1997 Isuzu Rodeo S review from North America

Pass the 65,000 mile mark, I started noticing a slight knocking sound in the engine.

Lately, I feel my engine is starting to rev sluggishly before the auto trans would change from 1st to 2nd. RPM's get up to 2700 and sticks there for at least 10 sec. before changing and never noticed it even during my first year of owning it. With that, when I am moving at 25mph and release the gas the Rodeo gives an abrupt downshift.

During cold start-ups I've noticed my belts would squeal for at least a second, tightening the belts would help for a few days, but the problem would persist. Same thing happened during the past two other winters.

I keep breaking the plastic hood-release lever inside.

My glass rear window has recently been a pain closing, needing to slam it shut to get it to lock.

The plastic cup-holder piece in the center armrest is ridiculously cheap and flimsy.

My fan blower behind the glove box that runs when the ac/heater is on squeals when the level is above 1.

Somewhat of a gas guzzler.

Still love the thing, plan on driving it into the ground.

I replaced the stock tires with ones with an 2" wider track and now the Rodeo handles great and aesthetically more pleasing when looking from the front or back getting rid of the "looks really narrow" plaguing many smaller SUV's.

Very sporty looking SUV especially in black with black tinted windows and headlight/taillight covers.

Dashboard is modern and easy to look at if a bit dull, but I'm not a big fan of the left/right sliding HVAC controls. The interior is very comfortable and roomy enough for me and a few friends.

Great traveling vehicle, I have taken it from Salt Lake to Phoenix, Salt Lake to NW Washington state and Salt Lake to central Missouri with no safety or mechanical problems.

4WD system is spectacular in the sand, snow, mud, gravel, anything!