1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
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1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport ▼
- Price Range: $1,200 - $6,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Cargo room
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Acceleration (4-cyl)
- Noise
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 33 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport.
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.
Our road test for the 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
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.
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 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| Rodeo Sport 2WD | $5,000-6,500 | $4,300-5,500 | $2,000-2,600 |
| Rodeo Sport 4WD | $6,700-7,700 | $5,900-6,800 | $3,100-3,500 |
| 2002 | |||
| Rodeo Sport 2WD | $4,200-5,500 | $3,400-4,500 | $1,400-1,900 |
| Rodeo Sport 4WD | $5,700-6,400 | $4,900-5,500 | $2,300-2,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Rodeo Sport 2WD | $3,400-4,400 | $2,700-3,500 | $900-1,100 |
| Rodeo Sport 4WD | $4,400-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $2,800-3,600 | $2,100-2,700 | $600-800 |
| Amigo 4WD | $3,600-4,400 | $2,900-3,500 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1999 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| Amigo 4WD | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1998 | |||
| Amigo 2WD | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| Amigo 4WD | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
|
|
|||
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 | 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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Isuzu Rodeo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. 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 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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