1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS review from North America
"This car is the definition of Lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Gas gauge broke
takes oil
transmission gone out twice
6 disc CD player broken
engine problems.
General comments?
The current problem occurred 2 weeks after replacing the clutch. I started to hear a low rattle/shuffling noise in the engine after it had warmed up, - between 2000-2500 rpm.
After returning it to the dealership where I had the clutch replaced, they told me it was a rod knocking. Not feeling confident in the diagnosis by a young seemingly ignorant new hire mechanic, I took the Rodeo to a highly recommended import auto shop.
They did not believe it was a rod knocking, and began taking things apart. They found a loose timing belt and bad tensioner. Fairly certain that this was the culprit of the noise, these parts were replaced. This work did not fix the noise.
I was then told that without taking the engine apart, they could not pinpoint the problem, and that would be an expense that would not be worth doing. They left it at either a piston slap, or a piston screw.
Anyone with any similar problem?
Recommended Reviews:
  | Started out good, but going downhill fast |
| Not a dependable vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 0/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 89000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Jeep Cherokee |
| Date of Entry | 28th December, 2006 |