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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  Looks good... but very problematic - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By johnnykk - October 10 - 2:00 am

  It looked and felt good when I bought it (used) a year ago. But then the problems kept on coming. As much as I liked the look and ride... it kept finding its way into the shop. This thing is NOT durable at all. Its an SUV alright... but you cant treat it like one.

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  Good work vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By BumpinThumpin - August 20 - 6:30 pm

  Two weeks of owning this SUV and the infamous EGR code came up. I tried everything, cleaning out the intake holes, an intake fume flush kit and finally changed the EGR valve. 160.00 NOPE, and then the fuel gauge problem where it would drop to 0 and the light would flash. So I took the dash apart and placed black tape over both of them. Voila. No more lights ever again and back to happy motoring.

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  Think Hard - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Par - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Rodeo from Carmax with 16k on it after a year. Until recently I have had only minor problems-the cassette deck would not eject (fixed under warranty); the check engine light came on at 25k(took it to the dealer only to find out that the gas cap was not screwed on past 3 clicks more than 9 months before - before I purchased the vehicle); when unlocking the rear door with the key, I broke the lock. Then the rear window would intermittently jam - this one took at least 6 dealer trips to fix. Now at 65k, the ABS has failed and the check engine light is on. I want to buy a toyota truck.

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  Put the Brakes On - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Not So Happy Now - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2001 on recommendation of friend. Truck is fun to drive, looks great. However, the ride is rough, the 4-cyl is way underpowered, and the brakes are bad. Only 31,000 miles of mixed city/road driving and we had to have entire front and rear brakes replaced for "heat spots" from overheating. Lots of squeaks and rattles. Resale value terrible. Buy it if you like a good-looking truck but dont care about reliability or performance.

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  Bad Egg - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Jorge A. - July 10 - 11:16 pm

  I have been very unimpressed with this SUV. I have owned three different SUVs and this one has performed the poorest. I bought it brand new from a dealer which told me I would love it. From day one the vehicle has been emitting a rotten egg smell, the ride is very bouncy and bumpy. I have spoken to the sales reps, service dept, and have even taken the vehicle in for a diagnoses of the problems. I have recieved negative results in getting the issues fixed. Gas mileage is below average. I would just like a better one that works correctly. I should be able to get Isuzu on a Lemon law.

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  Too many little things, one big problem - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By nateasu - March 10 - 9:56 pm

  Bought the car, was happy. Turns out the headrest was broken and wouldnt stay up. Dealership told me theyd have to unstitch the seat to get to the problem and Id be without a car for a week. Hood had dimples in it like someone sat on it with quarters in their back pocket. 100 miles after the warranty, the CD player broke and ruined my CDs. Parking brake never really worked. Probably caused by the dealership drove around with the parking brake on because the rear brakes needed to be replaced the first time I had them inspected. Oh yeah, 4 years into owning the car, it wouldnt shift out of 1st gear. I had an emergency repair done then the manufacturer wouldnt honor the warranty. Cost me $4k.

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  AC Compressor and Cruise Control - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By grockford - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I, like a previous reviewer, need a new AC compressor. AC compressor went 1500 miles out of warranty. Cruise control also engages itself when the car is running primarly at a speed less than 20 mph, and they can not find the problem. Had a 97 rodeo prior to this one and never had any problems with it even when it got to 90,000 miles.

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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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  Think Twice - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Airell Jacoby - December 10 - 11:26 am

  Bought used in 3/05 & had problems right away. Fuel gauge broken, ABS light always on, rear lights all messed up, & hard down-shifting. All were fixed at the dealerships expense at the tune of $800.00! I have replaced rear wiring harnesses & sway bar links for $300.00. Was told by great garage of unusual 1/2-inch sludge on transmission magnet ... very bad sign of huge transmission problem. This was discovered while in the shop for a new solenoid. Seems like problem after problem. Shame, because its a roomy, fast ride. Seats are hard and the spare squeaks all the way down the road on the back tailgate. Would not recommend. Not worth the money or hassles.

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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.