1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.4 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Very good car if you keep it maintained

Faults:

Since I had it, I had to replace the drive belt, the tensioner pulley, and that's it.

I've ran it hard and drive it every day. But it uses about a quart of oil a week. But all around it's been a really good car.

General Comments:

I bought the car and put a cold air intake on it and a muffler system, and after that it was pretty quick for a SUV 4x4, and there are a lot of tuner cars that get beat by it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2009

1999 Isuzu Rodeo from North America

Summary:

I would not ever buy this car again!

Faults:

ABS light comes on while I am driving it. I have to stop the car, restart it, and drive a couple of miles to make it go off (this happens a few times a day). I have taken to several shops, including Isuzu.

Shifter will be in one gear, and the light on the dash show another gear, needed transmission mode switch changed.

Every few days it will die at stop signs/red lights.

Makes a terrible noise near the muffler area when I hit the gas but no one can seem to fix it.

Wind shield wipers only work in the fast motion, otherwise they turn off in the middle of the window.

Eats oil.

When car is in Park, the rpm will go up and the engine gets loud. It sounds like I am stepping on the gas pedal.

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

Review Date: 4th November, 2008

1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 3.2L from North America

Summary:

OK

Faults:

Gas gauge broken, catalytic converters clogged at 70,000 miles, engine light constantly on somehow linked to the oxygen sensor, starter going bad, front axle cracked, handle on back hatch broke twice, needs constant oil (switched to 15/40 and that did the trick), AC broken at 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

I was surprised to see that I am not the only one with the laundry list of problems with the Rodeo. However, despite all of the issues, the green beast is still kicking. The concerns with this car are not that they are unusual. The main concern is that these issues appear to be common too many Rodeo/Passport owners. My mom had a Passport and had the same issues - difficulty starting the car and the gas gauge broke. Amazing...

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

Review Date: 20th October, 2008

1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2 from North America

Summary:

You get what you pay for

Faults:

I've noticed a semi-loud metallic ticking from the passenger-side valve head. It's only loud or noticeable between 2200-3000rpm in any gear range.

Now just a couple days ago, I was riding on the highway for a solid 60 miles or so, and the noise got louder and more responsive to my accelerating.

I took my exit off the highway, and came to a stop at the traffic light. Now the metallic ticking noise is constant with idling, even though it wasn't before. I would assume this is valve related (top end), correct me if I'm wrong... I just don't know what to point the finger at i.e. rocker arm, valve guide, valve, connecting rod, lifter etc.

Can some one give me an idea as to what this symptom could be, and what it's gonna cost me to fix it, ball park. Thank you.

General Comments:

Up until now, it's been OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th October, 2008

15th Oct 2008, 22:08

I believe that this is a 3.2 liter GM 6 cylinder. What you are hearing are dry valve lifters. If this is it, it will not damage the engine. If the oil is changed, it will probably go away for a few thousand miles but will reoccur over and over as the oil gets broken down. Welcome to the joys of Isuzu Rodeo ownership. I suffered with one for ten years and was ecstatic to replace it.

8th Jun 2009, 20:16

I love the truck, but the motor has some inherent flaws. Your valve tick is commonplace, and is one of the reasons I'm pulling the Isuzu motor out. Currently looking for a GM 60 degree V6 to replace it. Probably a 3.4 or 3.8 liter GM. This will bolt right in, but not sure about the electrics.

Looking for a 3.4 1st gen. push-rod style as I prefer carburetors over fuel injection. (yes I'm weird)