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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  The Rodeo Keeps On Pleasing Me - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SUVLover - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I have put over 18,000 miles on my Isuzu Rodeo so far. I drive constantly and the Rodeo has always pleased me and my fellow passengers with its roomy interior, cargo space, acceleration and smoothness. The warranty is incredible and I have never experienced any problems with this vehicle. I would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking an SUV that is not watered down "yuppie" SUV. Between its smoothness, pure power, warranty and stylish design, the Rodeo just makes me happies every day I drive it.

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  Powerful engine - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sonia - July 26 - 2:00 am

  comfortable interior seats, big cargo space, rugged exterior look, smooth ride,

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kentan - July 26 - 2:00 am

  It is a good little suv for the price but could use a little better gas mileage.

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  2000 Rodeo LS v6 - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LBaquiran20 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Rodeo brand new and I have to agree about the depreciation value. But overall the Rodeo has been very reliable and fun to drive. My wife wanted an SUV and looked at 4runners and Explorers. For the most bang for the buck we chose then Rodeo. Had the same or more options then the other vehicles for thousands less. Plus warranty cant be beat. I would recommend to anyone wanting an SUV for little money. I plan to keep for awhile so depreciation is not a real concern to me.

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  Silver bullet - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By James Martin - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the truck for 4 months and so far it has been great: excellent power, good looks, and a good highway traveler.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Fernando - June 2 - 7:53 am

  Great mid-size SUV. No problems with the car after 5 years of owning it. Very smooth drive and very reliable. The only drawback is the fact that theres a lot of noise in the cabin and of course it consumes more fuel that I would like to but it is the price we pay for an SUV.

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  Got SUV, have snow, will ski ! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Beta Carver - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this SUV for a year now and I only have good things to say about it. 4WD worked well during blizzard conditions in Vermont. Suspension control is excellent when you toggle on- the-fly between sport and normal mode to adjust to road conditions (highways and dirt roads or potholes). Power button worked well in crazy North Jersey traffic. Length is short enough for getting into tight parking spots in NYC. One final note: if you drive SUVs like trucks (not like sports cars), they are very safe.

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  Wallow ride - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DONNABAC - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this truck style for years. Have loved Isuzu forever. Have owned trucks/suvs (including Isuzu) for a long time. The ride is beyond any truck experience Ive ever had. I am absolutely bounced out of the seat on less than smooth roads. the sensation is front end wallowing...not just rough.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Iceman75 - May 6 - 12:03 am

  Good looking vehicle. Dings very easily. Exhaust rattles likes its coming loose. This happened when it was a year old. Windows fuse is blown, so the windows are stuck in the up position. Rear windshield wiper doesnt work any more either. No idea why. Looking forward to selling it and buying a Mercedes M Class. Got to admit, I got this at a great price with 0% financing.

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  I should have steered clear - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Lean_Rabbit - May 5 - 7:16 pm

  This Rodeo has more problems than any car Ive ever owned! Burning oil, bad trasmission, brake replacement often, bad electronic everything, including the moonroof, the 6 CD changer and the master door panel, which we had to replace after owning the SUV for only a month. I loved driving it for the comfort, when I COULD drive it! Warranty doesnt cover half of this stuff! Very comfortable and roomy though.