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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  My perfect Mom Car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By csnickie - July 30 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased a used 99 Rodeo just before I became a mom.....giving up my truck. Safety was the #1 factor, and love that it "Frame on Chassis" not unibody. Now with over 185,000 mile on it, it is still the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. As with the rest, the gas gadge went out...drop the tank and add a new one....and it was worth my sanity. For girls who love trucks, like to 4x4 in the snow, or have to haul a trailer, I wouldnt drive anything else. Was actually rear ended by a Chevy Surburban once, and the tire on the back absorbed both the impact and damage. I also drove it to the bodyshop. As all cars, alternator, starter, h20 pump replaced. 185,000 mile though...and counting.

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  Good choice - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Antoine - July 29 - 11:30 am

  Since I have bought this vehicle there have been some things that I have been dissapointed with like the fuel economy, but overall I would say it is a good buy for the price compared to other SUVs in its class.

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  Get Rid Of It - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By PEddie - July 29 - 5:56 am

  Mushy ride, feels unsafe; REDUCED POWER light randomly comes on, effectively disabling the car, dangerous if youre not in your driveway when it happens; essentially you cannot count on it when you need it.

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  simplistic yet functional - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By J. Tan - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Its functional and simplistic. Maybe it was the ease of getting in and out. Maybe it just makes you feel cool. I dont know. I drove it a while ago and would hard pressed to describe why I liked it so much. The suspension could be better but I usually drive in stop and go traffic. The only time I really tax a suspension is accelerating off a steep parking lot down onto a street at an angle. I don’t think a soft suspension is bad as along as you’re not rocking side to side.

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  1998 Isuzu Rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gknight - July 17 - 4:43 am

  I purchased my Isuzu Rodeo as a used vehicle with 6450 miles on it. I have since added another 81,000 miles, and have absolutely no complaints about the vehicles performance. Outside of standard maintenance (changing fluids, brakes, tires, charging the A/C, etc.) and proactively changing both the timing belt and water pump at 60,000 miles (no mechanical problems with them), I have only had to change 3 sensors (drive shaft, power steering and O2). Ergonomically, the dash is laid out very well, the A/C and heating vents are well positioned, visibility is excellent, the arm rests on the door and console are comfortable, and the cargo space is very good. My cloth interior wears very well.

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  why me? - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By disappointed in VA - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I was really happy with my Rodeo for the 1st 4 years, then it was downhill. The ABS module was replaced & right after, my fuel gage stopped working-something that is a $295 fix. The needle stays on "E" & the gas light never stops flashing (it started last August & I put black tape over it & use my tripodometer to know when I need to fill up). Now my AC stopped working & they want $1400 for a new compressor & $995 for some valve that goes with it. Lately my gas mileage has gone from about 20mpg to about 14mpg. We bought it hoping to have it for at least 10 years or more. Apparently Rodeos wait until the warranty is up to start falling apart on you.

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  Love my Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Chrissy2002 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I read a lot of reviews, did test drives and comparison shoped for my truck. I finnaly decided on the RODEO. I have to tell you even when I see my friends with the Chevys and Fords with all the Bells and Whistles I still think I made a better choice. My Rodeo will far outlast and of those SUVs . Its rugged its fun to drive its dependable (Best Warranty out there) and it says a lot when you a chic like me driving one. It is an SUV that makes you enjoy driving and trying new things with it. And lets face it, the sound system is Great.....

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  Just a joy! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rob - June 16 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased this truck almost new (5,000 mile demo) and other than scheduled maintenance (and a blown transmission at 98,000 miles, which was covered under the fantastic 110,000 mile warranty). I have not had any problems that would cause me to not like or even buy another of this mid-size SUV.

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  2002 Rodeo - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jbauman - June 14 - 11:16 am

  I like it a lot - and it tows 5000 pounds on level ground with no trouble at all. Hills can be a challenge, but then again, Im at max towing capacity. Except for two nagging problems, its been very reliable. One problem is a persisten check engine light (PO440 code, a known problem), and two failures of the accumulator piston seal on the transmission (another common problem). Both fixed under warranty.

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  Fun to drive - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By M beck - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle with 10,000 miles and now have over 55,000 miles. I added a towing package and find very little problems. I like the interior and exterior design. The replacement items have been the ABS modulator and keyless remote over four years.