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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  Beats any high priced GM/Ford - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By isuzuV64x4 - July 16 - 6:56 am

  I have owned several SUVs in the past and this is the first one that did not cost me an arm and a leg to purchase or maintain. The GMC Envoy I bought for my wife ended up costing me an extra $900 6 months later when a rock hit her headlamp assembly and broke it. The headlamp assembly alone was $900 to replace! GM has officially priced themselves out of my market. Cost of ownership on the Rodeo is very low. As long as the oil is changed and manufacturers suggested maintenance is followed, this SUV will last for many years. The tailgates sideways opening is a little awkward in tight spots, but functional nonetheless. I could not be happier with the drive and overall operation.

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  Do not buy - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kswift - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My engine blew out before the warranty expired. The company would not stand behind its warranty. The "customer service" people are belligerent and confrontational.

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  Ill never buy another Isuzu! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Frustrated in VA - July 6 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, capable on and off-road but a real maintenance nightmare. Have replaced a/c 3 times, horn/airbag unit twice, alternator, generator, battery cable, water pump, EGR valve and seal, purge valve solenoid, intake gasket, rear wiper motor, rear door lock 3 times, rear passenger door lock, right rear ABS sensor, plus a dozen factory recall items. Im now a rental car expert.

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  Good, but - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TCope - June 9 - 2:20 pm

  We bought a 4-cyl Rodeo brand new, loved the exterior design; paint is still good at 82k miles. Almost immediately had trouble with brake drums and rotors that Isuzu would not cover. Harder to get service now that they are out of business. Had to replace exhaust manifold twice, and now EGR valve and fuel tank sensor have gone bad. Used to get 26-30 mpg highway, now 16-17 mpg in town. 4-cyl just doesnt have enough power, and with rear while drive it is terrible in the snow. If youre buying, look for a 6-cyl with 4WD. We loved driving the truck, but were through with the repair bills.

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  Probably the best SUV around. - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By I_luv_isuzus - June 4 - 4:43 am

  I have loved this car. I think it is very capable of off-roading, driving around town, towing and driving around passengers. It has great features for the price. When compared to competitors, best bank for your buck. I would definitely consider buying another Rodeo when the time comes.

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  timeless - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ter_94 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2e Rodeo. I Am buying my 3ed right know. the first (93) Rodeo I Installed a tune up, one set of tires & brakes. I sold that car with org. clutch, batttery, muffler. So I thought I would try one more Rodeo . after two years the guy I sold it to called and said it was the best car he ever had. I have 82000 now (98)and I have installed tires and brakes @70000 thats all other than oil. Still have the org. clutch, battery, Ect. I have had a problem once with the ABS but thats it. Its great to buy a car and not have to have it worked on all the time. ( unlike a German car I had worked on every 2 months)

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  Have found the love ONE - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Deux - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it couple weeks ago after taking a while to do the research and compare between its class and I had come up with the final excellent decision is this SUV. You cant get the same SUV with all the standard features at this price. If you decide to buy one try to get the LSE trim, spend a little more but it worth it. The perfomance is excellent. Ive try on the I-5, it came up to 110mph easily, no problem. Very comfotable drive in the leather seat. I love it!!!

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  Do not recomend. - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By sunshinegal - May 15 - 10:00 am

  My Isuzu has had an engine clicking noise since day one. I have used premium gas, had mechanics look at it... no fixing it. Recently have had to get the fuel pump replaced, new AC compressor and evaporator coil, back windshield wiper. All of which not covered by warranty. Go figure. The dealsership we bought from, went out of buisness- the one we went to after that, also went out of buisness so now i get services at Honda, because they have the passport. I am still having mechanical problems with the car. The car stalls intermentantly and then when re-cranked it stalls when the vehicle is put in drive or reverse. Very unreliable. Do not reccomend.

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  KC Fan of Rodeos - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Al Ayala - May 2 - 8:06 am

  I have driven my Rodeo for the last 4 years, with no problems at all. Besides oil changes and other types of preventive maintenance you have to do on all vehicles my Isuzu is tops. I had a problem with the fuel pump, but with the extended warranty I had on the vehicle it was taken care of immediately. After four years that is a pretty good track record in my book.

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  More Bang for the Buck - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Eskimo - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV for the price. Comparable SUVs would cost thousands more. Six months and 7,000 miles and no problems.