1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2 DOHC from North America
Summary:
Piece of garbage
Faults:
First off, the fuel gauge stopped working around 82,000 miles. I drove it for over a year until I almost ran out of fuel, and I decided to repair it, $260.00 at the dealer.
Next thing, the windshield wiper linkage for the left side broke on the day of the worst snow storm. I had to move the right wiper so it would wipe the left side so I could get home.
Next the HVAC fan speed switch nearly caught fire. These switches so cheap, had to replace three times.
The shift lock electric solenoid went out and I could not get the trans out of park.
Constant issues with ABS.
Now the big one, massive coolant consumption around 140,000 miles, no leak, big loss of power from the engine, then just died one day, restarted but only 3 cylinders firing and oil very milky, shop diagnosed spun camshaft bearing in right cylinder head. $3,400 to replace the head + a month of rental car brought the price to nearly $5,000.
Got it back, still massive coolant consumption with no signs of leaking, then discovered oil very milky, since both head gaskets had been replaced it wasn't those leaking, then started knocking very loud from rod bearings, coolant probably wiped out the bearings, I assume since the heads were checked and replaced, the block was probably cracked.
Needless to say miraculously the knocking went away long enough for me to trade this piece of crap in for a brand new 2007 Honda Civic. I hope no one was hurt when that Isuzu V6 threw a rod through the side of the engine block.
General Comments:
No good at all, cheaply and poorly designed, good looking vehicle, but no effort put into it as far as quality goes, especially the engine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th December, 2009
10th Dec 2009, 17:07
It hurts me to read they passed this lemon onto some other poor soul. Should have sold it to a shady used car dealer instead who actually deserves the trouble.