2000 Isuzu Rodeo Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A minor restyle, available auto-adjusting shock absorbers, and larger standard wheels update Isuzu's midsize SUV for 2000. Rodeo offers S, LS, and LSE trim levels, rear drive or 4-wheel-drive, and standard antilock brakes. New is an optional LS Ironman Package (named for an Isuzu-sponsored triathlon competition) featuring special graphics and white or black paint over grey lower body panels. All models go from 15- to 16-inch wheels (as standard on last year's LSE). The adjustable shock absorbers, called Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC), are standard for LSE and included in the Ironman package. The computer-controlled system automatically varies damping firmness for optimum ride comfort in response to sensors monitoring vehicle speed, cornering and braking forces, and other data.

All Rodeos have a side-hinged tailgate with separate flip-up rear window. The 4x4s have an outside-mount spare tire that is a no-charge alternative to internal storage on 4x2s. S models have a 4-cylinder engine and offer a V6 option that's standard elsewhere and now includes cruise control. The LSE comes with automatic transmission, which is optional for other V6 models. Rodeo's 4WD is not for use on dry pavement but has 4-wheel-low gearing. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 pounds.

Honda sells a retrimmed Rodeo as the Passport. Both are built by Isuzu in Indiana, but Passport doesn't offer the adjustable shock absorbers.

Competition

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.

If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.

News

Sport-utility sales growth is slowing but still strong, and Rodeo is benefiting as much as any SUV. However, Isuzu's bread-and-butter vehicle posted a modest 8-percent gain in calendar '99 and was up just a half-percent year-over-year in first four months of 2000, both far behind most rivals.

Rodeo won't see major changes until 2003, when it will be fully redsigned. Though little is now known about the new model, it's expected to continue with 4-cylinder and V6 power and body-on-frame construction. Earlier reports suggested that the next Rodeo would move to the new General Motors platform supporting the redesigned 2002 Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy/Envoy and Olds Bravada, but Isuzu says it ain't so. GM owns an equity stake in Isuzu, and the two companies do cooperate extensively in truck engines among several areas, but they look to remain rivals in the SUV field.

2000 Isuzu Rodeo Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Wind noise

Acceleration (V6)	Fuel economy

	Ride

	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
2	4	4	4.4

Four-cylinder Rodeos feel sluggish, but V6 models are peppy, and our test 4WD Rodeo LS went 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds.

Fuel Economy

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	3	3	3.6

We logged 17.4 mpg with one 4WD model, 15.8 with another. Both figures are typical of midsize SUVs.

Ride Quality

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
2	2	2	3.7

We haven't tested the new Intelligent Suspension Control, but Rodeo and Passport are choppy over small road imperfections, harsh over big bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	4	4	3.6

Rodeo and Passport are among the more agile midsize SUVs, but they feel "trucky," and there's plenty of body lean and tire squeal in tight turns.

Quietness

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	4	4	3.6

Considerable tire noise at highway speeds is masked by wind rustle. Engine fan roars at full throttle.

Controls

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
6	6	6	6

Undersized audio controls mar the simple dashboard layout. Unadorned trim makes the interior look spartan, but available leather upholstery helps.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
6	6	6	5.9

Not a class leader, but the seats are supportive and there's plenty of space for tall folks. Step-in height is lower than for most midsize-SUVs.

Room/Comfort (rear)

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	4	4	4.3

Narrow door openings hinder back seat entry/exit, and toe space is minimal, but otherwise there's good room for two adults, three in a pinch.

Cargo Room

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
8	8	8	7.5

The side-opening tailgate demands cumbersome two-handed operation: Opening requires raising the window; closing demands releasing a lever.

Value within Class

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
2	3	3	3.8

The spry V6 Rodeos and Passports emphasize the sport in sport-utility. But prices are no bargain and, overall, there's no outstanding feature that sets either above the competition.

Total Score

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
42	44	44	46.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		46
High Score		61

2000 Isuzu Rodeo Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/24/1999

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	$18,080	$17,176	$495

S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	$20,985	$19,036	$495

S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$21,985	$20,226	$495

S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	$23,440	$21,565	$495

S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,440	$22,485	$495

LS 2WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	$23,435	$21,325	$495

LS 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,435	$22,235	$495

LS 4WD 4-door wagon, 5-speed	$26,120	$23,769	$495

LS 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$27,120	$24,678	$495

LSE 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$28,790	$26,055	$495

LSE 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$31,265	$28,295	$495

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Variable-assist power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, 4-speaker AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Dual outside mirrors.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Skid plates, full-size spare tire, 225/75R16 tires.

S V6 adds to S:

Powertrain

3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire.

LS adds to S V6:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, 6-speaker sound system, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire.

LSE adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

4-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer, power sunroof.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, cross rails for roof rack, rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Adjustable shock absorbers, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, transfer-case skid plate, outside-mounted spare tire.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1
S, S V6	$1,145	$998
Air conditioning, roof rack. Requires rear wiper/washer.

Ironman Pkg.
LS	$1,052	$936
Adjustable shock absorbers, unique floormats, cross rails for roof rack, grey bumpers and fender flares, grey bodyside moldings, Ironman Triathalon badging and graphics, unique spare tire cover.

Gold Pkg.
LSE	$400	$316
Gold badging, special alloy wheels w/gold accents, gold lettered spare tire cover. Requires outside-mounted spare tire.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
S	$950	$845


Power sunroof
LS 2WD automatic, LS 4WD	$700	$623


6-disc CD changer
LS	$353	$314


Rear wiper/washer
S, S V6	$47	$42


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Brush guard
LS, LSE, S, S V6	$298	$236


Running boards
LS, LSE, S, S V6	$360	$283


Side steps
LS, LSE, S, S V6	$355	$281


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Outside-mounted spare tire
2WD	$0	$0


Trailer hitch
LS, LSE, S, S V6	$253	$200


Alloy wheels
LS	$400	$356

2000 Isuzu Rodeo Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Isuzu Rodeo 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.4

Overall Length, in.	176.7

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	68.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3651

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	81.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.1

Rear Head Room, in.	38.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.0

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

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	3.2 /193

Horsepower @ rpm.	129 @ 5200	205 @ 5400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	144 @ 4000	214 @ 3000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/24	16/20

4-speed automatic	--/--	18/21

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Isuzu Rodeo 4-door wagon

Collision	1

Collision (HLDI)	132

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Injury	3

Injury (HLDI)	104

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	10/120,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/60,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	1/12,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2000 Isuzu Rodeo Photos

Also in the 2000 Isuzu Rodeo Review:

Isuzu Rodeo

Isuzu Rodeo Road Test

Isuzu Rodeo Prices & Equipment

Isuzu Rodeo Specs & Safety

Isuzu Rodeo Photos

Isuzu Rodeo Full Review

All Isuzu Rodeos

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