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:
Showing 191 through 200 of 473.00-
My Rodeo - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
By Ronda - November 14 - 10:00 amAwesome, but mine is a 1999 model. I bought it in October 1999
-
Best For The Buck!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
By Sylvester1950 - October 27 - 10:00 amWhle searching for an SUV a friend of mine who can drive any car he choses, told me that he has a Rodeo with 90,000+ miles. He said it is GREAT! I test drove it. Compared it to the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4-Runner and decided on the Isuzu. I have never regretted my choice.
-
best car ever - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
By playafil - October 27 - 10:00 amthis car is strong coll looking and just great!
-
Nice SUV - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
By rodeoowner - October 8 - 10:00 amI have owned this vehicle for a little over six months. I have the 4 cyl. and if is slow on take-off. Engine whines a bit when accelerating. I have a model that doesnt have tilt and although it doesnt bother me (I am only 5" tall) my husband (6" tall) hates it. It rubs his leg while he drives. Overall it is has been a good vehicle - only had to return to dealer once when the latch/lock on the rear door broke off in a automatic car wash. Gas milage is much better than my last SUV (Durango), I get about 18 mile to the gal.
-
Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
By LoveThatRodeo - September 26 - 8:10 amI purchased my 1999 Rodeo LS V6 4WD new with 68 miles on it. I currently have 121,000 miles on it and the engine is still as strong as day one. The vehicle is great for trips due to the size of the seating and cargo area. Mine has the tow package and the vehicle excels at towing. My vehicle has never let me down or left me stranded. The engine is rock solid. Note, I have always taken my vehicle to the dealership for major maintenance (30K, 60K, and 90K) which has kept the vehicle running in top shape. I would only recommend an Isuzu Dealership with a Master Isuzu Mechanic. At any rate, my Rodeo is still rolling very well!
-
Some late developing problems - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
By OhioMike - September 19 - 2:26 amI love my car...until 1000 miles out of warrenty (60000), when I got a cracked cylinder head and I had to get the top half of my engine replaced. Isuzu did cover the parts $1800, but I had to pick up the labor, which was $900. Over all, thats been the only major problem. I also had a problem with the paint on my rims, but they replaced them for free so I really cant complain.
-
my suv - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
By wpc3 - September 14 - 2:00 amI think this is the best suv for small families and single people because its not big and over baring like some others,but instead it is a midsize giant if you were to ask me and has a lot of power for a v6.And the four wheel drive is great for off roading or just getting around in the snow,I will be a repeat buyer as long as they keep making the rodeo. Yours Truly WPC3
-
The Truth - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
By isuzuman - September 14 - 2:00 amEdmunds, I usually agree with your opinions, but not anymore. Underachieving?..dont make me laugh. Ths is possibly the best car for the money on the market right now. Youre full o
-
Isuzu Rodeo 2001 - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
By tidebelle - September 13 - 12:00 amI own an Isuzu Rodeo 4 cy. 5 speed. While the overall experience with my truck has been good, the most recent problems have concerned me. It has blown a headgasket twice now and I feel that the 4 cyl. engine is not enough muscle for the weight of the truck.
-
Excellent - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
By Tod - August 21 - 10:00 amNot else to say....fun to drive
