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:

• 

  Great buy - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By susan - March 27 - 5:40 am

  Car has always been good for me. I live out in the country and always having to drive on bumpy roads and this car has always drove well without any problems at all. The mpg is decent I get around 20-22 I also love the way this SUV looks unlike most.

• 

  Nice & Quiet - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By walid - March 21 - 8:23 am

  I bought it September 2007 with 73,000 on it, currently I have 85,500. Its a reliable little suv, and I wouldnt give it up for any similar suvs. Ive only had two major things done on it, drivers side axle was cracked, was caught in time, and I had the engine flex pipe changed. Mine does eat up oil for some reason, I cant complain about this car, its pretty much perfect, if they still made them I would buy a new one.

• 

  We bought 3 so far......... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LoriD - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 1995 4cyl Rodeo and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I traded for a 1997 V6. I liked it, but longed to have the newer body style, so I traded again for a 1998 V6 4x4 with 88,000 miles, fully loaded. The car now, has 105,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed was the a/c unit. Of course, the vehicle is maintenaned by the book, and that keeps this puppy really humming. No problems what so ever. Paint, engine, trans, interior, and electrical are original and in working order. Guess what is going to be my next car............

• 

  We bought 3 so far......... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By lorid - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 1995 4cyl Rodeo and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I traded for a 1997 V6. I liked it, but longed to have the newer body style, so I traded again for a 1998 V6 4x4 with 88,000 miles, fully loaded. The car now, has 105,000 miles on it and the only thing I have changed was the a/c unit. Of course, the vehicle is maintenaned by the book, and that keeps this puppy really humming. No problems what so ever. Paint, engine, trans, interior, and electrical are original and in working order. Guess what is going to be my next car............

• 

  My Experience - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Kerrie Cornett - March 8 - 3:10 am

  I love my Rodeo, but it doesnt love me. I have had it in the shop for warranty work 7 times since I bought it on November 28, 2003. It is going in this week for its eighth trip. I have had sensors go bad, the catalytic converter replaced, the transmission rebuilt, the exhaust manifold replaced, and this week its getting a new fuel pump. The clutch is tricky and there is still a knock in the rear end, but Ive gotten used to that noise and learned the secrets of the clutch. I may have just gotten a lemon, but based on the amount of time that Ive spent in the service lounge I wouldnt buy another Isuzu Rodeo.

• 

  car review - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By pwitry@cox.net - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle used. It was tough to rate it myselfbecause I have only owned it for a few days. It is fun to drive. Feels like a good solid automobile. i have had friends who have owned Isuzu Rodeosand they have had very good luck with them mechanically. i felt it would be a good solid purchase and would not end up being a lemon. I still have plenty of warranty because its warranty took place on dec 18, 2002. It had relatively low mileage which was another plus in my reasoning for purchasing the vehicle. the interiorwas very clean, and I love the exterior look of the car.

• 

  These trucks are undervalued - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rboschen3 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Isuzu truck. The only thing Ive had to deal with so far was a failed hydraulic pump for the ABS (brake system), NOT a safety issue and was replaced for free under recall. If you have a 1999 Rodeo have the dealer check to see if you have an effected vehicle (they do it by VIN #) and have the thing replaced before it goes out (its a freebie to you), Isuzu did not and probably will not send out recall notices on this because it is not a safety issue. So much for the FYI, overall Ive been very happy with this vehicle.

• 

  Isuzu rodeo LS model - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By cowboybfit - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been horrible! At only 90k miles, I had to replace the brakes, calipers, rotors, manifold gasket and the sending unit inside of the gastank. In addition, most of these parts are dealer items only and cost 3 times as much as most other SUV parts. Can you imagine paying $245.00 just for a sending unit inside of the gastank, not to mention the 4200.00 labor to put it in. I have never had to replace this item or a manifold gasket on other vehicles and some I have owned for 14 yrs, with close to 200k miles!!!

• 

  I love this!!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By I love my Rodeo - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The steering and the response is great!! Powerful V6 engine, fast accelaration, nice sturdy exterior look, regular interior look yet functional. Got a nice warranty with a good price.

• 

  Drove it for 1 week! - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By MAJOR alarm problems - February 6 - 10:46 am

  We only had it for 1 week, when someone set the alarm off. Got in it next morning and it wouldnt stay cranked. Now it wont start at all. Weve taken it to 5 different shops/mechanics, including a dealership & no one can find anything wrong with it. After researching online, it seems like others have had same problem & it has to do with the alarm system-but no one seems to know how to shut the alarm off, bypass it, etc. I dont understand how no one knows how to fix it! Were running out of patience & money! And we bought it w/out a warranty, so its starting to look like a total loss, which we cant afford! Im so sick about this & wish wed never bought this vehicle!