1995 Isuzu Rodeo from North America

Summary:

Nice while it lasts, unfortunately that's not very long

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong is a better question. I have spent more than tripple what it cost to by this car in repairs, and I am not joking. However, it finally died when I arrived at school today... good riddance!

General Comments:

This vehicle is awful and as with all foreign cars, costly to repair. Plain and simple... don't buy one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th March, 2006

12th Mar 2006, 01:16

It's too bad the original owner never took very good care of it, the 91-97's were actually VERY reliable and good vehicles.

You never said what was wrong with it though, do you realize that if you chose to never own another Isuzu again that you may not want to own another Chevy again either. The engine is Isuzu, but over half of the parts, including the transmission is GM.

Personally, if GM/Chevy would've stayed out of the path of Isuzu, it be one mighty fine vehicle.

I have over 155k flawless miles, but have owned mine since new; and is maintained extremely well. So many people don't maintain their vehicles this day and age that it's utterly scary to buy used.

1st Dec 2007, 13:21

I agree with this car being reliable, however it seems very costly to repair. I bought my car for $1500 and it runs pretty good.

There are a few issues however that bug me. I had to replace the heater core which costs me $180 for parts, labor $200. I also had to get brakes from Napa (the most expensive, but the only place I trust for auto parts). But as soon as I put my foot on the gas pedal, it hesitates, makes a loud noise (growling noise) and then it finally takes off. Aside from those two things all else are minor. Oh yes, it is horrible on gas also.

I would not recommend this as the primary family car, but I do believe with good maintenance and upkeep this car could be a beauty.

1995 Isuzu Rodeo LX 3.2 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great Value

Faults:

Well, 206,000 miles, I have had one injector go bad, replaced them all. I have replaced the starter. The rear shackle bushings wore out, this is common, you get a knocking sound around corners, they were about $8 for parts. Had problems with power window and electric door locks. Rear door auto window unlock rusted out the small return spring. I just rusted my tail pipe. Y pipe rusted out. Still original exhaust. Original Alternator, it was recalled, but never replaced it. I hate the lug nuts. On 4th timing belt, Word to wise, REPLACE THE TENSIONER every other belt. I just started to experience knocking in engine, turned out to be tensioner losing it's hold. I also have the anti lock brake light sticking on, please let me know if you know what that is.

General Comments:

When I bought it I was hoping to get 100k out of it. Isuzu dealer told me they typically were getting traded in with 250k. I am at 206k and running fine. I see some of these cars for sale with 100k, I think, wow, good value, it's just broken in! I do change the oil every 3000 miles. It has always burned about one quart between changes. I am on original clutch. And I have towed some heavy trailers long distances, once I towed about 6000 lbs, never again... Too heavy. (I am good with a clutch). I have been happy with the value of this vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2006

1995 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2 from North America

Summary:

My 1995 Rodeo is by far the best vehicle I've owned - and longest kept - during the past 35 years

Faults:

The only nuisance problem I have had with this vehicle is a valve lifter that has been intermittently noisy since about 100,000 miles, but it usually quiets down after an oil change which I do every 2,500 to 3,000 miles.

Other "problems": the hydraulic clutch master and slave cylinders have been replaced twice;

The clutch itself had to be replaced at 73,000 miles, but I have driven almost 200,000 on the replacement clutch.

A couple of door lock solenoids blew, but under warranty.

General Comments:

I do most of my own maintenance and have not had to do much out of the ordinary. Normal wear and tear parts have lasted incredibly long. Brake linings, water pump, timing belt last 125,000 miles; alternator almost 90,000. A/C system has never been serviced and blows super cold.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2005