Faults:

Unusual oil leak at two spark plug tubes since day one--did not affect performance, needed an extra qt. of oil per month. Was eventually fixed by mechanic.

Replaced brake shoes at 96K.

Replaced timing belt at 98K.

Replaced valve cover gaskets at 130K.

Since hitting 130K, this truck has required the replacement of the spark plug harness 3x--don't know why.

Gets the same mpg today as it did when I drove it off the lot new 9 years ago.

Had a leak in the clutch master and slave cylinders around 120K (2003)

Replaced the A/C system in 2003.

Shocks gave out around 110K.

Replaced driver's side wheel bearings at 130K, repacked passenger's side.

Replaced front passenger side hub at 135K--broken/loose studs due too bad/weak design according to mechanic. Driver's side front studs were tack welded in place (they would spin in place, making tire removal difficult or near impossible.)

Upholstery holding up well, but padding could stand replacing in front bucket seats.

Driver's side windshield wiper stopped working in a light rain in Jan. 2004--connector rod broken, passenger side wiper works fine.

The rubber boots surrounding the ball joints are dry rotting, requires occasional shots of grease.

General Comments:

Despite the multitudes of service calls required over the last 12 months, this has been an extremely reliable and sturdy truck. Most problems are due simply to age and increasing mileage. All in all, I spent no more than $250 per year (if that) in maintenance (including oil changes at home) for the first 7 years of its life.

I've taken this truck from NC to TX 3x, 1x to Arizona, countless times to NJ, 2x to Colorado, 2x to FL and once to Minnesota, and all trips were mechanically uneventful and comfortable. Last long distance trip was to Houston, TX in August 2003.

Interior is spacious, good towing capacity, and I've never gotten stuck. Very reliable. Plus, at 141K, I'm still on the original clutch.

Faults:

Driver side window sticks about an inch below closing occasionally. This is no good if you happen to get stuck in the rain, but you can usually push it the rest of the way up. It happens rarely and is not a major flaw.

Very loud wind sounds on the interstate.

Engine makes a slight clicking sound when running, but nothing that seems to warranty a repair.

Rear power door locks stick at times. Rear doors also stick at times and the door lock has to be locked and unlocked a few times before the rear door will open. Rear doors also can be difficult to open sometimes.

No cup holders. I've spilled too many drinks.

Not the best gas mileage. I usually fill up every 10 days or so.

General Comments:

Car has great power and accelerates quickly. Power Drive mode makes acceleration even faster and smoother, and it kicks you automatically into high gear.

Seats are not the most comfortable, but they are fine for everyday driving. The roominess of the vehicle makes up for the seats. It's extremely roomy.

It can be a hassle to open the hatchback, but it's very convenient that there is a button on the dashboard that will pop open the rear window so that you don't have to go through the process of swinging out the tire, etc.

Very nice first car, especially for an active teen. I would buy another car from Isuzu for sure.

Faults:

I replaced the timing belt and water pump at 85,000 just to be safe.

Shocks went at about 50,000.

The starter went at about 90,000. It really is a poor design, because of the proximity of the exhaust pipe it is subject to excessive heat. I had to take the starter apart in the small area and remove it in 3 pieces so as not to disturb the exhaust system. Upon inspection the old starter motor was really baked inside. Insulation on the windings was cracked and falling apart.

About the brakes. I replaced the front shoes at about 20,000 mile intervals since new. Recently I replaced the rotors to see if I could make the shoes last longer. Not sure of the outcome yet. One strange problem that it has in extremely cold weather is that the power assist on the brakes takes about 4 or 5 pumps to start working. I am not sure what the problem is, but the anti lock and brake light on the dash sometimes flash. I have spoken to the dealer and they have not seen this problem. I can live with it, but others who drive the car in cold weather need to be warned. Wondering if any other Rodeo's have this problem?

General Comments:

This is the first car I have ever driven for 100,000 miles and still love. I bought it new in 95 and drive it every day. Other than normal wear and tear and stuff that I (or the kids) broke very little has gone wrong.

It is hard to find fault with much about this SUV it takes a beating and yes it is still ticking. Like most of the commentors on the board I get the tick noise. Not much you can do, but ignore it.