Isuzu Rodeo SUV | Crossover
Isuzu Rodeo SUV | Crossover
[May 26, 2004]
Rocky Road
Model Reviewed:
Honda Passport (Rodeo)
Strength:
Good looking. Rides well for a small truck made in 1996 in that price-range. Works very well in 4WD. A lot of room in the rear seats and when seats are folded down.
Weakness:
Lousy leg room in the driver's seat for a fairly tall person. Rides like a small truck made in 1996 in that price-range. I own a 1996 Honda Passport which is an Isuzu Rodeo in disguise (both made by Isuzu). I have had it for four years and bought it when it had 65,000 miles on it. It now has almost 110,000 miles and like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps on going (knock on wood). Like a lot of things, all Passports/Rodeos weren’t created equal. There seems to be a lot of bad written by people here about the Rodeo with some good as well. One thing to keep in mind is that most of the folks here are only writing in this forum because something has gone wrong with their car and they want to vent their complaints. Those who are pleased with their car probably see no reason to be here. So I suspect, in reality, that the Passport/Rodeo is probably not as bad of an SUV as many in this forum make it to be. A year ago I was thinking of selling my Passport because I had read in this forum and others just how bad it was. So to get the real story I called several different Honda and Isuzu maintenance centers to get the skinny on the Passport’s overall reliability. I didn’t speak to any sales people, just the guys who work on Passports and Rodeos – people who had nothing to loose or gain by giving me misinformation. The results were very favorable, to the point I decided to keep the car. I only hope that saying all of this doesn’t now jinx me and the car now starts heading south on me. Something to think about – FYI. Similar Products Used: 1991 Ford Explorer |
[Apr 12, 2004]
jcsnoball
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo LS
Strength:
4x4 assurity comfort great looking fast Good handling
Weakness:
Lots and lots of oil Lots anf lots of gas stress of having an engine problem because of oil use. I bought this Rodeo used, which was bought from an auction. It had 85,000 miles on it. I drove it home from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, and it was fine, but when I got home I checked the oil dipstick was dry. The dealer topped it off before I left. Well I now had a knowledge of how much oil this thing actually drinks. About a quart every 1000 miles, I have yet to feel confiedent driving it. But I do have to give it points, I drove it to Idaho from Tennessee, 2300 miles, to school in Jan. it amazed me as we drove through 3 snow storms. Only about 9 cars where on the road that day. It used 4 quarts of oil I think. But it handled great as well as in this last hard Idaho winter. My roommates love it because it got us to class everyday, sometimes in -20 degree weather. Awesome Winter 4x4 but get ready to spend some money on gas in and out of 4 wheel drive. I like it for the most part except for the oil consumption and the BIG gas expense. It also has a knock underneath as I stop and take off, I have no idea what it is and it only does it part of the time, but I have had a few other Rodeo owners have the same thing happen. Over all it's a good car if you don't mind it using alot of oil. Similar Products Used: Jeep Grand Cherokee Chevy Tahoe |
[Mar 18, 2004]
isuzugirl
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo
Strength:
Is very reliable and has a nice ride. Never had a major issue with it.
Weakness:
Somewhat poor gas mileage, but to be expected of a heavy SUV like that. I love my Rodeo. It is my first SUV and has me hooked on SUVs. I only have one complaint about the car. My gas gage is shot and would take to much money to repair. I have heard of this happening to other SUV oweners (not only Isuzu) so I think it's just a fluke. Other than the gas gage she runs like a champ, even after 110,000 miles. I will even say that I am not a nice and easy driver so she has taken a lot of beating. I would recommend this car to any of my friends and family. (My mother-in-law has one to.) |
[Mar 18, 2004]
isuzugirl
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo
Strength:
Is very reliable and has a nice ride. Never had a major issue with it.
Weakness:
Somewhat poor gas mileage, but to be expected of a heavy SUV like that. I love my Rodeo. It is my first SUV and has me hooked on SUVs. I only have one complaint about the car. My gas gage is shot and would take to much money to repair. I have heard of this happening to other SUV oweners (not only Isuzu) so I think it's just fluke. Other than the gas gage she suns like a champ, even after 110,000 miles. I will even say that I am not a nice and easy driver so she has taken a lot of beating. I would recommend this car to any of my friends and family. (My mother-in-law has one to.) |
[Mar 18, 2004]
isuzugirl
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo
Strength:
Is very reliable and has a nice ride. Never had a major issue with it.
Weakness:
Somewhat poor gas mileage, but to be expected of a heavy SUV like that. I love my Rodeo. It is my first SUV and has me hooked on SUVs. I only have one complaint about the car. My gas gage is shot and would take to much money to repair. I have heard of this happening to other SUV oweners (not only Isuzu) so I think it's just fluke. Other than the gas gage she suns like a champ, even after 110,000 miles. I will even say that I am not a nice and easy driver so she has taken a lot of beating. I would recommend this car to any of my friends and family. (My mother-in-law has one to.) |
[Mar 12, 2004]
TinaTina
Model Reviewed:
Isuzu Rodeo
Strength:
It is a good car for a female who is gentle driver and puts the miles on slow.
