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:

• 

  Was a good starter SUV - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By B Morris - March 26 - 5:33 am

  Overall, I would say I am happy with my purchase. I bought it new in 99 and although the manifold cracked and muffler broke off (under warranty) and had a few recalls, the vehicle has been very reliable. Especially when I replaced the stock Goodyear tires. It was a deathtrap when it rained. Unfortunately, I have 81K miles and I am afraid its nearing the end. Gas millage is going south, gas gauge is on its way out, seat is breaking down, oil burning, and it was not designed for desert heat. I had some rubber pieces melt and/or break in the last year. The service guy told me years ago not to keep it over 60K miles, and I see why. Overall, it has served me well, but not built to last a long time.

• 

  Very good after almost 4 years - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By F.N. - February 22 - 1:16 am

  I have to say that after almost 4 years, my Rodeo has held up quite well. True, I havent put but 45k miles on it, but its handled them as well as I could have hoped. I have to admit that I, too, was shocked to find out how badly it depreciated. I dont understand that. It gets decent reviews and reliability ratings so why does it lose so much value? The gas mileage could be a bit better and I have also noticed the spluttering at cold startup but its done that since I bought it so I dont worry about it. Overall, this has been a very comfortable, reliable vehicle. I just wish it was worth a little more now.

• 

  Often Seen high mileage - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Mountain Canuck - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Every vehicle line has its lemons. Our Rodeo SE has been a solid and reliable all-round truck. I have been the only owner from 12 km and have beat it around in the snow and through the bush a lot. This year we picked up a 2700 lb (loaded) tent trailer for it to haul. After hauling the trailer fully loaded up a 12-15% minimum highway grade for about 40km, it didnt falter once. In fact it performed very well. Changing all fluids at the regular service intervals helps keep it going. If you are concerned about mileage, change your fuel filter. Its a $12 part and only takes 15- 20mins. Mine is changed yearly due to local delivery of poor fuel quality. Its like driving a new truck every year.

• 

  Dependable & Comfortable - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By 2001 IsuzuRodeo - January 27 - 10:26 pm

  This SUV was very reliable. It has smooth handling yet was tough when needed. Felt more like a car ride than a stiff SUV. Other than typical wear and maintenance, this car did not need parts replaced or upgraded. The only issue is that the two little exterior pieces under the tail lights/above the bumper started to rust prematurely after the 3rd year of ownership. (A little unsightly.) RWD was fine on dry roads but a little dicey on wet/snowy roads. The 4WD was ideal! Easily drove through unplowed lots or streets where others were getting stuck. Its too bad Isuzu discontinued this model, because I would have bought another.

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Josh - January 25 - 3:23 pm

  I got my Isuzu over the common explorer and other midsize SUVs because it drives like a car, not a truck. Its fun, unless you worry about the gas gauge which seems like it depletes pretty fast...Overall, Im glad I got the car, the brakes squeak like mad when its wet though. No mechanical problems to speak of. It sputters on startup when its cold, but nevertheless it starts up and goes.

• 

  Worth the money - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By randymarsh - January 23 - 4:45 pm

  We bought ours in 2002 new and it has been a great car for the money. Dont expect 4runner or Pathfinder comforts in these cars, but they are much cheaper. The ride is a little stiff and the interior is cheap, but positives are a fairly peppy engine and good exterior styling. These do burn oil, but if you check it regularly and top it off as needed, you should never have any problems. At 112K miles, the only issue was the ABS light coming on a couple of times around 30K miles. Make sure they are maintained (fuel filter every 30K and the previously mentioned oil burning). Transmission fluid is sealed so a lot of places cant change it, but an Amco can handle it.

• 

  Poor quality/worse company to deal with - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RJY - January 17 - 10:00 am

  In a two month period I replaced 2 power window motors, stereo, (which quit working)1 front end part and a thermostat and radiator in hopes of resolving an overheating problem, which later was diagnosed as a blown head gasket. The truck only has 52,000 miles and still under the drive train warrenty-so I thought. I was denied the warranty for several reasons: 1) I didnt take the non warranty work to them. 2) They said I must have overheated it to the point of blowing the head gasket and would not confir with the shop I had the work done to verify that I was not negligent by driving while overheated. 3)They claim that Isuzus do not blow head gaskets. $1500

• 

  A real Love/Hate Relationship - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RossM - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Have over 70k miles on my Rodeo in nearly 4 years and it has been a mixed experience. Love the acceleration, rugged looks, and generous cargo space. Hate the defects like broken gas gauge, faulty ABS indicator, and worst of all - DISASTROUS BRAKES. On wet or bumpy road surfaces in a quick stop, this truck is GUARANTEED to slide, twice causing rear- end collisions and many more close calls. Not safe so is now reduced to the status of a station car. Depreciation has been rapid also. Fast and fun, but in my view, not worth the risks.

• 

  Couldnt be happier - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kevin Win - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Like a Toyota, just a hell of a lot cheaper.

• 

  Tough To Complain - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By A Wolf - December 22 - 11:30 am

  After 4 years & almost 80K, cant really complain. Done basic maintenance only, no unusual problems or costs, and still going strong. Cant complain about the 18-20mpg from a 4x4 SUV that sees a lot of city driving, I think its darn good. Dont get why people complain. Do run mid grade fuel to eliminate minor knocking. Has some minor squeaks & rattles, but mostly Im impressed with its ride quality and how well it has held up.