19th May 2007, 07:02

I have a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo that I purchased 3 months ago. It has 76,000 miles on it and I really like it, but my husband is having problems trying to find "how to" check the transmission fluid. Very weird! Also there is a a squealing sound when you go around a curve to the left at a very slow speed. Also weird. Does anyone know how to check the transmission fluid other than the dealership?

9th Jul 2007, 15:24

I just bought a used 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 2 weeks ago. I drove it 2 times and its back at the lot I bought it from. Thank goodness I know a little bit about cars and took it for a test drive. As I said they have had it now for about a week and a half. They promised to fix before I paid cash for it -- the brakes and the A/C and the ABS light. Well they have now replaced rotors, pads, ac condenser; pretty much the entire cooling system as well as the ABS sensor. Lots of money! I would have been ticked off if it came out of my pocket! I wonder if this would qualify under the Lemon Law? lol... Oh well by the time they are done replacing everything I will have a new car!:)

20th Jul 2007, 00:21

In December'05 I bought a 1994 ISUZU Rodeo, V-6, 3.2 engine, 4-wheel drive, 5-spd manual tranny with 110,000 miles from a dealer in Lancaster, PA for $2,700. It came with brand-new American Racing mags AND tires. The vehicle was from the original owner who had it dealer-maintained.

I must admit that the first thing I did was to have the oil changed in the manual tranny, the transfer case and both differentials. Also, the oil and filter are changed every 3 to 4,000 miles and I've rotated the tires front and back at 135,000 miles and they still look new.

The odometer now reads 141,800 miles, which means I've added just under 32,000 miles. At 130,000 miles, the original alternator died and was replaced with a new one. Last week (141,600 miles) the original starter quit. Since the exhaust system had to be dropped to replace the starter, I did my homework and found a great independent mechanic who works on Rodeos all the time.

It's a great road vehicle and a superb off-road critter. It does not burn oil and is very responsive. It starts immediately every single morning in the coldest weather, gets 16mpg city and 22mpg highway. And I NEVER rev over 4,500 rpm.

I've had literally no problems with this vehicle (a 12 year old alternator and starter replacement are to be expected) and am extremely happy with it's performance and reliability.

By the way, the 1994 through about 1997-8 ISUZU Rodeo and the corresponding HONDA Passport are IDENTICAL vehicles. Both were made by ISUZU. My HAYNES Repair Manual bears this out as do various dealers and independent mechanics.

Great SUV!

21st Jul 2007, 20:22

I bought a used 2001 Isuzu Rodeo a little over a year ago. BIG MISTAKE!! This car has given me nothing, but problems since about a month after I bought it. My shifter was stuck in park at the gas pump. I had to rip out everything around the shifter just to be able to even get the car to shift. My truck also stalls when I drive it. No one can figure out what is wrong with it. It also stalls when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. You know how when you have a manual and you forget to shift on time. I am a college student and cannot keep paying money to have this piece of junk fixed. I guess I am going to have to use some of my school money to buy a new car.

29th Jul 2007, 12:47

We have a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo, but we have been having problems. We have taken it to mechanics and they can't seem to find the problem. Can anybody help us??? we turn on the truck and then it stops, within 5 seconds. If we're lucky and it starts in the mornings, it won't stop.

5th Aug 2007, 18:22

I bought a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS, automatic, 2WD in 2004, with about 30k miles on it. For the past 3+years, it has been extremely reliable. Going on 95,000 miles, it has not given me any grief, only a replaced ERG valve, brake job, and new set of tires. Overall very pleased with this car so far! (fingers crossed!)

14th Aug 2007, 18:02

I just bought a used 2002 Isuzu Rodeo one month ago. The key is stuck in the ignition. What should I do?

18th Sep 2007, 21:36

I bought a '99 2wd V6 auto in January. Luckily I got it for $3000, with only 85k on it (rebuilt title, but I knew everything that was wrong with it). It has the exact, and I mean exact, same problems everyone else has. Insane fuel gauge, nutty taillight, check engine light from the carbon dioxide sensor, and shifting problem in 1st and sometimes 2nd. I am glad I found this site because I think I can check some of this stuff myself and get out cheaper and not have to change the whole transmission. BY THE WAY! I was able to fix the carbon sensor problem by simply checking the fuse... It was blown (I'm sure most of y'alls won't be that easy).

16th Oct 2007, 01:27

After reading more of these comments, I'm starting to believe that the Isuzu Rodeo was actually designed by clever business predators, and that buying one is much like playing roulette. Maybe they figured that they could make much more money on unsuspecting consumers with charging for a broken sensor here and electrical problem there. Maybe a transmission swap. And then get out of the business and enjoy the profits. I wonder if there are tax breaks for warranty parts and repairs a company has to make. I know that some franchises can actually write off unprofitable branches.

Anyway, if your first, middle, and last names are LUCK, then buy an Isuzu Rodeo.

17th Oct 2007, 16:06

I have an 01' Rodeo and I hate it, I changed from an older pathfinder, mostly because my wife liked the looks of the truck.. I've put 2k into it for various troubles, and now the biggest problem is that the gear shifter sticks in park, and only I know how to get it out.. so when I take it in for oil changes I have to drive it into the bay for them and drive it out, you have to wiggle it weird... also when its in park the engine rev's really high and spuratically.. what is causing that?