1998 Isuzu Rodeo LS review from North America

Intake manifold gasket leak at 140,000 miles.

Alternator went bad at about 110,000 miles.

Brake rotor went out of round about 70,000 miles (warped Yokohama tires replaced; no problems since.)

Just changed factory plugs at 140,000 miles (I don't recommend this ;)

AC control knob is loose. (about 100,000 miles)

Very roomy and great for hauling. I've moved refrigerators, & furniture in the cabin.

Hauls pretty good for a smaller SUV. I pulled an 18 ft fiberglass power boat for 5 years.

The 6 cylinder 304 HP has good pick up for an SUV.

Ride is a little bumpy and wears on you on LONG trips. Stereo speakers on my 1991 Rodeo were better.

I’ve been driving my ’98 Rodeo 4x4 LS since I bought it used in 2000. I traded my 1991 Rodeo 4x2 for it. I’ve been very happy with the ’98. My only complaints have been the less than stellar gas mileage (about 16 city, 22 hwy) and the ride is pretty rough. You feel every bump in the road. I probably should have upgrade the shocks long ago, but I didn’t.

I’ve started to have many of the problem others on this board have mentioned such as the gas gauge inaccuracy and the intake manifold gasket leak. However, I didn’t begin to have these problems until well over 100,000 miles. The intake gasket didn’t give out until about a month ago at 140,000 miles! I don’t know about you, but that’s not to shabby in my book. The only other repairs I’ve made to this vehicle have been new alternator (about 110,000 miles), and the brake rotors kept going out of round (that turned out to be warped Yokohama tires; not the Rodeo. The Cooper Tires are working fine since about 90,000 miles.)

I’ve owned two Rodeos now and can proudly say I’d buy another if they still made them. For the price, and that’s a very important element of the Rodeo charm, you’d be hard pressed to find a better vehicle. If you want a vehicle you can weld the hood shut, buy a Cadillac or a Benz SUV. If you want one real people can afford, buy an Isuzu.