Peppy, cute , rugged

Very unreliable after it hits 65.000 Parts and diagnoses expensive and hard to get Terrible resale value ABS Light a constant problem

The Isuzu Rodeo seemed like a great car till it hit the 65000 miles mark !!Ir eally enjoyed driving/ owning it . Then it turned within a copuple of weeks into the most expensive and unpredictable NIGHTMARE that I have experienced in my 24 years behind the wheeels of uesed cars !!!!!! Yes, like with so many of you it is the engine light that comes on and off, the ABS Light that taunts me with its unreliable signal: the car is sputtering and stalling one day and driving just fine the next day . It feels like you drive a completelly schizophrenic machine !I bring it into the workshop and the guys can't diagnose a problem m, so they give it back to me and the problem starts again.They put some kind of sensor and vacuum gauge in ( $400 for part and all the diagnostic time ) but after 3 days the stalling and sputtering and the ABS light starts again .Now the steering wheel freezes up ever so often when i turn left Did I mention that I had to also pay $300 to get the back wheel bearings ( axle grease was leaking) and the broken wheeelstuds fixed ??? And that it takes about a week every time We need a new part to get it from the next big town ? I have never been so frustrated by a car and I would like to save the reader of this review this very unpleasant experience . DO not trust a RODEO !!! Not ever ...

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Looks good. Faster and stronger than my 1994. I live in CO and it is awesome in the snow when I need the 4 wheel drive. Always gets me to and from work in bad snow weather.

Burns more oil than the normal vehicle. 1 qt every 450 miles??? Something is obviously wrong but the dealer is watching it. Good thing it's still under warranty.

I bought my first Rodeo brand new in 1994. Absolutely loved the car. Was only in the shop once to replace clutch cylinder. Always took good care of it and my husband did all the regular maintenance. Only had to replace brakes once at 150k miles. Sold it with 168k miles with original clutch. Would rate that vehicle with 5 stars. I loved it so much, I replaced it with a used 2000 Rodeo LS. Have had this vehicle for 8 months. Already having problems with it. Two months ago I had to take it in to the dealer and almost didn't make it. I had to keep the RPM's revved up on it because it wanted to stall everytime I came to a stop. Ended up having to replace the EGR valve. A week ago started an oil consumption test with the dealer. Uses 1 quart of oil every 450 miles and it's burning it, it's not on my garage floor. Have had this problem from the beginning. Last couple of days I noticed it running rough at an idle like it wants to stall. Today the check engine light came on and is flashing off and on. Called dealer, he said it may have a defective EGR valve. Taking to dealer after work. Almost wishing I would have kept my old faithful 1994 Rodeo which I sold to a friend and understand it is still running strong.

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LOOKS GOOD, COMFORTABLE RIDE AND HANDLES WELL EXCEPT FOR OVERACTIVE AND DEFECTIVE ABS

DEFECTIVE ABS, NO DEALER OR MANUFACTURER SULPPORT - WAS SHOUTED AT WHEN TRYING TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ISUZU.

IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS, ABS KICKED IN BUT WHEN IT DID I LOST ALL BRAKING POWER. AT 50 MPH I HAD TO VEER OFF ROAD TO AVOID CARS AHEAD ALTHOUGH I HAD PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM. DEALERSHIP SAID THERE'S NOTHING WRONG AND BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO PERFORM THAT WAY - WOULD NOT FIX IT - ACCORDING TO THEM THERE WAS NOTHING TO FIX. WOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK - GENEREL MANAGER STATED IT WOULD HAVE TO HAPPEN 3 MORE TIMES TO INVOKE NC LEMON LAW. I HAD TRADED A 2002 ISUZU RODEO FOR DOING THE SAME THING. ALSO HAD QUIRKY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD EITHER NOT TURN ON OR SHOW AS OVERHEATING

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1991 ISUZU RODEO - WONDERFUL CAR - GREAT PERFORMANCE ALTHOUGH ABS SYSTEM NEVER FUNCTIONED - WHICH TURNS OUT WAS A VERY GOOD THING FOR ME - STILL DRIVING IT WITH OVER 200,000 MILES - THEY DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THEY USED TO.

LOOKS GOOD, COMFORTABLE RIDE AND HANDLES WELL EXCEPT FOR OVERACTIVE AND DEFECTIVE ABS

DEFECTIVE ABS, NO DEALER OR MANUFACTURER SULPPORT - WAS SHOUTED AT WHEN TRYING TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ISUZU.

IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS, ABS KICKED IN BUT WHEN IT DID I LOST ALL BRAKING POWER. AT 50 MPH I HAD TO VEER OFF ROAD TO AVOID CARS AHEAD ALTHOUGH I HAD PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM. DEALERSHIP SAID THERE'S NOTHING WRONG AND BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO PERFORM THAT WAY - WOULD NOT FIX IT - ACCORDING TO THEM THERE WAS NOTHING TO FIX. WOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK - GENEREL MANAGER STATED IT WOULD HAVE TO HAPPEN 3 MORE TIMES TO INVOKE NC LEMON LAW. I HAD TRADED A 2002 ISUZU RODEO FOR DOING THE SAME THING. ALSO HAD QUIRKY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD EITHER NOT TURN ON OR SHOW AS OVERHEATING

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1991 ISUZU RODEO - WONDERFUL CAR - GREAT PERFORMANCE ALTHOUGH ABS SYSTEM NEVER FUNCTIONED - WHICH TURNS OUT WAS A VERY GOOD THING FOR ME - STILL DRIVING IT WITH OVER 200,000 MILES - THEY DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THEY USED TO.

Engine power, MPG (19.5 combo city and highway), ride with new shocks is firm, quiet, and well-controlled. (Any squeak/ rattle/ early ABS engagement issues are taken care of with the new Bilsteins.) Check other discussion forums for confirmation of this, the price, looooong warranty, nice stock tires, quality paint, very bright headlights, Torque on demand and limited slip rear end make for a very capable vehicle in the snow. Four wheel disc brakes and ABS! 4,500 lb. tow rating, very tight turning radius, excellent ground clearance,

The famous Isuzu oil consumption. Here's the deal: It's normal for Isuzu engines to burn, use, or otherwise consume oil. Period. Either you don't mind or you do. Most don't. Me? I just went and bought a case of oil (costs less that way) and keep a few quarts in the back. I use 1 to 1 1/2 quarts every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Since I check my oil at every fueling it's not a big deal. Hate to get your hands dirty? Buy a glove. It's really not that big a deal. All vehicles burn oil; it's designed into the engine. Those who brag about how their engine "doesn't burn a drop" are either embellishing or don't drive enough to burn off the accumulated gasoline, coolant, and condensed water in the crankcase. Repeat, all engines burn oil. Ok, onward. Short shift throws in the 5 speed make for frequent shifting in the city. Seat needs to be a little higher off the floor and could go back another inch (I'm 6'3" so this may not apply to everyone), rear window not factory tinted along with the sides (I know, minor issue but I told you this was a good truck). Rear mounted tire blocks rear visibility, power mirrors should go outward more to increase rear/side visibility, need tint at top of windshield,

Well, I looked for an SUV for quite some time before buying my truck. I kept going around and around as I was not impressed by the popular SUVs out there. Too big, rounded and ugly (think Trailblazer), no power and horrendous handling (Explorer), or too expensive (Pathfinder and Toyota). What are these designers thinking? I couldn't believe that out of all of the manufacturers I couldn't find even one that had the features I wanted. Then I realized I'd been skipping by the Rodeo; mostly because of the poor ratings offered by Edmunds. I won't make that mistake again. Simply put, the Rodeo is the gem of the lot. If your goal is to purchase a dependable, attractive, powerful truck that gets respectable MPG then the Rodeo might be for you. First off, it has fast-back styling cues, a snubbed-nosed yet aggressive front end, respectable 16 inch 245/60 series Bridgestone Dueler tires, skid plates throughout, front and rear tow hooks, and the very smooth 3.2 L Isuzu made V6. It's good for 205 HP and 214 lbs of torque. The DOHC 24 valve lets it breathe very nicely and with my 5 speed the power's there right up to 5000 RPM. A standard limited slip Dana 60 rear end gives me confidence that it'll be around a while. Next is the paint. Look around, you'll probably never see a Rodeo with premature rusting; every one I've seen is shiny and glossy. Driving it is a blast. People who ride with me are amazed by the power it has. Even with a full truck frame and 4100 lbs, it moves damn fast. I did, however, have to put new shocks on it. Alas, Isuzu put crappy soft shocks on it that gave up the ghost at 28,000 miles. This is apparently a common problem for them. I simply replaced them with Bilstein and the ride and handling were vastly improved. If you are planning to buy one get the shock swap included in the sales agreement! Ok, what else? Functionality is the order of the day. Instrumentation is direct and simple. Nothing fancy. Th dash is a little dated and my girlfriend says the interior material looks a bit like an airliner seat. I don't mind it. Comfortable seats. I commute 50 miles to work each way and have no complaints. Everything works as it should. All controls are where they should be. Again, functionality first. Now to the best part. The price! I'll be honest, the resale sucks. Buy this truck used and save $8,000 to $12,000, literally. Mine was $29,000 new and I got it 2 1/2 years old with 24,000 miles and it was $14,000 with 6 months full warranty left and 2 1/2 years powertrain and roadside assist left on it. Just don't buy a new one; let someone else take that hit. The Isuzu Rodeo is truly a hidden gem. Not many people realize this but it is true nonetheless. Let them pay 30k or 35k for an inferior product and you can enjoy those $200 a month payments! The $300 left over buys a lot of Sam Adams for your Trailblazer-buying friends who can't afford it anymore!

