2001 Isuzu Rodeo Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The platform of this truck-based midsize SUV is used by the similar Honda Passport and as the basis for Isuzu's new Axiom. Rodeo comes as the 4-cyl S model and the V6 S, LS, and LSE. Four-cyl models have rear-wheel drive; V6s offer rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Their side-hinged tailgate has a flip-up window and carries the outside-mount spare tire. The LS hosts an Anniversary Edition marking Isuzu Motors Limited's 85th birthday. It includes 18-inch chrome wheels, leather upholstery, and 2-tone paint. The LS Ironman Package denotes an Isuzu-sponsored triathlon competition with special graphics, 2-tone paint, and gray 18-inch wheels. Included on LSE, Anniversary, and Ironman Rodeos is Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control, which automatically varies shock-absorber firmness for ride comfort. Passport also is built by Isuzu in Indiana, but doesn't offer 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 Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.

News

Rodeo accounts for over half of Isuzu's U.S. business, so dealers and company officials alike are doubtless worried by the 8-percent sales drop in calendar 2000 (to just under 59,600). Honda's near-identical Passport also declined, but not as much. The losses aren't hard to explain. SUV sales in general are slowing, and Rodeo/Passport's basic design seems even more dated now that many rivals have been recently rejuvenated.

General Motors owns an equity stake in Isuzu, and has started using that muscle to exert greater influence on the management policies and future products of this Japanese affiliate. How that will affect Rodeo is unclear. Though a planned redesign is proceeding, it's been postponed a year, now slated for sale by mid-2004 as an early '05 entry. Few details have yet leaked from the inner sanctums, but Isuzu is engineering the new 2004-model Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma pickups, so current betting is that the next Rodeo will be a spinoff of those body-on-frame trucks. Assuming that's true, Rodeo would move from Isuzu engines to GM's new "Atlas" family of inline 4-, 5-, and 6-cylinder powerplants, all of which are destined for the pickups. The 4.2-liter I6 version already powers the 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Olds Bravada midsize SUVs.

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

S 2WD, auto.	LS 4WD, auto.	LSE 4WD	Class Average
42	44	44	43.6

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		27
Average Score		43
High Score		60

2001 Isuzu Rodeo Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/16/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	$18,290	$17,797	$610

S 4-cylinder 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$19,290	$18,747	$610

S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	$21,175	$19,936	$610

S V6 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,175	$20,866	$610

S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, manual	$23,605	$22,194	$610

S V6 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,605	$23,125	$610

LS 2WD 4-door wagon, manual	$23,600	$21,982	$610

LS 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,600	$22,907	$610

LS 4WD 4-door wagon, manual	$26,260	$24,426	$610

LS 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$27,260	$25,350	$610

LSE 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$29,295	$27,100	$610

LSE 4WD 4-door wagon, automatic	$31,730	$29,341	$610

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 or 4-speed automatic 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, 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.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel disc brakes, 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, upgraded sound system, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 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, 4-way power front seats, heated power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

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

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1
S, S V6	$1,500	$1,055
Air conditioning, center armrest, floormats, roof rails.

Preferred Equipment Pkg. 2
S, S V6	$2,150	$1,605
Preferred Equipment Group 1 plus power windows and door locks, upgraded sound system, variable intermittent wipers.

Comfort Pkg.
LS	$700	$593
4-way power driver seat, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wood grain interior trim.

Appearance Pkg.
LS	$330	$283
Rear privacy glass, roof rack.

Value Pkg.
LS automatic	$700	$593
4-way power driver seat, in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Ironman Pkg.
LS	$3,485	$3,209
Adjustable shock absorbers, power driver seat, upgraded sound system, cargo tray, unique floormats, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, fender flares side steps, iron gray bumpers, bodyside moldings, fog lights, hood protector, spare tire cover, roof rack, Ironman Triathalon badging and graphics, 245/60R18 tires.

Anniversary Pkg.
LS	$4,925	$4,134
Leather upholstery, 4-way power front seats, power sunroof, Nakamichi sound system, woodgrain interior trim, unique floormats, two-tone paint, rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights, chrome side steps, fender flares, bodyside moldings, rear spoiler, adjustable shock absorbers, 245/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels.

SE Edition Pkg.
LS	$4,265	$3,775
Power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, subwoofer, power driver seat, cargo tray, rear privacy glass, fog lights rear spoiler, hood protector, side steps, fender flares bodyside moldings, spare tire cover, roof rails, adjustable shock absorbers.

Gold Pkg.
LSE	$730	$569
Gold badging, special alloy wheels w/gold accents, gold lettered spare tire cover (4WD), upgraded sound system.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LS 2WD automatic, LS 4WD	$700	$623


In-dash 6-disc CD changer
LS 2WD automatic, LS 4WD	$353	$314


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


Cargo tray
LS, LSE	$60	$48


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fender flares
S/S V6 automatic	$259	$230


Bodyside moldings
LS	$104	$82


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


Alloy wheels
LS	$400	$356

2001 Isuzu Rodeo Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Isuzu Rodeo 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.4

Overall Length, in.	183.7

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	69.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	4124

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	81.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

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.	130 @ 5200	205 @ 5400

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

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/23	17/20

4-speed automatic	17/22	16/20

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	3

Collision (HLDI)	110

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Injury	3

Injury (HLDI)	88

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

Theft	3

Theft (HLDI)	85

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	None/--	--

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

< 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Photos

Also in the 2001 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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