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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  Not Shabby - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By MWA3C - February 23 - 4:36 pm

  Bought this ISUZU RODEO based on looks and handling with 110,000 miles on her. Burns about 1qt of oil every 2500 miles or so using 15w40 (owners manual suggests 15w40 and up, go with it, 10w30 will just run right out of her). Overall not a bad truck, could use a little more HP under the hood but for a 3.0 L V6 its not horrible. The suspension is a bit hard on the back with not a lot of travel so you hit the frame bumpers often.. Overall I find long drives are really comfortable. Currently have 155,000 miles on it and still going strong. Regularly driven on 6 hour drives between states w/o issue.

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  2002 rodeo s - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By gizmosfriend - February 23 - 9:33 am

  Bought used with low miles, plan jane suv 4 cyl and 5 speed manual with ac, it never let me down. I have taken it across country 2 times in hot weather and it ran cool and ac worked fine, I got about 27-28 mpg on the trips. The only thing Ive done to it is put a battery and a k and n air filter on it in 4 years. It just runs and runs.

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  honesty is the best... - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Gancha - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is simple and strait forward. I like the controls that take the mystery out of running a vehicle. Drives well but is a little truck-like in ride. One major problem that took 2 weeks to fix centered around the ABS system. The part was on factory order... The front seats limit the back passengers leg room. Power is weak so get the bigger engine. The front seats need to go back further, so if your over 6 feet tall... Also the steering wheel should be angled higher. Beautiful to look at though. Not a bad price considering the other SUVs on the market.

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By LuckyLeneard - February 19 - 12:43 pm

  If you value comfort do NOT buy this vehicle. After I bought mine in 2002 Ive had nothing but back problems since. After further examination I found the front drivers seat doesnt actually face foward. It is twisted to the left about 5 degrees and the gas pedal is nearly in the middle of the floorboard. It really cause some uncomfort. I found this to be true in the 2003-2005 models as well.

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  Good Except For A Few Issues - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By islndgrl - February 17 - 7:54 pm

  My overall experience with this vehicle was okay. I bought it in 2006 at 46,000 miles. No major problems, had its regular oil changes and tune ups. At about 76,000 plus miles i started to notice stability issues, especially on express ways, it easily tilt in the wind, i thought that it was me but was confirm with other folks driving. At 100,000 plus miles the car making sharp left or right turns, or stopping on ramp or hills in traffic, would just shut off without warning. At 117,000 miles the car was totaled, with my son driving, he was able to walk away from it, i must say looking at the vehicle, you would not have believe that he would. The body on this vehicle is made very well... :)

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  nice suv - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By hoy - February 5 - 3:16 am

  i enjoy driving it and taking freeway turns

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  Great vehicle for all purposes - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rowdy-Mom - January 15 - 12:06 pm

  I can do anything in this truck. It looks good. Plenty of hwy power & pup. Climbs anything off-road, serious fun. Holds a ton of stuff. Pulls 3500 lb. trailer-load. Unfortunately, the alternator was undersized, so have had it rebuilt twice already. I like that its now actually smaller than many other SUV/crosses out there, which arent even really true 4WD. Gets 18-24 mpg. But, in the winter the mpg stinks, down to 14-18 with my studded snows in Colorado mtns. I dont understand why the resale is so low. Im the original owner, 11 years so far, 100K miles. Before this I had an 84 Trooper for 14 years which was also great, but gutless.

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  I love this car!! - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Sheena G. - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, great features, nice exterior look, also powerful for a price tag of less than 25000!!

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  Love my Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Laurie - December 31 - 7:03 am

  Great car. Recently had a brake check at 35,000 miles and the mechanic said they were like new. Had to replace a belt at $65.00. Had a computer problem recently (car didnt know it was cold when starting and the engine would bog). That cost me $500. Other than that the car has been perfect and extremely reliable.

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  OKay - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Okay - December 25 - 2:33 am

  I bought my car just this year it is a rebuilt 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Ls with 64,000 miles, and it is running great few minor problem, and the cruise control does not work but nothing biggy. running great. Love it