Overview & Reviews

Though it may not look like it, Isuzu has completely revised the Rodeo from top to bottom, giving it more modern styling, a user-friendly interior, more V6 power and added room for passengers and cargo.

• Silky V-6 engine. Stylish interior. Rugged exterior. Roomy rear seat.

• Disconnected steering. Lousy 4WD button placement.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 66.00

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  Satisfied - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Another Mike - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this because it was one of very few SUVs with V6 2WD & Manual tranny. After 6 years and almost 120K miles, no major complaints, no mechanical problems. Even w/ 2WD, handles rocky, rutty winding mountain dirt roads nicely. Downsides: Too many recalls. (Dont ignore the recalls. The most recent one regarded reprogramming the ABS, and it made a noticeable difference.) Paint on wheels started peeling early on.

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  Bottom of the Bunch, But fun!!! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Camraun - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to help move my brother to PA. Granted, the time we moved him was in December with lots of snow. The rodeo performed better than i expected (except for gas mileage). For a car i bought because it was the only one left, i am quite happy with it (so far). I primarily travel in it. so the seats could be more comfortable. They dont do too well on anything over a few hours drive. so far, though, i am satisfied even though ive only driven it about 8 mos because i considered it mainly for traveling. i was going to get rid of it when i purchased it. now i am keeping it.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jp12 - May 7 - 5:30 am

  Our Rodeo has 157,000 on it. Ran the thing all over the east coast.Bought it used with 29,000 on it. The upper spring perches rusted off of the frame rail.Frame still looks good though. Bought some perches from a junk yard down south, they look new. If the weld comes out ok, we will run this vehicle another 157,000. Now only going to be used for new england winters. Does use more oil than it should,we just keep an eye on the level.

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  I love mine! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By K - April 6 - 9:36 am

  I got this Rodeo after having owned a 93 Rodeo. I am planning on buying another one! I love it, I lived in Ohio and went to college in Tennessee and my Rodeo got me through dozens of long trips over the years and remained solid. I love the toughness of the vehicle and the ability to keep running. I maintained the truck with oil changes, belts, tires, etc. I have had a few minor problems, one fan went out that cost me $200, and I have a small coolant leak right now, but what do you expect at 160k miles! I have put nearly 100k miles on the Rodeo since purchasing it, and feel I have more then got my moneys worth. My husband and I call it "Old Faithful"!

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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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  best bet - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rowddy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  biggest repair was oil change in 82000 miles. runs great, will run at sustained speed over 100 all day long. would never consider another as a replacement. runs as good in 4WD as ford does in 2 WD

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  LOVE MY RODEO - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RICK-RICK - December 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Rodeo as a third vehicle for our growing family. Although the Rodeo does not have as much room as our minivan its much sportier, handles better and the overall experience we enjoy with it is satisfying. I use to sell Rodeos a few years ago and felt great everytime I went on a test drive with its new owner. Our Rodeo has 68000 miles on it and the only problem I could begin to discuss is the paint issue. The overall rating more than makes up for the paint issue in my mind. Highly recommended by my family.

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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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  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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  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.