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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  Love it! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By sc rodeo - April 23 - 5:03 am

  My fourth Isuzu SUV. Bought it new in 04. This ride has given me more than my moneys worth. Ive always liked the looks, the performance and the reliability,- no unpleasant surprises. Predictable maintenance history and a compatible vehicle for rack systems, hitch systems, etc. Its flexible for carrying all sorts of cargo. Have put 112k miles on this thing and if it dies tomorrow, Im still be glad I bought it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Lar - April 20 - 3:10 am

  We are in our early 60s and have enjoyed the Rodeo. We owned a 1995 Rodeo, also v6 and we got at least 8-11 MPG better than the 2003 model. My mechanic says that the 2003 engine is far more difficult to service but it is fly-by-wire in that there are no linkages, all electronic. We arent happy that the Rodeo has been taken out of production.

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  Personal Expereince w. 2000 Isuzu. - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rwolfhaus - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall pleased w/vechicle. Problems with transmission module and wiper modulation problem. Corrected under warranty. Unfortunately there was a wiring short somewhere passed the distributor that immediately stranded the unit. If on a major interstate it would have been a real safety issue. 5 year free towing got it to the dealer where repair bill was $600 - just out of warranty. Good national customer service. Local dealer service leaves something to be desired.

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  2001 Used LSE - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DMC VA - April 11 - 2:00 am

  We have had good luck with Isuzu trucks in the past 10 years, including 92 Rodeo, 95 Trooper LTD and our current fleet -- 98 Rodeo S (work truck) and my 01 Rodeo LSE. The 01 LSE is by far the best of the lot, with improvements at every level above the earlier models. This is a solid midsized SUV for the pricepoint.

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  Best Value & Warranty - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TampaMike - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Rodeo. Lease ended on my 98 LS, and I went shopping. Everything I liked as much or more than the Rodeo cost 10K more, comparably equipped to the LSE. My 98 LS had several recalls and bugs, but they seem to be addressed in the 02 model. I decided to purchase the 02 LSE for less cost than my 98 LS.

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  abs sensor - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By H0ckypuck - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Make sure the dealership replaces a wiring harness when you take your Rodeo in for the "abs" sensor fix. Replacing the sensor will not fix the problem. I have an LS with a 5speed. Pretty quick for small suv. My biggest complaint is loud interior noise. Only reason why I would trade my Rodeo.

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  Love My Isuzu! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sandra Munn - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the perfomance of my Isuzu Rodeo. It drives very smooth. Very comfortable and sporty. My vechicle is very reliable and I wouldnt trade it in except for another Isuzu Rodeo.

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  Frenchs Review - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By John French - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The rear Passenger doors need to open wider. The seats needs more lumbar support and seat inclination needs adjustment. Mine, a 2003 Rodeo, needs a bigger console. My pistol barely fits in the console, let alone any extra mags or ammo. A/C works great! The suspension needs to be stiffer and upgraded before doing any off roading. Overall the Rodeo is an excellent product for the money.

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  rodeo - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rebbel - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven many types of cars and truks, Includeing a Jeep cj7 and several ford trucks, this is the first orgen made truck that I have ever oned and I am verry happy and pleased with it A reasonably priced well made 4x4 that is fun to drive and fun to own.

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  I love my Rodeo! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo01 - March 18 - 8:26 pm

  I bought a 2001 Rodeo LSE 4WD in 2006 with 135,000 km on it. I have had no problems whatsoever so far with it and love everything about it. Lots of room, great fun to drive, very stylish exterior, 21 mpg - which isnt really that bad for an SUV.