Is the Isuzu Rodeo a Worthy 4x4? Cheap Off-Road SUV Review!

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[NORMandJAMIE]

The big 3 feared ISUZUs capabilities...i love my 92 trooper

[RidersInBlack]

A hidden gem indeed. Manufacturers take note. Simplicity, affordability and capability equals consumer interest I'd plunk my cash down on this even today.

[noogavan]

I purchased my '95 Rodeo S new and it's still going strong at 467k miles, original engine. Runs and drives like a champ and handles long road trips with ease. Just took it 4-wheelin' in the mountains of E. TN. Still love my ol' Rodeo!

[JokerHigh]

Now, this is how an off-roader should be. Basic and cheap and without 10 screens on the dash.

[jeffersoncabral]

They still sell the Isuzu MUX here in Guatemala and they are very good offroaders and very reliable. They are based of the Isuzu Dmax pickup truck and only available in diesel but seating capacity for 7 people.

[WhatsMyGame]

I have had 5 Isuzus over the years and all were great. Bought a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport off the showroom floor as a young guy because everyone had Wranglers and I wanted to be different. Loved it! Removable top, 4wd, 2 removable sunroofs, and so much more comfortable than Wranglers of the same years. The V6 is very good and will leave Wranglers far in the rear view mirror. Auto trans from GM sucks but thats the only weak spot. Proper truck frame with sold axles and same Dana 44 in the back like Wranglers. Coil suspension out back and torsion bars up front made it more comfortable everyday but did hold it back some offroad in certain aspects. 6 months ago I drove 5 hours to buy a 2002 Rodeo Sport 4wd and its currently in the driveway getting a 3" lift and 32" tires. Transmission was slipping just a little but a full container of Lucas Transmission Fix fluid added to ATF and tranny is now working like new!

[fastsilverado]

We have a 02 Rodeo that we bought in 03. It is fully loaded for the time; leather seats, upgraded stereo and sun roof. Has over 200, 000 and still going strong. Finding parts is getting harder but not alot of things break. Still a good SUV.

[abbasallamy]

I remember the rodeo well. It was my family's first car, it was a free gift from a friend, and it ran for my entire childhood and it was amazing

[ricoolivier]

I'm from South Africa and owned a 2000 model of the Isuzu Frontier very similar to this one. Only difference was locally it was specced upmarket with leather etc. Also had diff lock as standard and some guys took regular first place in local off road competitions. Mine had a 2.8 turbo diesel with an aftermarket intercooler and was a great family and tow vehicle. Good times. Thanks for the memories!!!

[gbjqioc]

I had a 1999 Rodeo and I loved that thing. The V6 likes to sip some oil, so you have to check that every so often, but otherwise if you take care of them they will run for a long time. Never had any issues offroad of in the Colorado snow. I regret getting rid of that truck.

[iRomey]

Winter mode actually disengages the solenoids for gears 1 + 2 and forces the car to start in 3rd gear. It's meant to reduce wheelspin in slippery conditions

[CherokeeChief.]

Since it doesn’t have leaf springs it rides really smooth and has good articulation because it has a 5 link in the rear and ifs

[guillermopacheco]

I used to own a manual 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, super reliable car. I lifted it using the torsion bar and trooper springs.

[shiftmotorsports]

In 2000, MSRP on an LS 4x4 was around $28k with a moonroof. Loaded (leather) LSE was in the low 30's. I worked at a Nissan/Isuzu dealership back then. Our lot was loaded with Rodeos, Amigos/Rodeo Sports, Troopers, VehiCross, XTerras, and Frontiers (some supercharged). Rodeos were our best seller. $199 with 0 down lease for the base manual 4 cyl.

[rickhancock]

Bought a used one for my daughter to take to college. It is a very overbuilt, tough as nails, driver. Hers lasted for an additional two years after college and would likely still be running if not for the lady who rearended it rather hard. It was totalled and we were crushed when Albus bit the dust. That being said I had ZERO issue save on idler pulley the whole time we owned and would, at any time we had it, be comfortable headed from where I live (south east) to California in it. Just a very solidly built, long lasting vehicle. It had 310k on the ticker the day it met it's untimely death.

[heblwol]

Great SUV.. drove my mom's 94 passport. Never left me stranded.

[marshaldowns]

PLEASE do one of these on the Nissan Pathfinder (pre '04)

[ElwoodPDowd-edpc]

yeah ... bought a new one these AND i really liked it. the V6 had a leaky intake manifold, isuzu replaced / repaired and she was fine afterward. good review!

[DaniTheNachoPirate]

I miss the good old days when brand engineering was in full swing. I would always seeing these driving alongside Passports, Vitaras alongside Trackers, even more odd pairs like Blazers alongside Bravadas, Cavaliers alongside Cimarrons. Ahh yes, those sure were good times.

[jediguy]

I've always had a soft spot for Isuzu. They were my Dad's go to when he was in the military. He had both a Pickup and Rodeo. Put alot of miles on those vehicles.
As a kid I wanted a Amigo / Rodeo Sport. Then when the VehiCross came out I wanted one of those. Such a quirky style.
With how hot the market is right now for Adventure / mild off road vehicles, I think Isuzu could target the budget friendly market easily.