1998-2004 Isuzu Rodeo: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Redesigning of Isuzu's U.S.-built midsize sport-utility vehicle gave it rounded styling and extra power. Honda again marketed a retrimmed Rodeo as the Passport. Both were built from an Isuzu design at the Subaru-Isuzu assembly plant in Indiana. Just slightly longer than its predecessor, the revised Rodeo measured four inches wider. Shortening the wheelbase by 2.3 inches helped reduce curb weight by 285 pounds. A flip-up rear window was retained from the prior generation, but a side-hinged tailgate replaced the former drop-down gate. Ordinarily, the spare tire sat under the cargo area, but an externally mounted spare tire was a no-charge option. Two Rodeo versions were offered: S and better-equipped LS, with either 2-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive, the latter for use on slippery surfaces only. A dashboard switch replaced a floor lever to activate the 4WD shift-on-the-fly transfer case. A 4-cylinder engine was standard on the 2-wheel-drive Rodeo S, while a 205-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 was standard on the LS and available on the S. A manual transmission was standard with either engine, but automatic came only with the V6. A Rodeo could tow as much as 4500 pounds. Dual airbags were installed in a redesigned dashboard. Four-wheel antilock braking was standard, not optional as before. Rivals included the Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and Toyota 4Runner.