1997 Isuzu Rodeo S/LS Prefered Package 3.2L V6

Summary:

A very reliable truck

Faults:

70,000 new tires

90,000 new shocks

93,000 new left valve cover gasket

95,000 new power steering pump.

General Comments:

This truck is great.

We have moved from Vegas to Colorado with half the house in the truck, while pulling an 18' boat over the Continental Divide. Not one problem.

Truck is fairly fast off the line, with help of the Power feature.

This Rodeo is the 4x2, with 16" wheels and all terrain Goodyear Wrangler tires; no 4x4 has been needed even in the high muddy, rocky mountains.

I would purchase another Isuzu, however, I don't feel the need for a long time to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2003

20th Mar 2006, 12:20

My Rodeo's going on 9 years old and it's been great. At 150k miles I've have to replace the battery and a reverse light. Everything else is working like it should.

1997 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2L V6

Summary:

Could have been a great car if purchased new

Faults:

Dash lights blew up 54,000.

Alternator overcharged resulting in battery overflowing into engine compartment, at 64,000.

Roof rack rattles while vehicle is in motion since day one.

Rear tire mount rattles while vehicle is in motion since day one.

Valve pan cover gaskets leaking at 66,000.

Rear passenger door power window motor non functional at 69,000.

Front passenger power window motor non functional at 69,500.

Starter malfunctioned at 70,000.

Air conditioning becomes warmer while sitting in traffic since day one.

General Comments:

This vehicle has been a nightmare.

Every day it seems like another problem arises.

Dealer sold vehicle with warranty that they would not honor.

Dealer sold vehicle that had been previously damage in an accident, which was not disclosed.

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

Review Date: 28th September, 2002

30th Mar 2004, 18:48

What an awful situation that the person you bought your SUV from did not disclose that it was previously wrecked. When a vehicle is wrecked you can expect subsequent failures of all types to increase as a result of the impact of collision. This includes sensitive equipment such as electronics, and tight tolerance mechanisms.

4th Jan 2009, 02:25

This is a perfect example of why you should always get a vehicle history report (Carfax) when buying a used car. NEVER trust the dealership, they are there to make money any way possible. Some are very good, some are very bad, so never take a chance and get that carfax.

1997 Isuzu Rodeo S 4-cylinder, 2X4

Summary:

Underated SUV

Faults:

Light went out in dashboard. (6 mo old)

Engine Fan slid off belt & ate into radiator. (3 yrs old)

Rust on front/back bumpers & wheel gate. (3 yrs old)

General Comments:

Overall, it has been a great vehicle.

Not a lot of power with the 4-cylinder engine, but don't need it for in town driving.

A lot of cargo room (spare tire on tailgate) for moving large items or transporting dogs around town.

Uncomfortable on long trips (16+ hours), causing lower back pain.

Box-like shape hard to handle in windy conditions.

A lot of ground clearance for rough terrain & handles great on back roads.

Drives like a small truck; easier than a larger SUV or pick-up.

Large windows great for visibility.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2002

1997 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2 V6

Summary:

Best/most trucklike SUV for the money

Faults:

Not a single thing in the 6 months I've owned it.

General Comments:

Great underestimated truck. Handles the trails and mud wonderfully. Only thing I've found to get it stuck in was 8" of pure mud.

Would suggest one to anyone who wants the comfort of an SUV and the abilities of a truck. Does ride kind of rough, but that is just part of being a good truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th May, 2001