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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  I hate this car!!!! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By pesystems - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I had to have the clutch replaced at 22000! I have driven stick shift cars for over 15 years, and never had a clutch go out that fast. My 96 GMC Somona was a 5 speed; had over 120,000K - and I traded for this crap! This truck rides horribly - you feel each and every bump. The original stereo was a piece of crap. Its had at least 4 recalls. It does get very good can mileage - about 20 MPG. The worst thing about this car is the devaluation! My car was purchased for about $19,500 in 1999. The car is currently in Outstanding condition, but is only worth about $5000 per Edmunds & Carmax - so Im stuck with a car that Im about $2000 upside down on.

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  Longest Ive ever owned vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Good Enough - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing used with 12,000 miles on it. Ive had the same issues it seems everyone has with the Rodeo. The check engine light has been on since it had 65,000 miles on it. The gas gauge issue was fixed once with about 85,000 miles on it. Now the same problem is back. I ignore the check engine light and just reset the tripometer each time I fill it up and put gas in when I get to 250-275 miles to be safe. Ive had no major mechanical issues. I had the transmission serviced at around 85,000 to replace the gaskets. Nothing more. After reading others reviews I consider myself lucky. This is the third Rodeo Ive owned. I still get around 18 MPG and it still tows camper and small boat.

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  Broken-in - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Broken-in - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fun to drive. Off road it handles well. However, Ive lost 2 sets of front bumpers with minor taps. The seats are very unconforibel for long drives.

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  rodeo - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By theresa girard - October 17 - 10:00 am

  i love my new rodeo. this was the best purchase i have made and was very happy with the deal i got.

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  Hope you like Gas Stations - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By garodeo - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this vehicle. The exterior design is attractive, and the interior is comfortable. However, the gas mileage is nowhere near what is listed on the window sticker. I am driving mostly highways and am barely getting 17 MPG. I have to fill up every 4 days or so. Edmunds lists 23 MPG as well, I would love to hear from someone who gets this kind of mileage.

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  Total Lemon of a Car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Suckered in NC - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned. Two weeks after I purchased the car new, the gas pedal broke. The next thing that broke was the lever used to recline the drivers seat. At 48,868 miles (11/02), the ABS module went bad. At, 55,886 miles, the intake gaskets on the engine are leaking which is causing the 3rd cyclinder to misfire. Additionally, the AC compressor is going bad and the sending unit in the fuel system is bad causing the feul light to blink continously and the gas needle to stay on empty. DONT BUY IZUZU IF YOU WANT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!!!!

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  Good Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rodeo Girl - September 25 - 2:56 pm

  This is a great SUV for a small family. I had absolutely no problems with it until it reached 173,000 miles. The transmission begin to slip. I have been in a accident in 2007 and it still ran great until the end of 2009 now I am having the transmission rebuilt and will hold on to it as long as possible. I love my vehicle.

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  Driving my Rodeo - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By DebsZuZu - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Well i suppose you could say my Rodeo has served its purpose. To haul people and kids around, but it doesnt do to much than that. Its nicely confortable front and back, it has alot of leg room front and back, and it has enough head room for both my 6 foot boys in the back seat. But if you decide to get a sunroof, there is alot less room, and as gas goes. Its not economical what so ever. If you drive more than 20,000 miles per year, prepare to be visiting to gasoline station about every 2/3 days. But other wise the rodeo is very stylish and roomy and seems to be very well built. Its very bumpy, you can always tell when you hit a little bump in the road.

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  Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By pilot781 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Tires wear unevenly even after all wheel alignment. Orginal stereo needs upgraded. Rubber gas pedal fell off, but was replaced under bumper to bumper warranty.

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  Sporty & Fun - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By TBird - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I, like most others, checked my options before deciding on the Rodeo. Though I havent had it long - I love it so far. It is a great size for me (however, my husband seems a bit cramped when he rides or drives it.) My only concern is that, when parking on a hill, after releasing my foot from the brake....it doesnt sound quite right. I am not sure exactly what it is, but it makes a groaning noise and rolls back a little. Having never owned an SUV, maybe that is common. I have thoroughly enjoyed my sporty mid- size and would definately recommend it to others. Great price (in comparison to others) and GREAT warranty!