Weakness:
My paint is fading on the hood. My parents' 91 Pathfinder shines like it has just been painted (the first time)!! The Rodeo was my first car purchased after college. She has 96K miles and has given me little trouble. I kept up the general maintainence (replacing fluids, changing timing belt/tires, etc.) The CHECK ENGINE light has been coming on and off. I was informed that the O2 sensor needed replacement. Also, stay away with from cheap gas. I used some and she started to shrek when accelerated. |
[Mar 02, 2004]
Robertmtch
Model Reviewed:
Rodeo LS
Strength:
Refined engineering, fit finish and trim. Engine idles like it isn't even running. Highway gearing hardly even works the engine at 80+ and yet, will climb a tree in 4wd. 16 inch alloy wheels are awesome.
Weakness:
Loss of the oil pressure and amp gauges as standard equipment somewhere between 94 and 02. I Drove a 94 for eight years. Put on 190000 miles with hardly a mechanical issue. Just normal stuff: Two timing belts and one timing belt tensioner, four or five sets of tires, four or five sets of plugs and two sets of plug wires, countless oil changes... Original engine and original transmission and it still did not burn oil, knock, whine or miss a shift. All this after towing a pop-up around the country, from the desert southwest to the beaches of the Outer Banks. Try getting that out of a domestic. I was so pleased I decided to try a newer model. Eight years and too many new features to count later, l am delighted to be driving the 02. So far, a fantastic vehicle with similar manners and performance as my old 94 with a lot of new features, refinements, and an even cleaner engine compartment. Will I get the same service out of the 02 as I got out of the 94? Obviously the jury is still out, but it does seem to be on the right track. I am bummed to hear that the Rodeo will be discontinued after 05 as I would be looking for another one about 2010! Similar Products Used: 94 Rodeo. Mazda and Datsun PU trucks. |
[Mar 02, 2004]
ahbacot
Model Reviewed:
rodeo
Strength:
NOTHING
Weakness:
EVERYTHING ABOUT IT IS WORTHLESS Worse vehicle in the world. Got the notice about premature breakage on the timing belt too late, i.e., had to have engine rebuilt. . . then this year, the crankshaft breaks, messing the rebuilt engine up. Would not recommend this vehicle to my WORST ENEMY. Horrible, nothing but trouble since 65,000 mile mark. . . having to junk it now and it is only a few months past 5 years old. DO NOT BUY AN ISUZU!! HORRIBLE PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY. Similar Products Used: Chevy Suburban Honda Civic Toyota Rav |
[Feb 15, 2004]
Whalen
Model Reviewed:
Isuzu Rodeo
Strength:
Looks pretty. You'll look great standing next to it while your stranded on the side of the road!
Weakness:
electrical windows, locks. Back hatch window doesn't close. Engine knocks. Poor gas milage, and uses alot of oil. Worst vehicle we have ever owned. DON'T BUY AN ISUZU! First week of owning it the so called "brand new" battery went dead, had to replace. Then engine started making knocking sounds when started and when cold, but would stop when warmed up, told its "normal". Rear electric locks are useless, don't work. One side doesn't lock, the other side doesn't unlock. driver side window won't go down, too expensive to fix. Hatch back window doesn't always close, have to keep trying until it latches, sometimes at least 5-6times. Rear windshield wiper broke within a month of owning car. Poor gas milage, and uses alot of oil. We have done regular oil changes on this car since the beginning. Now have to replace the transmission, as the light is blinking and the car has almost zero power. Just the cost of a trans is 1500! Not including labor! ABS light constantly coming on. Check engine light goes on and off (yes we tightned the gas cap, no change) Belts squeel when starting car. No one can find anything "wrong" with it when we take it in for service. Looking to trade in for a new car, but trade in value is 3k and we owe 8k on it still! |
[Jan 19, 2004]
Caroline McBride
Model Reviewed:
Isuzu Rodeo
Strength:
NONE
Weakness:
EVERYTHING This was the worst mistake I ever made.We have had nothing but problems in the 7 months we have owned this car.Numerous problems with popping noises when you turn the wheel, unexplained noises(the dealers can't find out what they are) and a few days ago the brakes locked up like the parking brake was on but it wasn't.The brakes were smoking the whole way to the dealership and by the time we got there the car wouldn't even stop.The trans is most likely shot as well as the master brake cylinder.Dealers say that WE caused the problem and won't cover it under warranty and won't give us a rental.We have tried for numerous times to contact Isuzu in CA but they won't return my phone calls. If anyone else has had this brake problem please email me at carolineb_20@hotmail.com.Overall WORST vehicle experience EVER and we can't wait to be rid of this SUV. |