Comments: 1-15, 16-27
My engine blew up at 90,000 miles.
The power train warranty, which was a major reason I purchased from this manufacturer, stated that it was good for 100,000 miles.
Isuzu knows that their cars are not lasting as long as their warranty, so they are just denying coverage for any reason.
At first, Isuzu stated they would cover the car if I could document that the car had been serviced every 3-7000 miles (other Japanese cars only require every 10,000 miles). I gave them documents for every 5000 miles.
Then they stated that you had to document that you checked your oil in-between (how do you document that??).
Then they stated that I would have to pay $700 plus to get a full analysis, but that Isuzu would not tell me whether they would cover it (this is how the dealer makes his money out of this racket).
They lied to me, at least twice.
Then the Isuzu dealer called me and threatened me on the phone to get my car off his lot if I wasn't going to pay him $700 (this was after convincing me to tow it there and pay $300).
Isuzu is a giant scam racket.
Don't believe the warranties.
The Isuzu dealers (especially Wilkins Isuzu in Glen Burnie, Maryland) are the businesses and car dealers.
Don't buy Isuzu.
I think you are blaming The manufacturer for your disappointing encounter with one dealer. I doubt you have the necessary documentation to prove that all Isuzu dealers treat customers as you were treated. You are upset and I understand your anger, but I don't believe all Isuzu dealers are rackets and ripoffs. I have been treated more than fairly by several dealers over the years with several Isuzu products. I think you should rewrite your review with facts and not feelings. You got burned by one dealer!
Unhappy Owner Of A 2000 Model Rodeo
I own a 2000 Model Isuzu Rodeo that only had 42,820 miles on it when the transmission started to unexpectedly slip as I accelerated from a stand still. I took the vehicle to AAMCO to have them check it for me and was told that this is one of the few vehicles they do not like to work on. This is because it has what I and AAMCO both agree is a very bad design flaw. There is no dip stick available for checking the transmission fluid like normal vehicles. They told me that the average person would never know the Transmission fluid level was low until it's too late. They also told me the only way to put fluid in it is to climb under the vehicle to pour it in.
This information was found after 1 rebuilt transmission and $2,121.81 too late. As a person that believes in checking the fluids in my vehicles on a regular basis I found out the hard way that the cylinder I was checking was not the Transmission Fluid. What appeared to me to be a newly designed transmission fluid cylinder because it was labeled to use ATM Fluid was actually the power steering fluid. This led me to believe that the fluid level in my transmission was at a good level.
If this design factor was known to me prior to buying this vehicle I would never have purchased it.
It seems to me like through the review of the CAR, all you talked about was two problems and then you went on complaining about your bad service for the rest of the review. Then you gave the vehicle a bad review because the dealer... i wanted a review of the vehicle, not one dealer.
Addition to entry I made 6th Apr 2005, 20:24:
Other issues encountered prior to even reaching 42,000 miles.
Brakes and tire wear unevenly, front end shakes over speed of 65 miles per hour on the highway, engine knocks when the A/C is on and you are accelerating.
Gas gauge light starts to flash then the gas gauge needle drops to below empty. The light then stops flashing and the gas gauge needle goes back to normal.
ECM module failure caused the check engine light to continuously come on. ECM Reprogramming Recommended.
Exhaust System - Sulfur/Rotten Egg Smell and uses an excessive amount of oil every 3,000 miles.
I too have had similar problems with my 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. I test drove EVERYTHING prior to purchasing my vehicle after my lease was up. It only had 40,000 km on it, so I decided to buy it out, given the fact that it still had 2 years and/or 60,000 km left on the warranty. WHAT A MISTAKE! The warranty alone is a joke. Although I was able to provide specific documentation with regards to oil and filter changes, the service manager at my Saturn dealership informed me that the warranty would not be able to proceed with any diagnostic work unless it was at MY cost. It seems that while I was under their care at the dealership on an oil consumption schedule (my truck would burn through up to 4L of oil for every 5000km, which I was told was normal) It only holds 4L!!! I would be required to bring my truck in every 1000kms or so to measure how much oil would be missing. They would then measure, top it up, and send me on my way. During the 12000km or so, that I was on this "schedule", they never once told me to, or recommended an oil change (although they were very adamant that I should get it done there.) This voided my warranty. What a bunch of baloney!! They will look for any reason not to honour that warranty. Needless to say, I am currently involved in litigation with Saturn Canada and GM Canada. We can't let these guys push us around. I love that truck, even with the problems that I've had. (also had brakes go at 40,000km and needed new tires at 50,000km. It's about the principle of the matter. Unite my Isuzu brothers!!!
Brent Wagner
Kitchener, Ontario.
I own a 2000 Rodeo LSE with 106,000 miles on it. I have had a transmission servo go out, the gas sending unit in the tank had to be replaced, but it was all covered under warranty>
I am now looking for a new SUV and would buy another Rodeo if only they were still available.
Other than being somewhat uncomfortable on long trips and not getting terrific mileage (17 city and 20 hwy) and burning a little oil, it has been a great little SUV.
Try driving some of the competition and then you will realize how great a deal this little vehicle is.
I too have had horrible experiences with 2 Isuzu dealers in the past, but I wouldn't trade the truck for anything.
Have the 97 Rodeo with now 138K care free miles, everything original, with no major work.
One thing about the transmission (mine too is a closed unit) - have your transmission flushed every 25-30K miles, this should be considered regular maintenance for ANY automatic, not just Isuzu transmissions. Constant in town stop/go driving really puts a hamper on the fluid.
