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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  Da Bugga is Cherry - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mikiala - October 29 - 8:56 pm

  Ive had my Rodeo for little over a year now and Im pretty happy with it. For some reason my buttons on my steering wheel dont work as well as another Rodeo that we had test drove, but oh well. I think the exterior is definitely nice and if you throw some tires on and give it maybe a slight lift, the Isuzu Rodeo is a sick kick ride. I have to go back and forth on an uphill road and with its 3.5 liter V6, it doesnt disappoint. I love driving my Rodeo, although I may turn it in for a smaller car : (

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  Excellent Truck - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sniper - October 18 - 7:26 am

  Excellent truck. Bought it in 2001, still running. I spent around $1000 over 8yrs. Highly Recommend. The issues I have with this truck is rough drive compared to the Pathfinder.

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  Still running strong.... - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Quincunx - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck with about 11k miles on it, and Im now at about 78k. Other than the fuel gauge giving up the ghost about 10k miles ago, Ive had no major problems. Whether highway, city, or off-road, gas mileage stays steady at about 19.5 mpg. Compared to others in its price range (Xterra, etc.) the Rodeo seemed more solidly built. My fiancee and I have owned several Isuzus and have been quite satisfied with each one. I plan on keeping it quite a while yet! I would certainly consider buying another.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By navi8or - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Worst car I ever owned. Constant warranty breakage, then a lot more breakdowns as soon as the cheesy warranty was expired. Depreciated so fast I was upside down for most of the duration of my car loan, and spent more time in the shop than in my garage.

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  Watch out for 50,000 miles! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By KathyG - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I now have to replace the A/C compressor on my rodeo, LSE. The total cost $1,300. Ironic that my vehicle just past 50,000 miles and the warrenty no longer applies. I should have purchased the Honda, and will do so in the future. For purchasing a fully loaded vehicle, I am not pleased with having to put that high cost of service in it when its less than 3 years old, and its been serviced regularly.

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  Been Great - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bandit - September 5 - 2:23 pm

  When I bought this SUV in 2005, I was actually looking for a Nissan Xterra. But I got way more for my money with the Rodeo. It has over 100,000 miles on it now and is just been great! It has the 3.5 direct injection v6 and this has to be the most powerful in its class. the only problem is it has always used a little oil since dat one, but if you are aware of this and keep an eye on it, it will never cause you grief. Overall,the car is great you wont be disappointed, except by maybe the gas mileage, which is to be expect on any SUV.

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  Still Going! - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By smeeks1 - September 3 - 3:26 am

  I have 118,000 miles and weve been through a lot together! When I first purchased it (had 15k miles) it had an engine switch problem, dealer had to have it towed in to repair. At about 90,000 miles I experienced electrical issues with my AC, I have to jiggle it for it to be extra cold. This does use a lot of oil for some reason, I change it religiously 2800 miles. This is my first car, I think its very easy to handle. I whip it around quite easily and never get that "tipping" feeling. The design still looks pretty good for an 8yr old car. I plan on keeping my rodeo until it dies and I dont think thats anytime soon. I would recommend it overall. Its really fun to drive, great visibility too!

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  Homeowner, Fisherman, Hobbyist - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Picky Driver - August 31 - 6:36 pm

  Very dependable. Great rear bumper is a 6 inch wide rest, a shelf or a seat when tailgate is open (like no other SUV has). Also, because back window lifts up separate from the tailgate, I can carry 12 ft long pipes and lumber just extending 2 feet out the back window while it is nearly all the way down. The seats lay down as a flat surface unlike most SUVs that leave the passenger seats at an angle when folded downward. CONS: I notice that the paint chips at each rock dent (lacks flexibility) then quickly rusts underneath. Tires squeal in tight turns even at idle speed. What other compact SUV is built to tow over 4000 pounds? It pulls a 17 fiberglass boat easily on road or in & out of ramps.

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  ITS A GAMBLE... - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ROD S. - August 22 - 4:06 am

  It had 50k on it when I bought it used in 2006, ABS was out already, but I have no problem stopping in regular or normal Winter conditions, I have added cold air intake to increase mpg/power. 205 hp/217tq are not impressive #s but it feels a lot torquier than that. I believe I bought a good one (except ABS thing) but Buyer Beware theres badly built ones out there. ISUZU didnt build consistently.

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  Loving my Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By brandon20068837 - August 19 - 10:33 am

  I absolutely love my Isuzu Rodeo. I really never wanted a 4-door SUV because I didnt like the looks. I have not had one problem in over the year Ive had it. I bought it with 139,000 miles, and it now has over 148,000. It drives like its 2 years old, and never seems to let me down. Im thinking about getting an Isuzu Ascender after this one bites the dust.