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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  So Far So Good - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By bougt it used - October 20 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 50K on it, and it feels/runs like its brand new. I love the exterior, and the leather interior/sunroof/all power windows, seats, etc. Handles great, when you drive it like a truck instead of a sedan. This is my first SUV, and I have to say I am very happy. Gas mileage is poor, but I expected that with the purchase. Lots of cargo room, however, people in the back seat do not have much leg room. Sound system is great, love the 6 disc changer. No problems so far (mechanically). V6 engine has good get up and go! Very quiet ride, but a little bouncy...though I have found almost all SUVs I test drove to be like that.

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  surprising suv - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jfig - October 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought the truck one year used and have been surprisingly happy with the Rodeo. This suv has exceeded all of our purposes and expectations, however with two young ones, the back seat is a bit cramped with the car seats. We have had two oxygen sensors replaced as well as the routine maintenance performed. All other mechanicals have been maintenance free. The wife will have a hard time parting with this one.

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  Good Value - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By henry - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great little SUV. Lots of power and best value for the money. No need to spend $30K+ for an SUV when you can buy a Rodeo. This is my third Isuzu. My 1988 Trooper had over 212000 miles when I sold it. My 1993 Rodeo has 114,000 miles and I still love it.

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  A better engine could improve a lot! - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TicoJax - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 8 months. I think 2.2 engine is not strong enough to handle the size of vehicle. Fuel is 20.5 mpg, which is good for a SUV. It has a noise engine when you accelerate. Interior is just average, it could be much better.

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  Good fun vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Egalmag - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Never had to have it back to the dealer, it is still fun to drive.

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  Cant fix the problems!!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By sillyisuzu - September 11 - 3:31 pm

  At first loved the car. Bought it new in 2005. However, after two years of ownership, the car would fail to start. It would begin to turn over, then cut off. I have to reset the auto door locks for it to start, and even then sometimes it wont, and its not the starter. It also burns oil and I have to check the oil levels weekly. The engine light has come on, and no one can tell me what the code means! The engine also regularly sticks in first gear and the engine whines, then finally engages. I had the tranny serviced, but they tell me there is no problem. Finally, the key design completely stinks! You can program the fob to open the door, but cant find anyone to program it to start the car.

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  The worst - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ruffneck1981 - September 10 - 7:46 pm

  I got this June 27,2009, this car leaks oil everywhere, it drinks gas 16 mpg. It will cost u 10 dollars a day in gas on your commute 46 miles. Am sorry I brought this SUV, cant wait to get rid of it.

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  Love the Rodeo..... Almost - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ryan - September 5 - 11:00 pm

  I love almost everything about the 2004 Direct Injection Rodeo, except for the fuel injection problem that I have had in BOTH 2004 Rodeos I have had. It sometimes wants to hesitate during my first acceleration of the day, but then performs fine. I cant seem to find anyone else that has had this problem, but I have experienced it in both Rodeos that I have had.

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  The things I dont like - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Auto mechanic - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Isuzu used with about 8500 miles on it. Ive had to take it to the dealership for a faulty turn signal light which turned out to be a short in the wiring, the 6 disc CD player had to be replaced( it skipped whenever it felt like it). If you like changing your own oil, the 4X4 V6 is quit challenging getting to the oil plug and filter. You will be removing a skid plate to make access to the oil plug drain possible. If you are looking for a gas saver, this aint it. Then again which 4X4 really is? Dont forget to make sure the gas cap is all the way on, the check engine light will come on. Same for Honda Accords.

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  I cant wait to buy my next Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By the_druid - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I drive all over the midwest,putting about 33k miles per year. I love my Rodeo. It gets fair gas mileage, actually great for and SUV. I can hall all the gear that I need. I love the split rear fold-down seats. The seats are comfortable onlong trips, really fits my heighth and long legs. I think the look is more masculine that other "yuppie station wagons" on the market. I have had no mechanical problems of any kind.