I have towed up to 4k# with mine several times, not to mention living along the I-70/Eisenhower corridor - never any problems.
I did have the fluid changed ONE time by AAMCO - never again. They swore up and down at 60K miles that my transmission was toast, supposedly a lot of metal in the pan - though they didn't show it to me. Took it to 3 other shops, not one noted a problem. Funny how if my transmission was toast at 60K, how have I made it to 138K+ and still shifting just fine?
I am the owner of a 2000 LS Rodeo and I wouldn't trade it for anything. My Rodeo is at 65,000 miles and running just fine. I've done nothing to the engine and everything works the way it should. I got mine from an Isuzu dealer and I didn't receive any of the "lies" you mentioned. I think that you just had one bad experience which made you hate everything about the car. I could be wrong, but I have owned a Chevy Tahoe and a Ford Explorer and I have to say that the Rodeo was the best buy of the three.
Isuzu warranties "are" truly a joke. That company doesn't honor "anything." They are just in business to rip people off. I will continuously inform people of this company's lies and inferior products. I'm so amazed that in this day and age when just about "every" car manufacturer is able to build a reliable vehicle with the help of CAD programs and quality engineering research, would be allowed to remain in business selling such CRAP! Isuzu is basically that... CRAP! As far as some people who seemingly defend that company stating things such as "you should have checked your oil," or whatever else was said to that effect should take the time to become better informed. If you had never owned one of these vehicles, then you would definitely NOT know how true most of the complaints really are.
Isuzu 2001 Rodeo LS
Recently replaced fuel sending unit - $50 to fix the gauge and engine light, but my transmission is now slipping in first gear @ 65K miles - Any ideas before I go to a shop and they tell me it's toast or worst yet, the dealer? Gas mileage is poor and the resale value on these cars are a joke! I wish I had been better informed before I paid what seemed to be top dollar. You can get these cars cheap if you look, but may end up paying more in the long run in repairs. I should have paid a bit more and got a Toyota 4Runner. Good Luck!
I agree with those whom have had the misfortune of buying a poorly engineered vehicle and also purchasing an extended warranty in hopes of having coverage against faulty components. With the high cost of a new car or truck a used one is certainly an attractive alternative. It is a huge waste of resources to allow a car manufacturer to continue to be in business and sell unreliable vehicles to people. One comment on buying a used car warranty (or even an extended warranty on a new vehicle) "DON'T". Instead take that money you were going to put towards a warranty and put it into a bank account of some sort and let it generate interest, don't give it to the dealers and get raked over the coals by them refusing to honour it. If your vehicle ever needs work you can withdraw the money you have in the bank and use it for repairs, if it doesn't need anything YOU are making money on your own money NOT the dealership.
Paul.
Guelph, Ont.
I have had my Rodeo, which is a 2002, for almost three years and have already had to have my ABS replaced three times. Just recently I have had to put my car back in the shop and they told me the only problem with the car was the fuel filter. So I let them fix it and then when I went to pick it up, it acted worse than when I first took it to the shop. I took my car back to them and made them test drive it. The car will not pull the smallest of hills and it has no power what so ever. So now they are saying it is the converter. It is a bunch of crap if you ask me. Now I have to do without a car for at least two weeks and have no other car to drive because Isuzu does not cover a rental vehicle. They also said the transmission could be going also. What happened to American built cars? I wish I would have thought and rethought my decision on buying an Isuzu.
In 2002, I purchased a brand new Isuzu Rodeo and have had nothing, but problems with it. The main problem is a defective clock spring, which controls the airbag. Every single time I turn the steering wheel, I hear a grinding/rubbing noise and so can everyone else who is in the vehicle with me. It was replaced more than 3 times in a year's time frame, which means I clearly qualified for the Florida Lemon Law. My case did go to court and I lost to Isuzu. In addition to having to keep my lemon, the judge ordered I pay Isuzu $30k in their attorney fees. This is at the 2nd level of appeals now. I've also had sensor oxygen problems which caused the engine light to go on, bad engine pings, dead battery on first day, rubber around doors hang off, cruise sometimes doesn't work, electric seat sometimes doesn't work, transmission mode switch went out and now, the vehicle is in my driveway waiting to be towed on Monday, possibly for the same problem.
I purchased a 2000 Rodeo 2.2L 4 cylinder September 2000 from a dealer in Gastonia, NC., mainly because of their great warranty. For the last year I had been losing coolant at the rate of about 1 pint a week, but could not locate the leak. The engine had also been idling and running rough. I took it to a trusted local mechanic and he suspected a bad head gasket. So I had it towed to my dealer and that very same day they called me and agreed that the engine had failed and that they would honor the warranty and replace the engine. I was surprised how hassle-free the whole process was! I towed it in on Tuesday, November 22,two days before Thanksgiving, and picked it up 6 days later. It is running great! The dealership treated me with the utmost respect and were very friendly and courteous. I know there are a lot of horror stories about dealerships out there so I just wanted to let you know there are still honest dealers with integrity who honor their warranties. By the way, I did not have to show proof of checking the oil periodically or oil changes. Most of the oil changes I do myself.
I am in Canada, and have just decided to purchase a 2001 Rodeo. I have always liked the styling of the Isuzu's, but have never known anyone that has owned one. So, after reading these comments, I feel enlightened and worried! On the test drive the gas gauge was doing the same thing as posted above. So I wonder what else is in store for me!?
Well, nothing is final yet...