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:

• 

  Do Not Buy it - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By FOOBARED - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have been having problems with the car right from the start. 1st yr, a side door wire short. Had to leave my car with the dealer for 4 days before they could figure it out. 2nd yr, the electric on the remote key entry got screwed up. 3rd yr, The problem with the wire short resurfaced, the dealer kept the car for 2 days, the car was out of warranty, left me with a bill for 500. 4th yr, an engine noise started dealer said, carbon build up in the engine, fuel light always on, another 350 bucks...rear axle seal rupture. Did the 60k servicing, out for 1500 bucks, engine noise persists. Last year itself I have spent 2500 for the car. FOOBARED DO NOT BUY.

• 

  Disappointed - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By taylor - October 25 - 5:26 am

  The ride is bumpy, front seat does not go back far enough from the steering wheel. My rodeo is one of the recalls for the undercarriage. Part of the frame that supports the tire underneath broke off, the vehicle started to rock as though i was in a tornado or caught in a wind storm. i lost control nearly had a wreck someone or myself could have been hurt or killed. I was told that Isuzu have gone out of business and I am responsible for the repairs. Any suggestions.

• 

  Stuck with a headache - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Eric_V - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has not been very positive. Since the first day that I purchased it, it hesitates when the engine is cold (had it checked numerous times and the problem cannot be resolved. The depreciation is astronomical! I paid $28,965 less than 1 year ago. It is currently worth $15,000 - 11K miles. I did not even have this vehicle for a year and lost nearly $14000. It consumes too much fuel. I would not recommend an Isuzu to anyone unless you have money to throw away.

• 

  Biggest mistake I ever made. - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By F Long - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  I purchased this car in Oct 06. It has been in the shop 4XS for transmission problems, just had trans overhauled as of today still not fixed. I only put 6000 miles on it because I never get to drive it. Its always in the shop for weeks at a time. It rides like an elephant, very bumpy ride. If they ever fix it Im trading it in ASAP. I will never buy a Rodeo again. Exterior looks great but dont be fooled. If you see it on the dealership lot, run the other way as fast as you can.

• 

  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.

• 

  Not a reliable car in the long run - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By devon - December 14 - 10:40 am

  I bought this car used and it was great, I loved it and everything was fine... and then it hit the 60,000 mile mark. EVERYTHING fell apart on the car. Head gasket, fuel pump, transmission, EVP, everything went on the car. The same thing happened to a family member with the same model of car. If you have one, get rid of it before the mileage gets too high or youll end up with a couple thousand dollars worth of repairs. Even following the scheduled maintenance, and regular oil changes the car doesnt hold up.

• 

  Buyer Beware - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Buyerbeware - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Rodeo in the shop a dozen times. The drive shaft and airbag had to be repaired 4 times each. It had begun to rattle and squeak badly. This, by the way, is not a warranty item after a year the dealer tells me. Unfortunatly, what started out as a great bargain has turned out to be a bad deal on my part. No wonder Isuzus sales slipped over 40% last year.badly. Which, by the way, is not a warranty item after a year the dealer tells me. Unfortunalty, what started out as a great bargain has turned out to be a bad deal on my part. No wonder Isuzus sales slipped over 40% last year.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!!!!!

• 

  Many, many problems - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unknown - February 20 - 1:50 am

  Ive had this SUV for about 4 years and it has less than 100k miles on it (only 28K being put on by me). I would never buy another Isuzu. The following has gone out or been replaced: gas gauge stopped working, front and back brakes and drums replaced, in dash CD player rebuilt after eating my CDs, rebuilt the transmission, all four tires, shocks, air conditioning compressor, and the water pump. It was in the shop 3 months ago with a bill over over $1,000. Theres now something wrong with the anti lock brakes as the car keeps shimmying when I apply the brakes. It rattles and squeaks all the time. A great SUV if you want to repair it yourself.