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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  Four Years With My Rodeo - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By huntly - September 13 - 7:10 am

  No problems other than characteristic fuel usage common to these type vehicles. Two cross country trips, coast to coast, were fine. Minor alignment problem taken care of by dealer. Great drivetrain warranty not required. After 4 years, I have no regrets other than the failure of the brand to flourish. I previously owned a 1988 Trooper and it was my all-time favorite vehicle. I hated to trade it in, but the time was right. Owned it for 130,000 self maintained miles. While old Trooper was heavy in the maintenance required, the Rodeo has nothing to do, but drive and enjoy. It is so much more in power and great handling than old Trooper. Bad image undeserved. I am a happy owner on 10 year plan.

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  BEWARW!!! Stay Away from 98-02 Rodeos. MAJOR SAFTEY RECALL!! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By eroeder7966 - September 11 - 2:41 pm

  Ive owned my 01 Rodeo LS since 06. Got it with 58,286 miles. To this day looks and runs like new with the exception of check engine light caused buy sending unit. Love the truck. But on November 23,2010 while traveling 40mph the bracket connecting the trailing arm to the frame broke away causing the vehicle to sway out of control. This problem is common to 90-95% of all 98-02 Isuzu Rodeos, Axioms and Honda Passports. Both manufactures havea fix for the brackets, however these fixes will only work on a small percentage of the affected vehicles due to excessive frame rust. My 01 Rodeo with only 81,192 miles was deemed unrepairable Isuzu is now in the process of buying it back for only $4500.

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  Pretty good SUV for the money - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mikeae747 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had only one re-occurring problem, a clunck in the rear end that need to be lubricated by the dealer every 2 oil changes besides that this SUV has been problem free since we purchased it. The leather seats are not very confortable for long drives but are OK for short distances.

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  99 Rodeo - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By fzap - September 10 - 12:03 am

  This auto has been very dependable. Winter and Power buttons in undesirable place. Would like longer sun visors. Havent had any difficulties with this car. All in all, if I were to buy another SUV, Id consider another Rodeo.

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  4 X 4 - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Paco - September 3 - 10:00 am

  My Rodeo performs well but seems to have a lot of minor little problems. The interior fell apart rather fast. Air vents broke, the console latch broke and doors in the cargo area warped rather fast. I have also had trouble keeping the front end aligned and as a result I have gone through three sets of tires in three years. When really pushing the engine up hill the engine "pings" even with premium gas. Which brings me to the biggest problem, the gas milage is really bad! But even with all of the little stuff that bugs me, I have enjoyed the car. It has been very reliable, goes great in the snow, and the ride is good too.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By HENRY - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and it has a lot of power, especially if you press the "Power" button. Appears to be a bit smaller than my 1994 Rodeo, especially in the back.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Henry - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and it has a lot of power, especially if you press the "Power" button. Appears to be a bit smaller than my 1994 Rodeo, especially in the back.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Lou Lou - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a new 2002 LSE Rodeo! I actually went to the dealership dead set on the Axiom, but after driving the Axiom, I didnt feel it was very comfortable. I tried the Rodeo and fell in love with it! It is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. I traded in a loaded 1999 Honda Accord and I like the Rodeo 10x better! It drives much smoother than the Honda did; it feels more like the ride/drive of the Toyota Camry. My mom owns the LEXUS SUV, and I actually think the ride of the Rodeo is more comfortable!

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  Too many repairs - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By BL - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for a pretty sweet deal in April of 2001. Years later- I now know why. The resale value on Rodeos is horrible. In the 3+ years Ive owned it, its had several recalls, replaced the alternator and serpentine belt @ 75K, got new brakes twice, endured 3 flat tires within a 4 month span, the CD player eats CDs and wont play burned ones, interior noises (rattles, squeaks) are getting very loud, and the seats are uncomfortable. Not enough storage space in the glove box and arm rest. Hard to see over the rear spare tailgate mount. The exterior (mine is silver) still looks great. Gas mileage has been pretty good. Pretty peppy v6. I regret buying it.

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  lemon - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gregthe fool - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Two AC compressors. Isuzu will not budge an inch on anything out of warranty. Numerous problems related to AC, Instruments, switch between AC and Power train. Ill never buy another