Isuzu Rodeo SUV | Crossover
Isuzu Rodeo SUV | Crossover
[Jul 05, 2003]
George Waller
Model Reviewed:
Isuzu Rodeo
Strength:
beautiful design, paint job, gas mileage, extremely smooth driving and shifting, great handling, great stereo and cd changer
Weakness:
mild rattle from the rear when hitting bumps, fuel level sending unit, GM interior parts, too low for a 4x4 The best deal I ever made was on this beautiful 4x4 Rodeo LS. The gas mileage is great for a 4x4: 25 mpg hwy, 22 mpg city. I have the 5 speed and it is a pleasure to drive- very smooth and tight. It has 94,000 miles. The engine light came on, but it was just a fouled egr valve. Some carb cleaner took care of that. I suspect that with some routine maintenance, (and common sense), this truck will last a long time. I read that someone paid $512 for a new alternator. I'd be embarassed to report that. Try taking the alternator to a rebuild shop and save some money. (By the way, every vehicle's alternator or starter will succumb to the laws of physics after enough time and use). If the check engine or ABS lights come on, go to Autozone to get a diagnosis. Most of the time it will be a simple routine problem, i.e. ABS light comes on- check if you're using brake fluid, you probably need new pads. I benefited from the lower resale of the Rodeo. I love the truck and know repeat buyers of Isuzus. I will be one too. Similar Products Used: 1997 Mountaineer, 1990 4x4 p/u, 1990 Ford F150 4x4 (POS), 2000 Pathfinder 4x4 |
[Jul 03, 2003]
BnotE
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo LSE 4x2
Strength:
3.2 V6 is very sporty Handling for a SUV Warranty Leather is high quality Over 86K miles and its never let me down
Weakness:
Just wish it had the Direct Injection engine with 250 horsepower. This will be out next year! After owning this vehicle since it was brand new, I am confident in it and I am able to recommend it with a good conscience. It has taken me all over for 86,400 miles. It market value of the Rodeo LSE brand new in 1999 was 29,500 and they did 27,000 without much negociation. I have every intention of buying another Rodeo or Axiom next year when they have the 3.5 liter direct injection engine with 250 horsepower! Should be a rocket. The leather has held up perfectly which shows that Isuzu uses higher quality leather than Ford. I bought a 2-wheel drive model and on road, it rides okay and handles well for a SUV. I believe that Isuzu makes very strong vehicles but they are NOT for people that want a lifted station wagon and 19 miles per gallon in city driving. I've been getting about 18 on average with a lot of highway which is not too bad at all. The paint has held up very well and shines like its brand new. I think the people that are having problems are neglecting their vehicles. If you take proper care of any vehicle, it WILL last. I have not had much of an oil problem and from what Isuzu says, if you use Valveoline Max Life, it cuts down oil consumption a lot. It uses (and always has) about a quart every 3,000 miles. I will be giving them my business again once the direct injection engine comes out. Its supposed to make the Rodeo or Axiom do 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, 18mpg city, 25 highway and its all Isuzu with no GM parts. Can't wait but the problem is I dont know if i want the Axiom or the Rodeo. Either way, the Rodeo is a trusty, reliable vehicle that lasts. Similar Products Used: 1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8-- PIECE OF S*** |
[Jul 03, 2003]
timsayles1
Model Reviewed:
Isuzu Rodeo S
Strength:
Size, value, build quaility.
Weakness:
Slightly dated Styling, seats a little short for tall people. I just recently purchased this vehicle against the wishes of everyone I knew. I drove the vehicle home, with all the bad review running thru my head, just waiting for something. So far, this truck as been super. After I realized that you have to drive the unbelievable bargins to realize how great they are, I am loving it. I opted for the 4 ccyl for gas milage. It is a little weak, but gets you there w/ no problems. Similar Products Used: 1995 Explorer Sport(great car), 2000 Kia Sportage(not so great), Ford F-150 (lemon) |
[Jul 01, 2003]
matrosov
Strength:
Good handling, acceleration, quality of ride
Weakness:
Poorly built, highly unreliable. Poor customer service from the manufacturer I would be really hard pressed to recommend this SUV to anyone. In retrospect I should have went with the extra $60 a month and gotten a 4Runner. This is my second Rodeo the first one a 1999 model developed a transmission,engine,ABS,and transfer case problems when it was less then three years old and had 65K on the odometer. Manufacturer refused to even listen to me since car was freshly out of warranty. Since no other dealer would give me enough for it I was forced to go to an Isuzu dealer, they were actually very helpful and understanding, and get a 2001 brand new Rodeo this was a year and about 28K ago. Well, my car is in the shop right now and it is expected to stay there over the 4th of July. The problem is with the transimission, it is skipping a gear on upshift, a transmission fluid leak, and a ABS system. Manufacturer has an escape clause in their warranty on the rental car coverage so I am forced to rent a car to get to work while mine is being worked on. |
[Jun 18, 2003]
RMM
Model Reviewed:
LS
Strength:
Enough disgruntled Isuzu owners to organize Class Action lawsuit.
