1997 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2L

Summary:

My worst decision, ever!

Faults:

Rear passenger window stopped going down at 35,000 miles.

Belts have been squealing since 25,000 miles.

Dash lights went at 60,000 miles.

Wheel lug bolts snapped off before/during first service.

Engine started tapping at 55,000 miles (I was told it was normal, and okay).

At 104,000 miles my tapping engine blew (I was told that this, too, was normal, and the chances of getting a used one were slim).

The charging system is so unstable that I can't use a power inverter on trips (for a portable DVD player or Playstation 2).

General Comments:

This is the noisiest auto I have ever been in (windows up or down).

The seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever been in.

I cannot get the belts to stop squealing.

I put in a second engine ($3,600) with a 1 year warranty and that engine is now tapping, too!

The air conditioning still works great!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th August, 2004

21st Sep 2004, 08:10

My cousin has the same tapping noise in her rodeo. So it may be normal for the engines to stink!

30th Sep 2004, 14:41

Duh that's because Isuzu is now own by GM, and they put an American piece of garbage engine on it...

4th Jan 2005, 12:05

I too had to the tapping problem on my 97 Rodeo. The tapping noise is from the rocker arms going bad. The repair of just the rocker arms alone is anywhere between $2400 & $3000. You can change your oil every 3K miles & it won't prevent the rocker arms from going bad. Rodeos are built in Indiana and not Japan like the Isuzu Trooper, so you won't get the extended miles on your Rodeo like you would with the Trooper. If you have to get a new engine, get a Jasper engine and not a dealership rebuilt engine since Jasper uses higher quality NEW PARTS and offers a 3 year 75K mile warranty on labor and parts. I feel for everyone with the rocker arm problem.

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1997 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L

Summary:

A great car with lots of leg room

Faults:

The clicker to open the car shorted out shortly after I got the car.

The tire cover on the back began to come off because of sun damage after about a year of owning the car.

General Comments:

This car is not a car that you would want to commute in, but it is a fun car with good handling.

Has reasonably good pick up for a SUV.

Lots of leg room in both the front and rear seats.

Drivers seat allows you to extend your legs leaving you with a comfortable drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 31st July, 2004

1997 Isuzu Rodeo S 3.1 S.O.H.C.

Summary:

A nice looking money pit

Faults:

My starter went out at 38,000 miles.

My alternator went out at 39,000 miles.

My wiper motor went out at 40,000 miles.

My washer pump went out at 41,000.

My power window switch set went out at 41,000 miles.

My idle air control stopped working at 43,000 miles.

My belts squeal loudly at startup and every mechanic who has looked at it can't figure that one out. (4 alternator belts and counting).

My clear coat is chipping away.

My four wheel drive selector slips out constantly while using it.

There is a strange pulsation in the steering wheel while turning at any speed.

My key locks are impossible to turn when temperature drops below 32 degrees F.

Rear hatch won't close when it gets cold outside.

General Comments:

I really like the overall style and layout of this vehicle, but the reliability issues are too much to handle.

I am fanatical about auto maintenance and drive my truck very gently. I have never had this much trouble out of a vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th February, 2004

20th Sep 2005, 07:18

Sounds like you need the lemon law enforced. My 97 rodeo has been nothing, but a pleasure. I haven't experienced one of the problems you have.