1998 Isuzu Rodeo from North America - Comments

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.

I have a 99 rodeo with 59000 miles on it. It uses a quart of oil every 700 miles. My friend has a 98 trooper with same motor with 30000 miles on it, it uses a quart of oil every 800 miles. My rodeo just blew the intake gasket. I have a 76 chevrolet pick-up with a million miles on it and it runs great.

My 98 Rodeo intake gaskets cracked at 70K and I had them changed. My Rodeo now has 92K and the intake gaskets are cracked again and need changing. I believe the problem is in the design of the gaskets.

I have a 98. It currently has 140K plus miles. I have replaced my intake gaskets 3 times. Once on the dealer and twice I have paid. My cost has been $200 - $300 each time. Wish I knew of a fix.

I have a 98 rodeo that had that rattle behind the passanger dash issue you speak of... I found it actualy was the engine compatment hood pivot was beginning to ovalize and allowed the hood to move up and down slightly causing that annoying rattle like something was going to fall apart. I ended up placing garden hose rubber gaskets over the alignment fin/finger near this pivot point (about 3-5 washers) until the hood was cushioned and would not rattle... has been good for about 3 months now (after many years of rattling)

For others with this problem, try lifting the hood near the windsheild while it is latched closed to see if it moves and is the possible source of you rattling.