1998-04 Isuzu Rodeo | Consumer Guide Auto

Midsize SUV; Built in USA

4-door wagon

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $1,800 – $5,600*

1999 Isuzu Rodeo

1998 Isuzu Rodeo

2000 Isuzu Rodeo interior

2000 Isuzu Rodeo

Pros:	Acceleration (V6) Standard antilock braking Passenger and cargo room
Cons:	Engine noise Fuel economy Road noise

With the V6, a Rodeo accelerates better than most Japanese rivals, leaning toward the “sport” side of sport utility. Prices are not cheap, however, and Rodeo has no standout features that put it above the competition. That makes it an acceptable choice, but not a compelling one.

Overview

Redesigning of Isuzu’s U.S.-built midsize sport-utility vehicle gave it rounded styling and extra power. Honda again marketed a retrimmed Rodeo as the Passport. Both were built from an Isuzu design at the Subaru-Isuzu assembly plant in Indiana. Just slightly longer than its predecessor, the revised Rodeo measured four inches wider. Shortening the wheelbase by 2.3 inches helped reduce curb weight by 285 pounds. A flip-up rear window was retained from the prior generation, but a side-hinged tailgate replaced the former drop-down gate. Ordinarily, the spare tire sat under the cargo area, but an externally mounted spare tire was a no-charge option. Two Rodeo versions were offered: S and better-equipped LS, with either 2-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive, the latter for use on slippery surfaces only. A dashboard switch replaced a floor lever to activate the 4WD shift-on-the-fly transfer case. A 4-cylinder engine was standard on the 2-wheel-drive Rodeo S, while a 205-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 was standard on the LS and available on the S. A manual transmission was standard with either engine, but automatic came only with the V6. A Rodeo could tow as much as 4500 pounds. Dual airbags were installed in a redesigned dashboard. Four-wheel antilock braking was standard, not optional as before. Rivals included the Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and Toyota 4Runner.

Yearly Updates

1999 Rodeo
A new top-of-the-line LSE model joined the lineup for 1999, featuring leather upholstery and a power moonroof. Otherwise, only minor equipment changes were evident. An outside-mounted spare tire was installed on 4WD LSE models, and offered as a no-charge option on others. A tilt steering wheel now was standard in all Rodeos with the V6 engine.

2000 Rodeo
Adjustable shock absorbers were new this year and 16-inch tires replaced all 15-inchers, as Isuzu redesigned the front and rear fascias of this midsize SUV. Standard on the LSE and optional on LS, the new Intelligent Suspension Control featured a dashboard button to adjust shock damping between Sport and Normal settings. Honda Passports did not get the adjustable-shock system. A new Ironman package debuted for the LS, marking Isuzu’s sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition. The package included white or black paint over grey lower body panels, crossbars for the roof rack, and special graphics. Cruise control now was standard on V6 Rodeos, and an automatic transmission became standard on the LSE edition.

2001 Rodeo
In celebration of Isuzu’s 85th year, an Anniversary Edition was added, along with a revised Ironman Package for 2001.

2002 Rodeo
There were no significant changes for 2002.

2003 Rodeo
There were no significant changes for 2003.

2004 Rodeo
The Rodeo looses its 2-dr model and 4-cyl engine for ’04, but gains a new optional 3.5-liter 250-hp engine. Added midyear was a standard tire-pressure monitor.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	2.2/134
Engine HP	129-130
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	144

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 4-speed automatic	21/24 17/22

dohc I4

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

2.2/134

Engine HP

129-130

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

144

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

21/24
17/22

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.2/193
Engine HP	205
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	214

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 4-speed automatic	16/20 18/20	17.4 16.2

dohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.2/193

Engine HP

205

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

214

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

16/20
18/20

17.4
16.2

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.5/213
Engine HP	250
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	246

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic	17/21

dohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.5/213

Engine HP

250

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

246

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

4-speed automatic

17/21

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4

40%

Fuel Economy - 3

30%

Ride Quality - 2

20%

Steering/Handling - 4

40%

Quietness - 4

40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6

60%

Room/Comfort Front - 6

60%

Room/Comfort Rear - 4

40%

Cargo Room - 8

80%

Other

Value - 3

30%

Total: 44

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Rodeo 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4

