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 recommended - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By h - August 12 - 9:23 am

  Too many minor problems including, paint pealing from all four wheels within first 30000 miles. Dealer repeatedly unable to fix rattle that occurs at 2500 rpm. Throttle body problems. Seats uncomfortable on long rides. ABS modulator had to be replaced, of course just after warranty expired costing me over $500. I hear the ABS modulator is a very common problem with the Rodeo, surprised it was never recalled. Poor wet weather traction.

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  Excellent - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By catcher10us - July 28 - 2:10 am

  Have had this Rodeo since new, now almost 90k miles. Other than normal maintenance items, brakes and an intake gasket, this truck has been great. Still runs strong and honestly, was looking at something new, but nothing runs better than this. This was my third Isuzu, 2 Troopers and the Rodeo. Sorry Isuzu has given up on the US marketplace.

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  Leased - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Dirk Sorkin - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Leased for 4 years. With in this time onlu had a sensor for the chech engine go bad. The paint on the rims pealed off. Other than that it has been a good reliable vehicle.

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  Thank God For My Isuzu - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By dj2big - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Thank you God for my 2004 Rodeo. 3 of my new vehicals ever owned have been Isuzu, 1993 Pick Up best ever, Copper 2000 Amigo sitting on dubs and now my new 2004 Rodeo wow am I happy. Iv never ever have ever had a problem with them "add gas oil and go" should be there motto, 2004 copyright Juan J. Perez. With those legal things out the way. If your looking to get more for your money look no further, This is an SUV you can actually get tired of being so reliable, you never get to complain about it when all your friends talk about there SUV costing an arm and a leg to maintain or you might get stuck driving them on there errands while there SUV is in the shop.

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  GOOD FOR 1ST SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SMALLPAT - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THE RODEO. THE INTERIOR COULD BE BETTER.

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  I keep thinking itll get better... - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By mkinma7 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  So far this car has been a headache to own. Its noisy cabin is just a start to the myriad of problems I have found with the Isuzu. Problems from paint flaking off of the tires to the radiator cracking during a particuarly cold winter have all added up to many more dollars of repairs than Id like to admit. Each maintenance problem is followed by another large maintenance problem. The deal I originally got when purchasing the car has been long lost with the thousands of dollars required to run it. Never again will I buy an Isuzu.

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  KY Sucker - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By KY Sucker - May 30 - 8:43 am

  We bought the Rodeo just in time for the engine to throw a rod a month after we bought it. We liked everything about it except for that misfortune. Since, we have heard Isuzu engines are prone to problems. I am disappointed in Isuzu for not standing behind their product. With so many problems, who will buy their vehicle? NOT ME!

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  Not made for bumpy roads! - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By golfbald70 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the way it looks after its cleaned and the 6-Disc In dash CD is great. Thats where my admiration for this SUV ends. The suspension BITES! I had a persistent problem with the slip yoke. Isuzu knows admits its an engineering flaw but will not do much to fix it. No recall. The worse thing about this beautiful looking car is that it drinks gas like no bodies business. How about 12-16 mph HIGHWAY for a small V6! And I may be giving it too much credit with those estimates. My next car is going to be a Honda Civic or some hybrid. Thats what this beast has done to me.

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  1999 Rodeo "The Best" - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RJP - May 17 - 6:23 am

  Bought my 99 Rodeo about 7 years ago "used" with 30K miles. Been the BEST Auto I have ever had and I have owned many ...... !! Serviced and changed oil regularly as scheduled. Now has over 135,000 miles and still runs great and is nice and tight. Only repairs made during my 105k ownership aside from tires & brakes is a starter replacement and gasket leak to sealed transmission about $400.00 cost. and a couple of batteries. Made many long trips it is a pleasure to drive. Average Hwy 21 mpg at 70 & 75 miles an hour. Wish I could find another with lower miles would buy it in a heart beat ..... You gotta shoot-em to kill - em ..... Great Mid-Size SUV ... !!

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Land - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Ford Explorer prior to my Rodeo. I would rate the overall performance and ride equally, despite the much higher price tag on the Explorer. What the Rodeo gives up in space, it more than makes up for in looks, performance, pricing and warranty coveage.