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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  Solid and capable - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RodeoMike - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I find the build quality to be fine. Not a problem yet. Very capable off road. The interior has been solid. Nothing is made cheaply. Not sure what the editors tested.

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  pros & cons - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By d cant. - June 10 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 1998 Izusu Rodeo overall has been Good. It drives well. Fairly dependable and is a nice vehicle to look at.

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  Do not purchase - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Barb - May 13 - 7:46 am

  I couldnt wait to buy an SUV - found this one used for a good price. Loved it! Owned it for 3 years, replacing brakes and the usual maintenance. Then the bottom rusted out of it entirely - my shop guy was able to put a screwdriver through the entire underside. Isuzu would do nothing nor would the dealership. Isuzu will not do a thing! DO NOT BUY THIS SUV.

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  Isuzu Rodeo 2001 - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By taken advantage of - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Rodeo - the first one (1999) died of engine problems in 2001 so I was tricked into buying another one from a dealer. The second one (2001) - the new and improved- is in the shop yet again for almost 3 weeks now with problems with the front axle. I took the car from the dealership earlier this week after it was"fixed" and on the way home, I the car blew out again after looking a bolt in the front axle (I believe). It was towed back to the dealer and the tow truck driver reinforced my idea to get a different car - He told me they all do this. My cousins (at 60K miles) two weeks ago died on a trip across the country.

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  Its just o.k. - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kalex - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought it because I really liked the design ( still do! ) and the 100,000 mile warranty. unfortunately, when I did have a problem with the fuel pump the warranty had just expired. Cost me $1,200. It also is burning a quart of oil every three thousand miles. Not good, considering I baby this thing.

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  I love my Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By coloradogreystar - April 13 - 6:40 am

  I was rear-ended on the interstate. The offender hit me at an estimated 55 mph. I hardly felt a thing! The design really held up! A small problem with the O2 sensors was quickly cleared up, otherwise ... no major problems. I love my Rodeo!

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  Do not buy a V6 - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tom Davis - April 6 - 9:46 am

  I very much enjoyed the Rodeo, except for the engine. The Isuzu V6s have a major design flaw. Lots of Isuzu owners from 1998 to at least 2005 have had to have at least one engine replaced in the vehicle. It is this V6 engine that has caused Isuzu to close around half of their dealerships and put them very close to just going out of business. Around 60k miles the engines begin using lots of oil and usually end up with a spun bearing.

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  Best ride ive ever had - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dexman - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I picked the S model because it fit my budget. Little did I know that the S model I chose came with all of the features of the LS model, 3.2 V6 DOHC, roof rack, CD player, power windows, locks, ABS, Intelligent Suspension Control, high performance stereo, great sound system, etc..The asking price was 25k, I got it for 23k. I love it, id buy another. I checked all the others in this class, glad I made this choice!!

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  Nightmare! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kelly - March 28 - 6:36 am

  Purchased this car with 150,000 miles, nothing but problems since I have had it. Converter stopped up, when it is first started, it doesnt want to go. Been in the shop for going on 3 weeks, mechanic can not figure out what is wrong with it. on the positive side, it is comfortable and looks great. if only it was as reliable as it looked!

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  good for the price - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By peycan - March 22 - 10:00 am

  First SUV Ive bought. For the price, its great. Plenty of interior room. Nice looking outside. Not too big to park in a normal parking spot, but not too small either.