1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS review from North America

Front end ball and socket had to be replaced at 45,000 miles.

4 wheel drive button is easily bumped or inadvertently pushed, causing frequent unintended operation in 4-wheel drive.

Power drive and winter buttons are easily pushed due to placement on center console. This can occur just by setting purse or other items in center console.

Engine has a SERIOUS design flaw. There is a service bulletin out on how to test the engine in case of oil consumption. What Isuzu doesn't tell you is that the engine design tightened up the piston ring tolerances to the point that the piston rings can become locked into the piston and allow oil to get into the combustion chamber, thus burning oil without the owner knowing. When this happens, oil consumption can increase to 1 qt every 800 miles.

The vehicle was due for an oil change and the "check oil" light came on. There was no oil on the dipstick. Immediately after the oil was changed the very next day, a "tick" and a "knock" were now in evidence. Prognosis is the tick is a lifter and the knock is a main or connecting rod bearing. Cheapest quote for repair is $4400 for a motor and $1500 labor.

Engine repair shop I talked to was unable to do the centerline boring necessary to rebuild engine because of special offset of this engine.

Isuzu is not being responsive because the vehicle is "out of warranty". We were not notified by any means as to the potential problem. Shame on you Isuzu.

Bottom line: I will NEVER own another Isuzu product, nor will I purchase a vehicle from their parent company.