running around town and most drivers say they are happy. Gets about 15mg in town, 21-22 on highway. If one really needs an SUV, this is a good deal, given low resale price compared to 4Runner and others.

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  1999 Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jim in Georgia - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good car. Good power. Fair Gas mileage. Fuel pump and ABS replaced. Was a little stressful having them go bad, but the dealer replaced them without any questions. 2nd fuel pump making the same noise as the first one. Good dealer support.

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  Just eh... - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Eric V - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the more attractive SUVs and I am pleased with its performance though it does have some issues. One happens to be the wind noise when driving on the highway. Another issue is the climate controls, they seem as though they belong in my old GEO. On an overall scale of 1 to 10, it gets a 5.