Faults:

The Rodeo was running great with no problems until I took it in for inspection. My exhaust manifold cracked and 4 bolts had stripped. This was in May of 2005. It took until August to get the part from back order and cost $400 with labor.

Just today the check engine light came on so now I'm looking at another big bill. The worst part is the nearest dealer is an hour away.

General Comments:

I love this SUV. It handles great, has good gas mileage for an SUV. The interior is roomy and comfortable. For the first year I owned it, I smiled everytime I looked at it. But with the recent mechanical problems, I'm second guessing it now. If these are the only problems I have, it's a great buy. If there's more, I won't be keeping it long.

Faults:

Bumper bar mounted driving / fog lights tend to malfunction.

Front tyres experience faster wear than the rear tyres.

The interior carpet is wearing badly.

General Comments:

V6 engine has sufficient power for highway driving with good fuel consumption.

Highway traveling with cruise control on causes the automatic gear box to hunt for gears.

Mid mounted fuel tank reduces clearance which inhibits off road capability.

Seats lack hamstring support causing discomfort on long trips.

Modern car like interior with all controls in easy to reach places.

Handles minor off road and sandy beach surfaces extremely well.

Faults:

Alignment was off at 2000 miles. Warranty/Dealer didn't cover it.

Brake & gas pedal squeaks. Dealer lubed it up at no cost.

At times key will not come out of ignition.

At 62000 miles, paid $375 to replace mode switch (transmission related where the gear shifter was not lining up properly). Not covered by warranty. Read many other posts on the net that owners are experiencing the same problem.

General Comments:

Will not buy another Rodeo or Isuzu again.

Faults:

2 Starters.

Transmission.

Water Pump.

Gas Gauge.

Fuel Pump (attached to the gas gauge)

2 Batteries.

A/c Compressor.

EGR system clogs easily.

Computer Brain for the truck.

General Comments:

I love my Rodeo... and got it brand new with a 120K mile power-train warranty, which has helped since so much has gone wrong with it.

My family has 4 Rodeo's in all and the 2001 model has been more of a lemon than any of them.However, out of the 4, model years 1998-2002, all of the gas gauges went out before 70k miles.

I was VERY disappointed with the apparent policies regarding repairs. If a transmission goes bad, under warranty, and you are without a vehicle, I feel that a loaner car should be provided. I was out over $600 in rental car fees at Christmas because they had to order a transmission and then the holidays closed down the dealership.

I would have a difficult time recommending this vehicle to someone.

Faults:

Transmission servo (I'm not sure if the spelling is correct) piston was replaced at 40,000 miles. Transmission servo seal is blown and servo needs replaced again, at almost 80,000 miles. These items were covered under warranty.

Passenger doors leak glue in hot climates.

General Comments:

Other than the transmission problem and the glue leaking, the rodeo has been a reliable and dependable SUV.

The rodeo interior is not that of a luxury car; however, it is practical.

This SUV has a quick take off and good handling.

The rear seat has plenty of leg room.

The console area is too small.

The power and ice button are in a bad location due to the possibility of accidentally engaging them by sitting an item on the button. They are located between the seats beside the emergency brake.

The cruise control must be turned on by a button located on the dash near the drivers door, before it can be engaged. This is a little inconvenient.