1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Isuzu Rodeo. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Isuzu Rodeo.

1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Review

Isuzu revived the compact Amigo, last seen in 1994, in a fresh form for the 1998 model year. Available with either rear-drive or 4-wheel drive, Amigo shared its basic design with the larger Isuzu Rodeo 4-door sport utility wagon, but wore a shorter 2-door body. The semi-convertible body had a folding soft top over the back seat, as well as a pop-up sunroof. Two engines were available: a 4-cylinder and a V6. The 2.2-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder produced 130 horsepower, versus 205 hp for the twin-cam 3.2-liter V6. Five-speed manual shift was standard, with a 4-speed automatic transmission optional for Amigos with the V6 engine. Like Rodeo's 4WD system, the Amigo's setup was not intended for use on dry pavement, but it included pushbutton shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD, along with separate low-range gearing. Four-wheel antilock braking was standard.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Isuzu Rodeo: A new hardtop wagon with a pop-up sunroof over the rear seat and a heated rear window joined the original semi-convertible. Cruise control was no longer available.

2000 Isuzu Rodeo: A restyled nose and tail appeared on 2000 Amigos, and V6 models came with standard cruise control. Adjustable shock absorbers became optional, and the 4WD 4-cylinder manual-shift soft-top model was dropped. A new Ironman package, named for Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition, became available for V6 models with the Preferred Equipment package. Intelligent Suspension Control was optional on V6 Ironman Amigos, allowing the driver to choose sport or normal shock damping via a dashboard switch. Previously optional, 16-inch wheels replaced the original 15-inchers as standard equipment. Fender flares were a new option, and the spare tire now wore a standard plastic/vinyl cover.

2001 Isuzu Rodeo: Isuzu renamed its Amigo the Rodeo Sport for 2001, intending to reposition the compact model as a sportier, off-road-oriented version of its larger--and more popular--4-door Rodeo. Both engines now were available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The Preferred Equipment package added a rear cargo tray, and V6 models gained 2-speed variable intermittent wipers.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo: For 2002, the Ironman and SE packages are dropped along with their adjustable shock absorbers.

2003 Isuzu Rodeo: No changes were evident for '03.

1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Acceleration (4-cyl)

Cargo room	Ride

	Noise

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Amigos cannot match the class-leading compact sport utility vehicles, but they do have a few pluses. True low-range gearing makes the 4-wheel-drive version capable of off-road excursions, like the Jeep Wrangler, which is beyond the capacity of a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Performance is clearly superior with the V6 engine, which delivers far more power than the 4-cylinder. A test V6 Amigo 4x4 with the 5-speed manual gearbox was able to accelerate to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, and averaged 17.3 mpg--both good figures for a compact SUV. A V6 model with automatic fared almost as well in gas mileage, averaging 16.9 mpg. Ride and handling are passable, but not exceptional. Small bumps are easily absorbed by the Amigo's big tires, but a stiff suspension and short wheelbase translate to bouncing and bounding over wavy pavement, potholes, and frost heaves. Ironman editions with Intelligent Suspension Control improve the Amigo's ride control, without adding much additional harshness. Space in front is adequate, but passengers face a high step-up into the interior. In addition, the rear seat is tough to reach and not very spacious for adults. Putting the vinyl soft-top up or down is a tedious chore, too.

Value for the Money
Though far from perfect, the Amigo is more substantial than some small SUVs and more refined than a Wrangler. Otherwise, a moderate price might be its biggest advantage.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Isuzu Amigo V6	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	2

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	2

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	6

Value within Class	3

Total:	33

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.

1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Reliability

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.

Brakes: The antilock brake system may malfunction. Isuzu conducted a campaign to replace the ABS electronic control unit. (1998)

Engine stalling: Engine may stall or fail to start because of a poor electrical ground. Isuzu was recalling vehicles to replace the engine ground wire harness. (1998)

Fuel gauge: A faulty fuel level sending unit prevents the fuel gauge from reading full. It is recalled for replacement. (1998)

Pedals: The rubber pad on the accelerator pedal may fall off. A revised pad is available under warranty. (1998-99)

Rough idle: High/erratic idle on the 3.2-liter V6 may be due to one or more of the following: bad electrical ground, debris in power steering pressure switch, leaking manifold gasket. (1998-2000)

Steering noise: A rubbing noise from the steering wheel is caused by the coil assembly for the air bag. It must be replaced. (1998)

Wheels: The rear wheels may vibrate because they are not properly centered on the hubs. A centering ring is available. (1998-2000)

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	$430

Alternator	$585

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$795

Brakes	$220

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$430

Constant Velocity Joints	$330

Exhaust System	$170

Radiator	$355

Timing Chain or Belt	$210

NHTSA Recall History

1998-99: On certain vehicles, paint was applied unevenly on rear axles; could result in loosening of nut and detachment of bolt, causing separation of lower link from rear axle.

2001: Incorrect rubber material may have been used for outer layer of fuel return hoses, which could ultimately crack and cause fuel leakage.

1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
Amigo 2WD	$2,300-3,000	$1,700-2,200	$400-600
Amigo 4WD	$2,900-3,600	$2,200-2,700	$700-800

1999
Amigo 2WD	$2,700-3,800	$2,000-2,900	$600-800
Amigo 4WD	$3,300-4,400	$2,600-3,500	$800-1,100

2000
Amigo 2WD	$3,300-4,800	$2,600-3,800	$800-1,200
Amigo 4WD	$4,500-5,400	$3,700-4,500	$1,600-1,900

2001
Rodeo Sport 2WD	$4,000-5,500	$3,300-4,500	$1,300-1,800
Rodeo Sport 4WD	$5,500-6,200	$4,700-5,300	$2,300-2,500

2002
Rodeo Sport 2WD	$5,100-6,600	$4,300-5,600	$2,000-2,600
Rodeo Sport 4WD	$7,000-7,700	$6,200-6,900	$3,300-3,600

2003
Rodeo Sport 2WD	$6,600-8,200	$5,800-7,200	$3,000-3,800
Rodeo Sport 4WD	$8,800-9,700	$7,900-8,700	$4,600-5,000

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.

1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	96.9	96.9

Overall Length, in.	170.3	170.3

Overall Width, in.	71.4	71.4

Overall Height, in.	67.1	67.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	3523	3589

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	62.5	62.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.7	17.7

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.9	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.1	42.1

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.3	33.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Isuzu's 2.2-liter 4-cylinder dual-overhead-cam engine made 130 horsepower, teaming only with 5-speed manual shift. The dual-cam 3.2-liter V6 produced 205 horsepower, offered with either a manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. For 2001, an automatic transmission was available with either engine.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.2 / 134	130	144	5-speed manual: 21/24 4-speed automatic: --	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

dohc V6	3.2 / 193	205	214	5-speed manual: 18/21 4-speed automatic: 17/21	5-speed manual: 17.3 4-speed automatic: 16.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Review:

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Road Test

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Reliability

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Prices

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Specs & Safety

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Photos

Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Full Review