1998 Isuzu Rodeo review from North America

The first problem we experienced was a blemish in the paint after we had owned the car for about a year. The clear coat appeared to have worn through in a spot on the hood about the size of a quarter. The dealer refused any responsibility.

Around that same time we began to hear a rattling noise from under the dash behind the passenger air bag. This time the dealer was willing to perform the necessary maintenance, but after returning the car several times the source of trouble was never found. This continued until the warranty ran out, and again they refused any further responsibility.

At about 80,000 miles the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced. Inspection of the old gasket revealed it had been damaged upon installation at the factory. How it lasted 80,000 miles is beyond me.

Finally, in 2003 we noticed that the entire paint job was covered with tiny little checks in the clear coat. Repainting is the only option.

The car runs good despite all the rumors I have heard about valve train problems.

The automatic transmission is a bit clunky, but seems to work well. I was surprised to find that the cost of a fluid change was over $400.

The drivers seat is the most uncomfortable I have ever experienced.

When it runs it runs well, but maintenance is very expensive.

The paint is terrible! It looks awful after only five years. It's a shame you can't buy one bare metal and have a quality paint job done on your own.