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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  Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By eyesguy - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Good driving machine a little rocky and seats are not comfortable. Cheap looking interior.

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  electrical problems - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Amy - March 18 - 4:10 pm

  I have had multiple problems-replaced fan clutch and bracket, ignition coil, right turn signal burns out fuse that controls many other things including heat and power windows, transmission slipping at 78k mi., replaced serpentine belt 2x b/c fan clutch shredded the other one when the bracket broke, most parts are isuzu only parts and must pay a fortune for them; most are marked up 100%, seals on front windows coming undone and windows dont shut properly.

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  Its Cheap & You get what you pay for - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dan - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I have about 52,000 miles on my 2000 Rodeo. The ride has grown increasingly bouncy; its now feels similar to a carnival ride. This is particularly bad, because it aggravates this vehicles rattle quotient - everything rattles. Isuzu dealers are few and far between and they act like it. My dealer was never able to identify problems (or even agree there was a problem) on the first visit making each repair a multi visit battle (I did eventually win many, but not all of the battles). Unless you absolutely can’t afford something else – I’d look elsewhere. Most any other vehicle out there is superior to this one. Run; dont walk, out of your Isuzu dealer.

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  Its Cheap & You get what you pay for - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Dan - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I have about 52,000 miles on my 2000 Rodeo. The ride has grown increasingly bouncy; its now feels similar to a carnival ride. This is particularly bad, because it aggravates this vehicles rattle quotient - everything rattles. Isuzu dealers are few and far between and they act like it. My dealer was never able to identify problems (or even agree there was a problem) on the first visit making each repair a multi visit battle (I did eventually win many, but not all of the battles). Unless you absolutely can’t afford something else – I’d look elsewhere. Most any other vehicle out there is superior to this one. Run; dont walk, out of your Isuzu dealer.

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  Very Good SUV - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jerrico - February 12 - 8:06 pm

  So far no problem. Excellent service at dealership - done for the schedule service maintenance only

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  Love My Rodeo! - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By wayover20 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new 2003 Rodeo after researching other SUVs including Explorer, Passport, and Jeep Cherokee. I also have family and friends that own these other suvs but I have to say my Rodeo has everything I want including a great looking exterior, comfortable interior with all the features I want. It gets plenty of second looks. Im glad I made this choice.

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  2001 Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sweet01heart - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I really do not like my Rodeo. But I went from A Mustang to a suv, and do truly miss my stang! But I needed more room for my daughter, and didnt want to go all the way up to a full size SUV, so I went with the rodeo. I bought it used, but in very good shape. But geez, it loves gas!!! My husbands 3/4 ton Chevy gets the same gas mileage as my rodeo!! And the depreciation is horrible!!! I can not even think about selling it for what I owe on it! It depreciated very very fast!!

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  LUV IT - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By beautifulj - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle 11/2003 and so far so good. I was a little apprehensive about purchasing this vehicle because of reviews that Ive seen. I love the exterior look and the interior look except for a few minor things. Rides smooth & makes me enjoy being in my ride.

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  looks nice but a beast to work on - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By officerjones85 - December 16 - 1:53 pm

  It is a Nice looking car Ill give it that, but parts are very expensive. If your wanting to save a buck and fix it yourself forget it. Its so compact and difficult to work. Youll be spending hours on minor projects.

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  Great SUV for $$ - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By chefjasonQ - December 4 - 6:46 pm

  I purchased a 98 Rodeo as a second car in 2007, with 138K miles on it. I now have over 160K with an alternator being the only repair. It runs great, has plenty of power, decent ride, good looks but awful gas mileage. On a trip I can squeak out 18mpg highway but in mixed driving, about 14mpg tops so lots of frequent $50 fill ups with the 18 gallon tank. For $22K new I might want more in this truck but I paid $2800 and its been worth every penny. So much so Im looking to find a low mileage 2004. For 10 years old, its a great used truck. Its not a Honda but beats the hell out of a 10 year old Blazer. Actually, Id take it over a 5 year old Blazer!!