1998 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.6 from North America

Summary:

Nice looking, fun SUV for small change

Faults:

There are times when it is cold outside that the engine will idle higher than normal. I had to replace the electric window switch on the drivers door.

General Comments:

I have to say that I am very happy with my Rodeo. I have the 5 speed manual, V6 That's very fun to drive. My favorite point of this vehicle is it's duality. I can drive my daughter to school in comfort with reasonable handling and ride quality and if, on the way home I spot a nice dirt road, one push of the 4WD button and it's fun in the mud. The Rodeo is not flawless and there are nicer SUV's of the same year. It has it's quirks, particularly in the cold it may take several attempts to start or Idle very high. The cabin is very roomy, you can fold the rear seats flat and get some impressive cargo space. I like the look of the exterior and if you keep it nice and clean you can't really tell its almost 10 years old. I should add that with it's limited problems my Rodeo still has 144,000 miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2007

1998 Isuzu Rodeo 6cl from North America

Summary:

You really don't want me to say it!

Faults:

Brakes have failed more than once this time caused a serious accident which I am being held responsible for! I got a ticket for failing to yield when I had my foot on the brake at least 100 ft! Have had it to dealer and they sent me away saying not to worry! Now I can get no lawyer to take the case cause they are too big to sue!

General Comments:

Brakes don't work they did not fix on recall. Help if anyone has this problem email me so I have prouf in court I'm not alone! Sheltimom3@aol.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd September, 2007

1998 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L from North America

Summary:

Great vehicle, hard to find parts in Canada

Faults:

Wiring and/or computer problem.

Everything was fine, it was a little hard to start lately, but likely an unrelated problem. Then yesterday all of a sudden the radio started to cut out when I used the brakes or signal lights and the engine was revving high.

I parked the truck for a few hours, when I came out it would barely start because the battery was almost dead. That is when the big problems started:

-the engine wouldn't idle below 2000

-radio speakers would cut out when I used the window, brakes or signals

-speedometer began acting erratically

-tachometer only worked intermittently

-windshield whippers very slow, no force

-engine had low acceleration intermittently

I took the truck straight to the dealer because I was afraid it was going to die in the middle of the road. When I got to the dealership it wouldn't start again, the battery was dead.

The dealership mentioned that it is common for the wiring harness connectors behind the left front headlight to short out due to corrosion. I was wondering if anyone else has had these problems or if anyone knows what could be causing this.

General Comments:

The vehicle is a good size, not too big, not too small. It handles very well in the snow and seems to have a lot of power for it's size. I am very impressed with the overall design and handling of the vehicle.

There are a few other minor things wrong with it, but nothing too out of the ordinary for a ten year old vehicle.

-master power window switch failed

-burns a little oil (Castral oil for high millage engines helped a lot)

-Sometimes there is a clunking noise in forward from stop (I have learned to ignore it)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd September, 2007

1998 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 3.2 V6 from North America

Summary:

A great vehicle with a terrible engine

Faults:

Common flaw for this engine-It burns about a quart of oil every 600 miles.

Fuel pump went out the other day-150,000 miles.

Another common flaw for this engine-The EGR valve needs to be replaced.

The front end suspensoin is loose and shaky at speed.

The shock absorbers are completely blown.

General Comments:

This is a great looking car with a lot of clever details designerd into it. When they say utility, they're not kidding. I've had everything from 12 mounted tires to a motor scooter in the back of this car, and I was still able to close the tailgate and back window. The manual transmission is great to have on curvy roads and on the highway. Not only does it improve performance, but it adds some fun to the drive as well. Unfortunatly, this excellent vehicle is spoiled by a notoriously unreliable engine. I have yet to see an Isuzu with this engine with more than 170,000 miles. A comparable Toyota 4Runner can run well twice as long. I'm a mechanic, and nothing on this engine makes sense. Not only is the labor ridiculous, but the parts are hard to find, and once they're found, they cost as much as-or more than-comparable BMW parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th August, 2007

13th Sep 2007, 23:55

Hmmm, I'm surprised you've never seen/heard of this particular motor lasting for more than 170k miles.

I currently have 175k miles on my '97 Rodeo, owned since new, and haven't had to put a dime in her aside from normal maintenance.

Go to automotiveforums.com, planetisuzoo.com; or 4x4wire.com - there are PLENTY of 93-97 Isuzu Rodeo's with the 3.2L engine on the road, many many of them are FAR past 170k miles with no major issues and all original equipment.

I'm currently on my 2nd Rodeo, and 2nd Toyota, and I'll tell you, my Rodeo's have been more reliable than my Toyota trucks have been.

Parts are not that hard to come by; you just have to know where to get them.

Problem with Isuzu's is many many people buy them, neglect them, then get upset and put a bad rap on the manufacturer, when they are the ones at fault for neglecting normal routine maintenance.