2001 Isuzu Rodeo Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo help you decide if a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo is right for you.

2001 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	3.5

Rodeos with the 4-cyl engine are sluggish. V6 Rodeos and Passports feel peppy and have good passing power. A test 4WD LS Rodeo did 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec, a test LSE in 9.3. Unfortunately, this automatic transmission can dither in full-throttle downshifts. And most rival SUVs don't need to disengage 4WD on dry pavement.

Fuel Economy

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	3	3	4.8

Par for 6-cyl midsize SUV. Test 4WD LS averaged 15.8 mpg, LSE 14.5.

Ride Quality

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
2	2	2	3.4

Rodeo and Passport ride poorly: choppy on rough pavement, harsh over big bumps and potholes. Even with Intelligent Suspension Control, Rodeo is hardly compliant, with plenty of jiggle on rippled surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	4	4	3.9

Among the more agile midsize SUVs, but Rodeo and Passport still feel plenty trucky, with lots of body lean and tire squeal in tight turns.

Quietness

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
4	4	4	3.2

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	4.9

The Honda and Isuzu share a simple dashboard layout marred only by undersized audio controls. Cabin materials are nothing special, though available leather upholstery dresses up what are otherwise spartan-looking accommodations.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
6	6	6	4.9

Supportive seats and plenty of head room. Driver's seat isn't height-adjustable and lacks enough travel for the long-of-leg. And the spare tire hinders rear vision. 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	3.5

Narrow door openings hinder entry/exit, and toe space is minimal, but otherwise good room for two adults.

Cargo Room

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
8	8	8	6.8

Side-hinged tailgate demands cumbersome two-handed operation: Opening requires raising the window; closing demands releasing a lever in the hinge area.

Value within Class

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
2	3	3	4.7

V6 Rodeos and Passports emphasize the sport in sport-utility, but no outstanding feature sets them above the competition. Their value for the money is further dulled by dated 4WD, poor ride quality, and prices that are no bargain.

Total Score