1999 Isuzu Rodeo LSE from North America - Comments

This is not a case of sour grapes -- these are bad cars. My sister has the Honda Passport, which is exactly the same car, and I have the Rodeo. Both our cars have the same problems: bad O2 sensors, check engine light, ABS light, and faulty gas gauge. It is not a coincidence that so many Rodeo and Passport owners have had these same problems.

I live in Chicago where you are subject to an emissions test every year. My car failed it simply because of the bad O2 sensors, which actually have nothing to do with exhaust emissions directly. The state ended up suspending my license plates and my mechanic wants an arm and a leg to get it to a point where it will pass inspection. At this point I just want to register the car in another town and avoid emissions inspection altogether.

This car also has a very unstable transmission, with all sorts of thumping noises and jolts when I accelerate. At 100k miles everything started going wrong. I had to replace the fan pulley bearing assembly, which itself was $500, and this doesn't include all the other repairs that have run me thousands of dollars. It sucks because I love the car otherwise; very comfy and nice design. But it is sure not worth the headaches and money.

My advice: Be afraid, be VERY afraid (of the Isuzu Rodeo)!!

In 2002, I bought a 1998 2 wheel drive 4 cylinder standard transmission Isuzu Rodeo used on EBAY at about 37,000.

At about 50,000 miles, the check engine light, the fuel tank light, and the ABS light came on.

It now has 110,000 miles. Last month I changed the catalytic converter for $280 (parts and labor) at Meineke Discount Muffler, although the operator of another repair facility had told me that he could only use dealer parts - with the part only costing $1000 to $2,000.

The ABS light stays on constantly - I suspect a wheel sensor.

The gas gauge does not work.

I enjoy the smooth ride of this SUV.

At four cylinders, it is good on gas.

I used my Rodeo only for local driving, within fifteen miles from home.

I own a 1999 Rodeo,4x4. It is great. I have 184,000 miles on it other than regular maintenance, the only problems I have had was O2 sensor, which is easy to install and the part was $52. The gas gauge also is messed up. Few rust spots for here in the Midwest. I get exactly was the sticker said 16mpg city and 20mpg hwy. 4x4 is great, on the fly hit the button and 3seconds latter its on.

To sum it up it is a GREAT truck if YOUR good to it. (maintenance)

-oil

-plugs

-filters.

I just bought a 99' Rodeo LSE... I was a little shakey about it being 9 years old due the fact I had to drive 2 hours from home just to take a look at her. She looked great on the internet and when I got to the dealer, She looked even better. Upon test driving it, I noticed it was shifting hard... OK no big deal, I cleaned the tranny shift sensor... Now she shifts good. I also noticed a clunk when starting off or stopping at a light... OK no big deal, I greased the drive shaft slip yoke... The 4x4 slides right in place with a touch of a button. All-in-all, She drives like a new one. I hope the one owner before me took care of her. Get a carfax before buying.

THe isuzu rodeo is pretty crappy. I just got done with a 4 hour electrical trouble shooting session for some really strange issues. All of the transmission warning lights as well as instrument panel warning lights are on, the blower for the heater will not function. When I <i>was</i> driving it, it would go for a bit, then the check trans light would come on and it would slip out of gear. I have probably pushed that car out of the middle of the road at least 5 or 6 times. Additionally, I think that it is a very imprecise vehicle, and equate the ride to something like a model T Ford.

On a good note, it is the only older (1995 or before) SUV out of three that I have owned where the 4WD actually worked. However, I think I will stick to Mercedes from now on.

DON'T BUY THE ISUZU RODEO, it will sit in your garage broken or you will pay a lot of money and then not be able to recoup your losses.

Ummm, in case you were wondering, the rodeo is the EXACT same car as the honda passport, with a different badge. They are built by isuzu and bought by nissan, then the upscale infiniti. So if its garbage, so are all the others, and they're not.

I've had my 1999 Isuzu Rodeo since 2001. It has had minor problems, but has run well for the most part. It's at almost 140,000 miles, and aside from the ABS recall which I am getting fixed now (it just broke at 135,000 miles) I have enjoyed the car. (oh, and by the way, if it has the problem where the ABS keeps running and drains the battery, take the fuse out until you can get it to a mechanic-the brakes still work) The winter drive feature is great for snow along with the 4 wheel drive. I bought this car intending to use if off-road and in the snow, and it has served me well, although I will admit it does go through a lot of oil.

I have the issue with the ABS system running constantly and have removed the fuse. Will the ABS Recall cover this issue, or will I need to pay to have it fixed?

In many cases I've found the ABS Light to come on as the result of an ABS connector disconnecting at one of the wheels. Common at the rear wheels and often due to the plastic connector simply becoming brittle with age. Check each wheel and make sure each is plugged in securely. Isuzu did also have a recall on one of the ABS parts as well.

If you have a 3.2 V6 with poor performance and/or a hissing sound under the hood, it may simply be a intake plenum gasket. The gasket is plastic, has a tendency to crack and is relatively easy to replace and the most common cure.

Most fuel gauge issues are the result of the fuel sending unit inside the gas tank.

Isuzu's, like all other vehicles have their quirks and are most often the same, so hope the above is helpful.

I still have my 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LSE. I have never owned a better vehicle in my life! It now has 153,000 miles and continues to tow my boat and an SUV full of gear straight up to the mountains. It is my second Rodeo and I would recommend them to anyone looking.

I have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo and it sucks, it just broke down in the street. The transmission is screwed. Take my advice, don't get this damn car, it has only given me problems!!!

I just bought a 1998 Honda Passport (Isuzu Rodeo) with 178000 plus miles and did some general maintenance. Changed the oil, did a flush on the engine oil, replaced the brake fluid with new fluid, had to get a new radiator and bought new hoses.

The SUV runs good, it has some of the problems that I have read about like the gas gage seems to float down when pointed downward or upward, the ABS light is on and the repair from the dealer did not help. Might be one of the sending units and will look at it tomorrow.

And the transmission shifts a little hard, might be the wrong fluid inside, as most people know Honda has a specific type of fluid that they recommend or the transmission might just need a service.

The SUV is still a little hard over bumps, but it might need suspension work.

Overall I bought it to tow a U-HAUL trailer and it seems to have the power. SUV works great other than those things I mentioned.

My 99 Passport fuel tank sometimes reads empty when holding half fuel, and the ABS light just went on. Replaced the range sensor for the rough shifts, and fuel pump.