1995 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2

Summary:

Good running vehicle

Faults:

Steering wheel was off centered, the first day I picked it up at the dealership.

Steering wheel would shake when slightly turning the wheel at about 50mph.

Both front window switches broken, because it was plastic.

Rear window switches work intermittently.

Rear glass hatch not latching properly when it's cold outside.

Had to put in a new starter, alternator, valve cover gaskets, head gasket. Recently put in a new muffler system.

Engine went dead after 218,000 miles. Recently put in another engine, which lasted only approximately 12,000 miles.

Rear is rusted badly.

When it rains, it leaks water inside from somewhere, and the driver's side has a large puddle of water each time. I can hear the water sloshing along the inside right side of the vehicle. Cannot find that leak.

General Comments:

This truck has taken me from the East Coast to the West Coast with no issues. Put over 10,000 miles on one trip. Changed the oil every 3,000 miles.

Enjoyed the inside comfort during the long stretch of highway driving.

Sad to have to give it up after 16 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2011

1995 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2 Liter

Summary:

Extremely reliable and great performing truck without breaking your wallet

Faults:

In this post, I classify "gone wrong" as anything that has either malfunctioned or has broken (ceased to function) before the specified life cycle of the specific component in question. After 14 years of ownership, nothing has "gone wrong" on my truck, other than the parts, components, and systems/sub-systems that are supposed to wear out after continuous usage over the duration, ie., brakes, water pump, battery, etc.

General Comments:

This truck has been as reliable as any vehicle could be in 14 years of continuous operation... Isuzu manufactured and delivered an outstanding product to market, in its 1995.5 Isuzu Rodeo. Few factoids that underscore the unusually superb reliability & service record of my truck:

1. My 1st set of brakes lasted 115,000 miles!

2. My 2nd set of brakes lasted 98,000 miles!

3. My 3rd set of brakes lasted 96,000 miles!

4. Just installed my 4th set of brakes at 309,000 miles

5. 1st & 2nd sets of tires (Goodyear) together only lasted 120,000 miles

6. 3rd set of tires (Michelin) lasted 105,000 miles!

7. Currently on my 4th set of tires (Michelin), at approximately 84,000 miles

8. After 309,000 miles, my ORIGINAL AC/heater air compressor is still working!

9. The Isuzu dealer said that the inside of my engine was so clean that they used it as the "poster child" to show what a clean engine looks like with proper maintenance.

10. After 309,000 miles, my transmission has never broken down.

I attribute the stellar performance of my Rodeo to nothing more than predictive/preventive maintenance at the proper intervals over the duration. I would love to replace this truck in the future, but I have no justification, as this truck literally runs as well as it did the day I drove it off the lot.

I am also the owner of 2006 Infiniti G35. Fantastic little car, however; I do not expect it to last as long as my Isuzu Rodeo has... at least not as long without spending a whole lot of money and some careful driving of course.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2009

20th Feb 2010, 14:43

Thank you for an excellent review. I'm seriously considering purchasing a 1995 Rodeo with the V-6, 5-speed 4x4 transmission, and the detail in your review is making me want to get it all the more!

10th Apr 2010, 23:04

I love my 1995 Isuzu Rodeo... I am the first and only owner, I bought it way back in Dec 27, 1994 at Gateway Isuzu Columbus, GA. and I only paid $16,800, 7 miles. Since then I had only had to replaced the starter once, alternator once, fuel pump once, and my clutch just 2 weeks ago. Of course other than routine maintenance and tune ups.

246K miles now (10 Apr 2010). Still runs great, clean engine, no smoke, a small valve cover oil leak, and the ticking. but I have no complains, it is good on snow, ice and rain (Colorado Spgs)... I wish I could find another one 1995-1997 in a newer and better shape. Get a Rodeo, I recommend them to anyone.

4th Jul 2012, 07:19

Nice! It's good to see all the stellar reviews for the Rodeo, as I just got a 95.5 with 137k. It runs and sounds great, and I don't doubt it is going to run for a long long time.

The clutch is getting worn though, and I was quoted $1400 for replacement from all the shops I called. I know this is "book" price, but I am wondering what others have paid to have the same repair done? (DIY for me is not an option)

28th Aug 2012, 18:45

I just put my third clutch in my 95.5 Rodeo, and it cost me with labor and parts, roughly 700.00...