Weakness:
Everything! RUN, don't walk, away from anything by Isuzu. Customer service is terrible, price gouging, incompetent. Dealership replaces parts that don't need to be replaced. Hit 50,000 miles and GET OUT YOUR CHECKBOOK! $1,200 THIS MONTH ALONE in repairs, and it's now in worse shape than when we took to dealership a few weeks ago to fix check engine light and rough shifting/lurching. That trip cost $300+ and 4 days in shop. Rode fine for a day or two then check engine light on again. This time, they had to call Isuzu tech support to figure out "all the error codes." Two more days in shop and another $400. Conveniently for Isuzu, none of these repairs fell under so-called extended warranty. Very next day, wouldn't start without a jump. Dealership said needed new alternator to the tune of $521 (can you say, price gouging?) and 1.5 days in shop! Picked up last night; this morning it WOULD NOT START even with jump. We've demanded refund of at least the alternator and proof that the other work was truly necessary. Dealership is finally offering free tow and loan car. Hmmmm. Sounds like a guilty conscience to me. (We purchased new in 1999; has 55K miles.) Similar Products Used: Chevy S-10 extended cab; Lexus RX300; numerous other vehicles. All rate 100 times better than Isuzu in reliability AND customer service. |
[Jun 04, 2003]
dsdsds
Strength:
Warrantee, Designed very meticulously, Great engine, Decent gas mileage, Comfortable, Looks great
Weakness:
Have not seen any. I drove an 88 Trooper for the first 6 years I had my license. At the end of the run, the Trooper totaled 219,000 miles on the original engine and second transmission. Of course, there were some minor problems with it but very easily fixed. Now, after driving a Ford Explorer I miss my Trooper and the way Isuzu service treats the customers. Ford is just "Hand me your keys and get out there are other customers" Anyway, to the point of the post. I just purchased a silver 2003 Isuzu Rodeo V6 last week. I have 112 miles on it, still in the break-in period and I am loving this puppy. Rides very well, handles great for a body on frame truck and the passing power is incredible! Culver Caplan Isuzu was very polite and easy to bargain with. They gave me a fully loaded Rodeo with every single dealer option including side steps and bumper brush bar at an asking price of 25200. After ten minutes of easy negociating, they called it 23,000 even. The leather is very plush and rides so much better than our 2001 Explorer. I have a feeling the Explorer will be getting some cob webs because the wife an I love this Rodeo. Who knows maybe we'll end up with a new one. I liked the 2003 minor design changes including the grill and inside instruments otherwise I would have bought the almost-new 2002 on the lot and save the 5 grand. But no, the 2003 is unbeatable with its strong chasis and terrific value. Also, for 2003 they are offering a Isuzu-made 5 speed automatic. it shifts like BUTTER! They are finally off of general motors products and once again we can all enjoy the real, unbeatable Japanese company, Isuzu. Similar Products Used: 1988 Isuzu Trooper--- 219,000 miles 2001 Ford Explorer-- Not a good vehicle at all (should have stayed with Isuzu products) |
[Jun 03, 2003]
VMBass120
Model Reviewed:
LS 2WD
Strength:
