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:

• 

  To many problems - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By steve1survey - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I use to love this truck till it hit 2 years old and 50000 miles. The Fuel gage died. "I think this needs to be a recall" My CD changer broke 2 times the second not under warrenty so im stuck. My starter and battery died and had to be replaced. My right speaker blew I dont play loud music! It idols high sometimes when stopped and after I drive on the highway for more than an hour my truck idols high and low for about 30 seconds when I stop and none of this under warrenty

• 

  Worst car I ever owned - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By ahtan1 - March 11 - 11:06 am

  I bought my new Isuzu Rodeo in 1999. At 25,000 miles, the car died in a car parking lot, could not get it started. Contacted the Isuzu Customer Service to get Road Side Assistance and waited for more than 2 hours; no more showed up. Eventually managed to start the car myself and drove back home; gave the car to the dealership to fix the problem, but they could not find the problem. I ended up on telling them how to find the startup problem and they have no clue how to fix it and they ended up erasing the computer system in the car and reprogramming it. At 52,000 miles, the fuel gauge is gone. At 56,000 miles, the tires were gone. At 81,000 miles, the transmission went bad.

• 

  9 yrs old, 154K and still running strong - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lynn3765 - February 25 - 9:52 am

  Bought this in 2002 after reading many reviews and talking to a few different owners. Ive had this vehicle for 9 years and other than normal wear and tear repairs, have not had any issues. I am still getting 23 mpg on the highway; about 19 city. As long as the routine maintenance is kept up, this vehicle has been a gem.

• 

  Bucket of Bolts - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By disgusted in R.I. - February 16 - 10:00 am

  One week after I bought this car, in a bad snowstorm, I had all the electrical circuitry turned on. The front and rear wipers, the defroster, the lights and the radio. Ten minutes into my trip, everything in my car started to go dim, and then the car died. I called the dealer and was told not to use the defroster; there will be a recall. Great, brand new car and I can’t use the defroster. I should have known then that this would be an omen. This car has been the worst ownership experience of a vehicle I have ever had in my 28 years of driving. Never have I prayed to get to my destination as many times in a car as I have with this one

• 

  Like brand new - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Tommy C - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have used this vehicle for the last 3 1/2 years for my sales calls. It has performed flawlessly. Ive changed the oil every 3000 miles, added gas and tires when needed and finally put on a set of brakes at 132,000 miles. I just got it back from the mechanic for some routine maintenance and the only thing he changed was the serpentine belt, the original were still in great shape. See if your Doctor tells you that on your next checkup.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rabid_girl - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is a 99 with almost 100,000 miles and not a lick of trouble yet. It rides well, has excellent pickup (I love stomping on the gas and passing at 85), and I get 20 miles per gallon with the V-6. It was unbeatable for the price. Im gonna drive this car until the wheels fall off.

• 

  Its no Rodeo Drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By say no to isuzu - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Got the SUV new back in late 2000. Within 30,000 miles the car needed new engine seals, trans. sensors/ knocks, fuel sensor and other electrical work. It was all covered under warranty...but new engine seals on a car with less than 30k mile (driven with care and serviced)? Oh, here is the sad part, after the dealer fixed and replace all of the above, half a mile down the road after leaving the dealer the car started up again with the transmission problems. Its a lease, it will be turned in but I would never buy or lease another Isuzu.

• 

  *warning* Blown Crank Shaft in Engine - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoveMyRodeo - November 26 - 3:23 pm

  My rodeo never could keep oil in engine. Did not leak on driveway and even tho routine oil changes were performed, the engine light did NOT come on to warn about low oil in between routine changes. Crank shaft in engine blew and beautiful well built vehicle dead. Would have kept this truck forever, but ended up being a nightmare to own.

• 

  gas guzzzzzler - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By hmmm - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is smooth and quiet. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room. I noticed the bouncy ride on rough pavement. Very bad on gas mileage. I would recommend the Rodeo if gas mileage is no concern!!

• 

  Value - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By nichole - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The value of this car is terrible. After a year and a half with my car, the value is a little less than half of the purchase price. And those offers are from several dealerships.