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:

• 

  first rodeo experience - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By tenis_guy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  purchased a new isuzu rodeo LS 2WD in 2000. up to recently the car has been very reliable. around 30,000 miles had problems with transmission, eventhough i have performed a transmission fluid flush, granted it was not done at the dealership as they ususally charge quite a premium. perhaps that was my fault for not taking it there in the first place. luckily, the warranty covered the repair. besides other minor problems (usual wear and tear) the car has been very reliable. the only suggested improvments consist of improved suspension (very stiff), and improved noise control. otherwise good vehicle for its price.

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ASSMAN - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. One of the best Ive ever owned.

• 

  No Complaints - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By roughnail82 - December 24 - 11:46 pm

  I bought the vehicle brand new back in sept. of 01 and havent had any major problems with it. This SUV is rock solid. I have put this suv through hell and back. I havent changed the oil since november of last year and it has 162k miles on it. Ive had it for so long ive given up on it dying. I take it offroad all the time which ive never gotten stuck. I drive it like i stole it atleast 95 mph on the highways everyday and drive in bumper to bumper in afternoons. I havent had to replace anything really except the belts and a couple batteries. This is an awesome suv

• 

  Isuzu Rodeo 4 Wheel Drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By huntly - December 22 - 7:10 pm

  This is my second Isuzu, having owned a 1988 Trooper for 13 years. I truly loved that truck & went to places very wild. The Rodeo is in a different world. It has a very nice V6 engine, powerful and maintenance free. Night and day from the old Troopers high maintenance 4 cylinder. I have 30,000+ miles and have done nothing but lube it and one wheel alignment. I have driven round trip from WA to FL and had no problems. The roof rack holds 200 lbs, which is much more than most vehicles and since I carry a kayak and gear, is a nice quality feature built in. Many pro reviewers dont like Isuzu, but my experiences are all good. High speed driving is excellent & the brakes are excellent. I am not sorry.

• 

  Seriously think before buying one of these - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By AhhhIsuzuCars - December 14 - 10:56 am

  Disclaimer: Never buy from a person. I have had this car only 8 months and it has been AWFUL. I have had to replace the brakes, replace the transmission, then have it rebuilt, replace the tires, abs sensor, transmission mode switch, cables, EGR valve, there was a transmission leak, wheel bearings, 2 plugs, timing belt, water pump... the lists goes on and on. Ive reached my last straw. Its now in the shop for the computer in the car about 800.00-1,000.00 I bought the car for 6,000 - RIP OFF - and put more than that into fixing it! Seriously think before buying one of these. It was supposed to be a late b-day present! HA! Best one ever. DONT BUY FROM A PERSON!

• 

  Rodeos rule - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By luckydpj - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have always had an Isuzu, I find the to be very long lasting and quite reliable. The Rodeo is the mid size one and it offers a lot of SUV for the dollar.

• 

  okay - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mom22 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My husband needed to trade in his lease truck and I wanted to upsize from a sedan (Camry). My husband saw it on the lot and jumped in without looking. My husband loves the Rodeo. I am patiently waiting for a minivan now. I hate how it drives! Who knew that a rough off road handling meant city streets. AND not to mention the noise level.

• 

  Best SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bill N. - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Without question best SUV Ive ever owned. Price was driving force to buy it, but then found performance and reliablity was excellent. Great warranty, but have never needed it.

• 

  New models = bad news - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SWC - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This was the first year this body style came out so there were many trips to the dealership for recalls....at least 10. Issuses: the paint on the rims started coming off a year after buying it. The interior is less than comfortable and there is no lighting inside. No glove compartment light, no map lights, no key lights, well ok, one dim dome light in the center. As for repairs, ive had to replace the ABS module($450) and the breaks have NEVER been right. I tried the dealership but they couldnt "duplicate" my problem. Midas wanted $1,000 for the repairs. The rear windshield wiper broke as well. I will NOT purchase another rodeo ever.

• 

  Great SUV at a Great Price! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mikellanes - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV for about 5 months now... a few minor problems: back lock came un-done had to re-install locking unit. Rides nice, uncomfortable after many hours, runs at 100+ MPH very smoothly for hours on end :)