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looks handeling nice cd disc changer roomy

interior resale value

i bought this truck for my wife in nov.2000. i have been pleased for the most part. gas mileage could be improved 17 and 21. but for a powerful v6 and a suv with 16" tires i guess it can be expected. ride is good not great. truck just hit 45000 miles and i have only had a couple of minor problems. carbon build up in egr ports at 40k.(80 bucks) and serpentine belt replace at 40k.(60) bucks. engine spark knocks if you use only 87 octane fuel.use 93 octane about every 4th tank and this goes away.overall i am very pleased considedering i got it below invoice and 0% fin. for 60 months. 10/120k warranty.dont't forget to tighten gas cap or you will get check engine light.interior is not as nice as other suv's but what a great price and warranty.i would recommend this product.by it to keep b/c resale value sucks.

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Strong, reliable engine, great in the snow, decent sound system. Fairly comfortable and cruises easily at highway speeds.

Gas mileage needs some work. ABS is sensative and kicks in on moderate bumps in the road.

My third Isuzu after 2 Troopers. Each Trooper had over 100K miles when traded and reliablity was great. Rodeo is the same. 58K miles and other that oil changes and standard maint. this car has been great. Looks good, carries plenty and is great in the snow. Isuzu SUV's are the best kept secret going. For the price, nothing compares.

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I currently live in Maine at the bottom of a VERY steep driveway. Thanks to my 4 wheel drive I have never been stuck, need I say more?

My Rodeo makes a lot of squeeks, pings, and random noises. All have been checked out and none have amounted to anything.

Just hit 200,000 miles tiday! I love my Rideo. Bought it for my very large dog and have had no problems. Well, some from car accidents- can't blame the Rodeo for those. Did learn how safe this SUV is...someone ran a red light and plowed into my driver side door and wheel well. I walked away without a scrape even though (I am ashamed to say) I wasn't wearing a seat belt! Did I say it already, I love my Rodeo!

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Powerful and quiet V6; 0-60 in 9.8 sec (stick shift); Cargo space (fits a complete twin bed set with seats down, all doors shut, no joke); solid "bang for the buck" deal. Reliable part-time 4x4 system.

It shouts Charlie Brown. More American car than Japanese. Very reliable if given TLC. Must check tubes, belts, etc often due to extreme weather.

Rodeo was the last pickup-based, body-on-frame SUV on the market until the Nissan XTERRA. In other words, the Rodeo is a REAL SUV for the price a FAKE SUV. That was the only big "wow" about this truck. Otherwise, the Rodeo is sort of a "Charlie Brown" of the pack. You won't look cool. It will not get you girls. It shouts practicality and simplicity. Rides like a truck, turns like a truck, V6 is powerful, and take the abuse off-road. I took it "off-road" in a blizzard near Laramie, WY (freeway shutdown) and the 4WD handled like a champ. Road & Track Magazine clocked the Rodeo 5sp manual V6 - 0-60mph in 9.8 seconds. (Maybe 11.0 sec for automatic). Very impressive for the price. Very reliable, but you need to keep an eye under the hood (as you should with any 4x4). My Rodeo issues were tubes, belts, suspension, power windows, electrical. And I admit that I replace parts fairly often because this car was driven from Oregon to Florida 4 times. Power locks are dead and expensive to fix. No engine problems whatsoever. I prefer the archaic locking hub 4x4 system because it's very durable. I bought at 67000 miles, got it to 155,000 -- traded it at whopping $3500 toward a brand new VW Jetta in 2002. Sales Rep told me my Rodeo sold at $4000. If you want a used Rodeo, buy 1993-97 model with the 3.2 V6. Avoid 4cyl & 3.1 V6! Avoid 98-99-2000. I think 1993-95 were the best-built Rodeos. Hope this helps. Good luck!

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old Pathfinder, old Trooper.

Stylish.............You look good when standing next to it........on the side of the road!!

This thing drinks more oil than gas!!! I was told by the dealership that using 1.5-2 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles was normal for this vehicle. Noise and vibration from day one.

In 30 years of making vehicle purchases, this is the biggest mistake I have ever made. I owned it for 10 months before I traded it off for a Toyota Sequoia. A two word summary: TOTAL CRAP!!!!

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