1997 Isuzu Rodeo Reviews

6 years after my last post regarding this truck; still own it. Now has 197k miles, everything still original.

Currently on it's 4th set of tires, I believe.

Fantastic truck.

Inside/outside of truck still looks less than 30k miles old; truck has aged really well. It has never been garaged, burgundy in color, and live in the snowbelt.

No rust, no fading, seats are still in superb condition.

Only complaint is the gasket on the adaptive pan on the transmission keeps leaking.

Truck is starting to show some age in suspension handling; replaced ball joints a few years back.

Shocks were replaced this year.

Dashboard lights have gone out recently.

Power window regulators (both front windows) have gone out. Easy DIY for about $140 per window.

Usual stuff like brakes, tires, timing belt/water pump combo replaced at 120K.

I also put in a new alternator at 120K. Replaced one battery.

Bad threads on wheel studs. Metal seems to be too soft. Had these stripped by a tire place after a tire rotation. They replaced the studs since they used too much torque on the wrench.

I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo 4WD 3.2L, manual with 160K. Overall a good, reliable SUV. Not the most comfortable ride, but will handle off-road as well as anything you throw under it. Back seat leg-room is best in its class for sure!! I am 6'4" an I can fit in it comfortably.

O2 sensor.

Ball joints.

Fuel tank sensor (?).

Timing belt.

I absolutely loved this little money trap. Bought @ 100k miles, and immediately put $1500 back into it.

After that, oil changes were regular. The 'tapping' engine was annoying and I never quite got used to it. The V6 engine give the machine the pickup it needs and it has good interior room for a 6-footers in the front and back... at the same time.

Really fun to drive!

Averaged close to 20 miles per gallon. Not bad, but generally made it a neglected vehicle, compared to my 30-ish mile per gallon sedan.

The main issue I have had with my vehicle is a squealing belt after the replacement of a alternator. I should clarify, about 10 months ago my alternator went out and was replaced. The belt started to squeal so I took it to a mechanic and found that the pulley bearings went out of the new alternator. I found that if the alternator is not perfectly aligned with will make the belts go squeal and wear out earlier.

I check my oil regularly and find that I put a full quart of high mileage 10W-30 Valvoline Max-life I have always used this weight of oil in all my vehicle of 6 cylinders or more.

I have had my Isuzu for just over two years and love it.

I have no real complaints about my vehicle other than the one mentioned above.

I have noted the reviews after the 97 model year have just went down hill. The issue the 3.2 liter engines had in 96 to 98 was a ticking due to hydraulic lash adjuster failure caused by varnish deposits. They say to use the Mobil synthetic w-30.

While I agree synthetic oil is a good product I get the same results with a high mile oil. As the additives in the mixture are designed to help with varnish and carbon buildup. Even using a regular motor oil then adding sea-foam (it's a oil additive not actual sea-foam) or any other additive designed for varnish/carbon buildup will due the same.