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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  Wish I never would have bought it - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ansauer - May 24 - 8:20 am

  Its been nothing but trouble since the day after i purchased it. All transmission problems, lots of jerking when i try to speed up, things fall apart easily on it, made very cheaply

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  Good times some of the times... - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ishoozuu - May 23 - 8:03 am

  Bought the Rodeo used with 70,000 miles on it in 02. I put on 70,000 in 6 years -- I had to take the car in a couple of times to the Isuzu mechanic for factory recalls, which is cool because its free and the fluctuating gas gauge and broken gas pedal were starting to get to me. Other than that nothing major. A/C needs recharging every 3 years ($40 a pop -- not bad). And as for the squeaking this car notoriously does, I just took mine in to get every bolt tightened and the squeaks are gone. Should only cost you about $50 if the mechanic is as honest as mine. Ha!

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  1998 Rodeo V-6 4 Dr Wagon - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Larry Brewer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I leased my 1998 Rodeo over three years ago. Overall performance has been good. The V-6 is peppy enough to allow for rapid acceleration when needed and the storage room is adequate. On the negative side, I find the lumbar system inadequate on trips over 4 hours -- lower back pain and tired legs. The paint is fading on the drivers side. Paint on the wheels is also peeling off. The vehicle had six thousand miles on it when leased.

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  Buy something else - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By MacGeek - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Engine pings on all gas except 93 octane. Rear Brakes began sticking (early grab, late release) after 3000 miles. Replaced by dealer at 9300 miles because of "glazing". One week after fix symptom returned. Truck-like ride which is more harsh than it should be (I hate torsion bars). Overpriced for what it is. Uncomfortable seats although I like the my custom Classic Soft Trim two tone/perferated leather interior ordered at delivery time. I like the extra power outlets (center console and cargo area) but they are available only with key on. Shoulda bought a Highlander.

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  WHAT A GREAT SUV - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By JOEISUZU - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I cant see why people dont take advantage of this truck it is great hey people eat up the passport hello it is the same car wise up get the rodeo it is the real thing would never trade it and I sold a 4 runner to buy mine and do not regret it one bit

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  So Far So Good... - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lrdvader64 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Had early problems with gas mileage and computer chip programming errors. Other wise has performed well. Disappointed with the extremely soft ride and dealership where I purchased it. They have been extremely unhelpful, and have switched to a more local dealership.

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  I love it! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By harmsfarms - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 02 w/ the SE package, what an attractive vehicle! Isuzu should market this line with an equal push with the LS model. Drives great, stops great and looks like a million bucks!

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  Lots of little problems - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 2001 rodeo driver - May 15 - 5:53 am

  Good size. Drives well to Tahoe. Lots of passenger room. Lots of mechanical prblems. Check engine light comes mostly with low gas (got it checked, cant be fixed). When its cold, the engine is a little picky to start. Ride is a bit rough. Wheel has a shake at freeway speeds. Gas mileage is definitly that of an SUV. The most bothersome problem I am having now is with the transmission. Which is definitly no good.

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  my first new car/suv - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By carlessman - May 14 - 10:00 am

  this Rodeo is so cool i can buy it again tommorrow

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  Satisfied - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ccarnes - April 27 - 2:03 am

  I have put 50K hard miles on my Rodeo in less than 3 yrs. bringing the total miles upto 160,000.Twice a week I drive 130 miles over three different high elevation mountain passes.I have always felt safe and never gotten stuck.I have made a few minor repairs(brake pads twice, alternator,EGR,fuel pump and I had to disconnect the horn ) and now it appears that the computer may be going out.Sometimes it dies immediately after starting up, idles roughly, & there is a minor delay in the acceleration.The Check Engine light comes on, but it will not give the code reader a code.This sucks, but I am more than happy to put in the time and $ to fix it.