1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (4-wheel opt. after '96)
- 4WD traction
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
- No shift-on-the-fly (pre '96)
- Road noise
- Wind noise
Vehicle Highlights
Like the smaller Amigo, the Rodeo shared its front-end, chassis, and powertrains with pickup trucks. Price leader was the 2-wheel-drive S, with a 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual shift. GM's 3.1-liter V6 was standard on the 4-wheel-drive S, as well as 2WD and 4WD models in midrange XS and top-level LS trim. The V6 also was optional in the 2WD S. All but the basic Rodeo could get an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The 4x4 models used a part-time, on-demand 4WD system and rode larger tires on 7-inch aluminum wheels. Automatic-locking front hubs were standard on all but the 4WD S model, which used manual hubs. All-disc brakes had rear antilock control.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Isuzu Rodeo LS auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Isuzu Rodeo:
Following their debut for 1991, Rodeos continued with little change into '92.
1993 Isuzu Rodeo:
Borrowed from the Trooper, a new 3.2-liter 175 horsepower V6 replaced the prior GM V6 engine. The 3.2-liter engine was standard on the midrange XS and top-line LS, as well as the base S model when equipped with 4WD.
1994 Isuzu Rodeo:
Formerly optional on the base 4-cylinder S model, power steering became standard this year. Air conditioning went into all LS Rodeos. Front vent windows were deleted. Honda began to market its own version of the Rodeo this year, named Passport.
1995 Isuzu Rodeo:
Dual airbags were installed in mid 1995, when Rodeo interiors were revamped and a new dashboard was installed.
1996 Isuzu Rodeo:
Introduced after the start of the model year, '96 Rodeos got a more-powerful V6 engine, shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive, and available 4-wheel antilock braking.
1997 Isuzu Rodeo:
Awaiting a substantial redesign for '98, Rodeo continued with no significant changes.
Our road test for the 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate but less than brisk with the early V6 and automatic. The 3.2-liter V6, made available in 1993, is an improvement in terms of smoothness and quietness. That V6 works well with automatic, which changes gears smoothly and downshifts promptly for passing. Gas mileage is nothing to boast about. One test Rodeo averaged just 13.9 mpg. Ride is firm yet surprisingly comfortable, as the absorbent suspension handily soaks up just about every flaw on paved roads. Braking distances are acceptable, though a 2WD Rodeo turned out to be prone to abrupt front-wheel lockup. Road noise is prominent at highway speeds. Occupants are treated well in a Rodeo. Rear leg room is ample, even with the front seats all the way back. Head clearance is good all around, and the driving position is comfortable for most people. Back doors are quite narrow at sill level, and open only about 70 degrees, so larger folks might feel squeezed when getting in and out. The full-size spare tire mounted inside many models cuts considerably into cargo space, but the back seat folds flat to create a wide cargo floor. Except for too many confusing buttons controlling lights and wipers, and a low-mounted radio, the dashboard is fine.
Value for the Money
The need to stop the vehicle to engage 4WD, then stop and back up to disengage it, is an inconvenience. Otherwise, the competent and tightly constructed Rodeo deserves a serious look, as it just might be the best Isuzu model on the market.
The need to stop the vehicle to engage 4WD, then stop and back up to disengage it, is an inconvenience. Otherwise, the competent and tightly constructed Rodeo deserves a serious look, as it just might be the best Isuzu model on the market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Isuzu Rodeo LS auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Isuzu Rodeo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Isuzu Rodeo .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air conditioner gradually becomes warmer due to ice forming on the evaporator. The root problem is a mispositioned thermostat. (1993)
Brakes:
If ABS warning light comes on, it may be due to chaffing between wiring and front wheel sensors. (1991-97)
Cruise control:
The cruise control may not let the transmission shift down out of overdrive on hills. (1991)
Engine noise:
Ticking noise from the top of 3.2L V6 engine may be due to hydraulic lash adjuster failure caused by varnish deposits and using 0W-30 Mobil I synthetic oil has been successful in cleaning them. (1997-earlier)
Fuel gauge:
Faulty sender in fuel tank may cause fuel gauge to not read full or drop suddenly. (1998)
Hard starting:
Vehicle may not start when in Neutral because of a faulty mode selector switch. (1992-93)
Keys:
The ignition key can be hard to remove because the lens over the shift lever interferes with the shift cable. (1992)
Steering noise:
Lack of grease causes squeaks in column. (1994)
Steering noise:
A knocking noise when the steering wheel is turned requires a steering-column repair kit. (1991-94)
Transmission noise:
Lack of lube on the clutch shift fork pivot ball causes noises and squeaks. (1991-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $685 |
| Alternator | $295 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,375 |
| Brakes | $280 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $595 |
| Exhaust System | $320 |
| Radiator | $660 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $200 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $100 |
| Universal Joints | $120 |
Our price chart for this generation Isuzu Rodeo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Rodeo LS | $2,200-3,000 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Rodeo S | $1,600-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $200-400 |
| 1996 | |||
| Rodeo LS | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Rodeo S | $1,500-2,200 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Rodeo LS | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Rodeo S | $1,400-2,000 | $900-1,300 | $200 |
| 1994 | |||
| Rodeo LS | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Rodeo S | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Rodeo LS | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Rodeo S | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Rodeo S | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Rodeo XS, LS | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Rodeo S | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Rodeo XS, LS | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Isuzu Rodeo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3545 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 74.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only the basic 2WD S Rodeo came with a standard 2.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 120 horsepower. All other models got GM's 3.1-liter V6, also developing 120 horsepower but considerably more torque. Five-speed manual shift was standard. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional, including electronic controls and three shift modes. For 1993, a 3.2-liter V6 replaced the GM 3.1-liter, developing 175 horsepower. In 1996, the V6 got a boost from 175 to 190 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.6 / 156 | 120 | 146-150 | 5-speed manual: 18/22 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 120 | 165 | 5-speed manual: 15/19 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 17.9 |
| ohc V6 | 3.2 / 193 | 175-190 | 188 | 5-speed manual: 16/19 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: 18.2 4-speed automatic: 16.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Isuzu Rodeo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Rodeo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1997 Isuzu Rodeo directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991 w/V6:
Incorrect transmission-fluid dipstick may have been installed.
1993-94:
Camshaft plug can become dislodged, allowing oil to leak; can cause engine damage and fire.
1994:
Latch in seatbelt buckle could engage only partially, causing tongue to come out during collision or hard braking.
1995:
Excess electrical charge in the alternator can result in engine-control malfunction due to an improperly manufactured integrated circuit in the voltage regulator.
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