80%

Front Passenger Injury - 4

80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5

100%

Rear Passenger Injury - 5

100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	110
Injury	88
Theft	85

2000 Isuzu Rodeo	Pricing Effective: 11/24/1999
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	$ 18,080	$ 17,176	$ 495
S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	20,985	19,036	495
S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	21,985	20,226	495
S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	23,440	21,565	495
S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	24,440	22,485	495
LS 2WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	23,435	21,325	495
LS 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	24,435	22,235	495
LS 4WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	26,120	23,769	495
LS 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	27,120	24,678	495
LSE 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	28,790	26,055	495
LSE 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	31,265	28,295	495
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
S : 2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, dual front airbags, antilock brakes, variable-assist power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, 4-speaker AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, map lights, dual outside mirrors, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 225/75R16 tires
S V6 adds : 3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire
LS adds : air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, 6-speaker sound system, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, floormats, theft-deterrent system, roof rack, 4WD adds: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire
LSE adds: 4-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer, power sunroof, fog lights, cross rails for roof rack, rear privacy glass, adjustable shock absorbers, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1	S, S V6	$1145	$998
Mfr. Disc.		1010	899
Air conditioning, roof rack. Requires rear wiper/washer.
Ironman Pkg.	LS	1052	936
Adjustable shock absorbers, unique floormats, cross rails for roof rack, grey bumpers and fender flares, grey bodyside moldings, Ironman Triathalon badging and graphics, unique spare tire cover.
Gold Pkg.	LSE	400	316
Gold badging, special alloy wheels w/gold accents, gold lettered spare tire cover. Requires outside-mounted spare tire.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Air conditioning	S	950	845
Power sunroof	LS 2WD automatic, LS 4WD	700	623
6-disc CD changer	LS	353	314
Rear wiper/washer	S, S V6	47	42
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Brush guard		298	236
Running boards		360	283
Side steps		355	281
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Outside-mounted spare tire	2WD	0	0
Trailer hitch		253	200
Alloy wheels	LS	400	356

2001 Isuzu Rodeo	Pricing Effective: 07/16/2001
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	$ 18,290	$ 17,797	$ 610
S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	19,290	18,747	610
S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	21,175	19,936	610
S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	22,175	20,866	610
S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, manual	23,605	22,194	610
S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	24,605	23,125	610
LS 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	23,600	21,982	610
LS 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	24,600	22,907	610
LS 4WD 4-door wagon, manual	26,260	24,426	610
LS 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	27,260	25,350	610
LSE 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	29,295	27,100	610
LSE 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	31,730	29,341	610
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
S : 2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock brakes, variable-assist power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, map lights, dual outside mirrors, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 225/75R16 tires
S V6 adds : 3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, outside-mounted spare tire
LS adds : air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, upgraded sound system, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, floormats, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire
LSE adds: 4-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, 4-way power front seats, heated power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof, fog lights, rear privacy glass, adjustable shock absorbers, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, outside-mounted spare tire

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 44

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

2002 Isuzu Rodeo	Pricing Effective: 10/09/2001
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	$ 18,380	$ 17,885	$ 610
S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	19,380	18,830	610
S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	21,265	20,020	610
S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	22,265	20,950	610
S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, manual	23,695	22,280	610
S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	24,695	23,210	610
LS 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	25,085	23,350	610
LS 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	27,745	25,800	610
LSE 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	29,295	27,100	610
LSE 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	31,730	29,340	610
Price Note:

2003 Isuzu Rodeo and Rodeo Sport	Pricing Effective: 02/07/2003
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD Rodeo Sport S 4-cylinder 2-door convertible, manual	$ 13,999	$ 13,848	$ 625
2WD Rodeo Sport S 4-cylinder 2-door wagon, automatic	15,999	15,789	625
2WD Rodeo Sport S V6 2-door wagon, automatic	17,665	16,827	625
4WD Rodeo Sport S V6 2-door wagon, automatic	19,415	18,438	625
2WD Rodeo S 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, manual	15,999	15,599	625
2WD Rodeo S 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic	18,999	18,419	625
2WD Rodeo S V6 4-door wagon, automatic	20,499	19,269	625
4WD Rodeo S V6 4-door wagon, manual	21,379	20,095	625
4WD Rodeo S V6 4-door wagon, automatic	22,379	21,035	625
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
Rodeo Sport S 4-cylinder convertible : 2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, dual front airbags, antilock brakes, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, manual front sunroof, driver-side visor mirror, intermittent wipers, map lights, rear folding top, skid plates, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 245/70R16 tires
Rodeo Sport S 4-cylinder wagon adds: 4-speed automatic transmission, AM/FM/CD player, manual rear sunroof, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, (Deletes rear folding top)
Rodeo Sport S V6 adds: 3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, variable-intermittent wipers, theft-deterrent system, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes
Rodeo S manual adds to Rodeo Sport S 4-cylinder wagon: 5-speed manual transmission, split folding rear seat, rear privacy glass, 225/75R16 tires, (Deletes front and rear manual sunroofs)
Rodeo S automatic adds: 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, roof rails
Rodeo S V6 adds to Rodeo S manual: 3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, theft-deterrent system, 245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes

2004 Isuzu Rodeo	Pricing Effective: 05/25/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD S 3.2 4-door wagon, manual	$ 19,799	$ 18,611	$ 650
2WD S 3.2 4-door wagon, automatic	20,949	19,692	650
4WD S 3.2 4-door wagon, automatic	22,829	21,459	650
2WD S 3.5 4-door wagon, automatic	23,699	22,277	650
4WD S 3.5 4-door wagon, automatic	25,699	24,157	650
Price Note: S 3.2 w/automatic requires Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Standard Equipment
S 3.2 : 3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, power steering, cruise control (automatic), cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 225/75R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, skid plates, 245/70R16 tires
S 3.5 adds: 3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, power driver seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, cargo cover, roof rails, 245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, heated power mirrors, skid plates