3.2 Litre V6 Engine, Reliability, Styling, Price to Value Ratio.
Weakness:
I have owned two of these vehicles, and so far, I haven't found any. I bought a new 1999 LSE 2WD Rodeo in 1999 and drove it for three trouble-free years and 80,000 miles. I traded it in on a 2002 Axiom. While I love the Axiom, I quickly realized that I missed the Rodeo. I recently had a need for another vchicle. I contacted the dealer and was thrilled to find that they had a 1999 LS with 35,000 miles on it. When I drove this vehicle, all of the things that I loved about the Rodeo came back to me. The rugged good looks, strong motor, crisp handling. I couldn't buy this vehicle fast enough. For all of those people that are writing bad reviews about the Rodeo, get a grip people. This is one of the best mid-sized SUVs available on the market today. Especially the 1998 and newer models. I would definately recommend the 3.2 litre V6, however, the 4 cylinder engine is a General Motors manufactured engine and has typical GM reliability problems. Overall, I would recommend the Rodeo highly to anyone interested in a mid-sized SUV. Don't believe all of the negative press that you read about this vehicle, my experience has shown it to not be true. Similar Products Used: 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LSE, 1997 Chevrolet Blazer |
[Jun 02, 2003]
Fun Vehicle
Model Reviewed:
4x4
Strength:
Proper mantainance = goes forever. Impressive off road abilities Decent on road handling/ride Impressive acceleration Impressive reliability Resonable price The perfect equitment--standard a 5 star winner
Weakness:
---If you take care of it, you wont have any. I really use mine and it just KEEPS ON GOING. --well, its a little gas thirsty on the trail I drive a Honda Passport but it is very much like a Rodeo so here's my experience: I did not know I was buying a vehicle that has a lot in common with a Izuzu. When I found out, I was a little angry but this vehicle has proved to me that it is one TOUGH vehicle. Alot of my driving consists of off road adventures and a lot of highway miles. I have managed to put just under 60,000 miles on my Honda Passport. I bought it in November of 2000 (its a 2001). The only problems I have encountered were: 1. bent antenna because it always stays up-- even on windy days ($32.00 to replace) 2. needed new belts from off road abuse @ 52,000 miles ($342.00) Haven't had any other problems with the vehicle. The new belts were needed because I was straining them from off roading so much. This truck hits trails like nothing else, yet when it goes on the highway, it manages a rather smooth, quiet ride. I'm coming off of a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 that was a PIECE OF TRASH! Personally, I can't believe how well made the Passport is. Its very rugged and very sporty. Handles well, rides well, and is quiet. Power feels equivilent to the V8 in the Jeep. However, the Jeep would break down when you had fun with its engine but the Passport just keeps wanting to play play play. The Honda Passport is a very well made vehicle and every vehicle I own gets its limits tested. I will admit, I am very impressed with the Honda Passport and given the chance, I would most likely buy another. I reccommend this vehicle to anyone wanting a rugged, sport SUV that WILL last. I can vouch for that. Similar Products Used: 1999 Grand Cherokee V8--- STAY AWAY! test drove: Explorer (no ground clearance, SLOW), Xterra S/C-- not much power, small, expensive, Pathfinder-- expensive, 4runner--no power, expensive |
[May 29, 2003]
kellen keller
Model Reviewed:
late 90's
Strength:
goes through mud like an SUV
Weakness:
LUG NUTS I am an automotive tech,,, and I would like to know if anyone has had trouble with LUG NUTS!!!! exspecially,, late 90 modeles, with steel wheels. They also have a series of washers, that hold the center cap on. The big problem i'm experiencing, is, when you remove the lug nuts,,, they either strip the treads,, or break the stud.... I would welcome any testamonials on lug nut problems. My email adress, is froger33@webtv.net Similar Products Used: NONE |
[May 23, 2003]
Cherry
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo
Strength:
Ergonomically comfortable. Good gearing/ratios. Good visibility. Nice engine. Uses no water. Uses no oil. Easy to maintain.
Weakness:
Do I REALLY have to remove the whole dash instrument cluster/disable airbag etc.. just to replace A cluster bulb ??!! I am really pleased with my V6 3.2 Rodeo. It was one year old/14k miles when I got it. No problems since beyond my comprehension. Have replaced EGR valve and belts only and got set of BF Goodrich All Terrains all round. I go offroading in desert, despite only 2WD, it's brilliant. Super on highway too. Have 57k miles now. And I plan of doing another 57k in it!! Similar Products Used: Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokees from Budget Rental |