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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  Terrible car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By chels - November 17 - 11:00 pm

  I bought a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo last August, this car has given me so much trouble. I have had to replace the starter, tires several times, 2 door latches, EGR valve, throttle position sensor, headlight assembly kit. I have tried to keep up the maintenance on this car and it is a money pit. I love driving it, and I love the comfort of the interior, but this is just not a reliable car. Also, the car idles very high around the 3 rpms in park and around 2 in drive and reverse.

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  A good-looking headache - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rowdeeyo - November 16 - 12:06 am

  I am an 18 year old college freshman. I got this car senior year (last year) because its a 4 1/2 hour drive to and from home and school. I got this car thinking that it would be a good, reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, Im now stuck with an oil-burning mess that depreciates alarmingly fast. Ill fix one thing, only to have two more problems emerge. This car is so frustrating. I do like the power. I have to check my speedometer often, because if I dont, I find myself going way too fast. I also like the manual transmission. I do enjoy the rarity of a stick shift midsize SUV. The shifter is really long and the clutch is awkward, but hey, its a truck. I expected that.

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  ISUZU RODOE LSE - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By EDDY - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I HAD THIS TRUCK FOR THREE YEARS I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGAIN HARNESS THE COMPUTOR ALL AT MY COST THEY SAY THE TRUCK COMES WITH 7YEARS 70.000 MILES ID LOVE TO SEE IT THISE WAS MY FIRST ISUZU AND MY LAST BILLY

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  Problem after Problem - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DAL - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Has an irratic idle problem which even the dealer cant seem to fix...causes car to idle at higher than normal RPM. Its totally random, never know when it will occur. Because of irradic idle, when car is stopped or trying to stop, it will want to lurch forward, not allowing you to stop properlly and promtly. Very scary. At ~30k miles, ABS motor went on and kept running until it drained the battery. At 53k miles need to replace fuel sender (~$50 part, 2 hrs labor). At 56k ABS light is on and need to replace entire ABS module to fix ($250 part, 2hrs labor). Loud muffler. Doesnt handle well in snow or rough mountain roads. Will not keep much longer.

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  Does What I want - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By glen allen - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Rodeo because my 2WD Ranger liked to bury itself in boat launches. Pros: Great job in snow up to about 36". Great on icy roads. Does a good job of hauling the boat and is adequate with a 6x12 Uhaul. Good cargo and passenger capacity. Excellent visibility. Does very well off road. Has been very reliable for 50k miles. Both dealers Ive dealt with have been good. Cons: Had the ABS problem at 45k miles. Seating is uncomfortable on long drives.

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  What next? - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By NY Mary - October 26 - 3:26 am

  I bought my 2002 Rodeo in Dec. of 2002 and I had high hopes for it as I had previously owned a 1999 Rodeo. The first one had a defect in the paint that Isuzu never took care of but the car ran great. Unfortunately, my 2002 Rodeo had what started out as an oil leak that the dealership could never find and ended with a new engine having to be put in. My warranty covered everything but the inconvenience and aggravation of bringing it back each time was too much. As for the body, every time I look at it I see new dings and defects in the paint which Ive grown accustomed to. The interior is cheap plastic which youre always finding mystery bits and pieces.

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  This truck rocks! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sam Handy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck used last November and have had it now for about 6 months. I love the truck, it handles nice, looks good and is very comfortable, plus the chicks dig it! The only problem Ive had is that it burns about a quart and a half of oil every 3000 miles. I only have 40000 miles on it. A little high but Ive heard its common with the Rodeos. Otherwise, the truck is a lot of fun and I plan on keeping it for a very long time.

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  Fun - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By JerryB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great fun to drive, peppy and looks great. The front seats are too short (not adequate lower thigh support)for comfortable long distance driving. But most of our day-to-day driving is local so this is not an issue. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for reliable, fun, good- looking transportation. We camp and it hauls a ton (not literally) of stuff and drives well on desert and mountain roads.

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  Perfect SUV for us! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Emily - October 5 - 10:00 am

  What are the folks at Edmunds.com talking about?! My husband and I went SUV shopping months ago, and the Rodeo by far is still a great bargain, costing thousands less than competitors. I absolutely love my SUV, and although we dont have kids yet, we still use the versatility of this SUV. I wanted a 4Runner initially, but it was a ripoff, and cramped. THIS is the SUV to buy!

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  Bad, Bad Bad. - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lalas - September 13 - 11:20 pm

  This is the worst SUV anyone can have. I bought my rodeo used and after a few days I had the CHECK ENGINE light on whenever the gas tank is not full. The gas gauge keeps moving to the direction of what turn I make, and to add insult to injury, the engine sounds like you have your foot on the gas even when you have it in park.