2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport Review
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Hard or soft-top option, youthful appeal, attractive design.
Cons
- Excessive engine noise, sub-par suspension and handling, cramped interior.
What’s new
Other than new 16-inch wheels, Isuzu's two-door Rodeo Sport SUV is unchanged for 2002.
Edmunds says
A somewhat-charming specialty SUV let down by sloppy handling dynamics and an unrefined interior.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S Hard Top 2WD 2dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$233/mo for Rodeo Sport S
Rodeo Sport S
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Looking for a fairly affordable vehicle that offers a sporty personality, decent off-road skills and the possibility of open-top excitement? The Isuzu Rodeo Sport could be the vehicle for you.
Formerly known as the Amigo, the Rodeo Sport comes in a multitude of configurations including a hard or soft top, two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, four-cylinder or V6, and manual or automatic transmission.
When you're out for a jaunt in the sun, the soft top can be stored in the cargo area, while the hardtop features a rear passenger moonroof for maximum UV exposure. A hard plastic spare tire cover is standard with the 16-inch wheels.
Powering the base Rodeo Sport is a 2.2-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that pumps out 130 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 3.2-liter V6 engine, the same one found under the hood of its four-door Rodeo sibling, makes 205 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive models have a dash-mounted switch that engages the shift-on-the-fly transfer case at speeds up to 60 mph.
While on-road ride quality is better than a Jeep Wrangler's, it's still a generally unpleasant affair. The Rodeo Sport handles sloppily and does not inspire confidence in the vehicle's abilities. Disconcertingly light steering, a shaky ride and sub-par brakes all contribute to the sensation that this SUV shouldn't be taken to the limit. Its short wheelbase (96.9 inches), however, does make it easy to maneuver around town and into parking spaces.
Four-wheel ABS is standard on all models, with cruise control standard on V6 editions. You'll also get driver and passenger airbags and rear bench seats that fold down to reveal more than 62 cubic feet of space. Power windows, locks, air conditioning, keyless entry and a CD player are all available options. If you're worried about durability, know that all Isuzus come with a transferable 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Blithely fun-loving individuals might be willing to overlook Rodeo Sport's flaws in favor of its sunny demeanor and truck-based utility. The four-wheel-drive model offers a viable alternative to those who crave the Jeep Wrangler's off-road ability and youthful appeal, but appreciate Isuzu's slightly more refined design and comparatively quiet cabin. For buyers looking for a cute-ute with genuine off-road ability who don't mind putting up with stunted on-road performance, the Rodeo Sport might be the answer. But we recommend taking a close look at some of the other small SUVs on the market and going on a few test-drives before settling for this warmed-over Amigo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport.
5 star(43%)
4 star(46%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Truck based SUV
Tommy, 09/20/2010
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V6 Hard Top 2WD 2dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
I have driven this for 3 years now and I absolutely love it. In FL we have lots of summer rain storms where having a truck-based SUV comes in handy. It accelerates like no other SUV I have ever driven (Power speed button at your finger tip). The HP is amazing. The removable sunroofs are the best feature. Don't buy a girly car based SUV like a CR-V. Buy an Isuzu Rodeo Sport. I have … driven my in laws CR-V several dozen times and it simply does not compare. I have have done nothing but routine maint. in 3 years of ownership.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Overall an "A"
Larry B, 06/24/2002
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V6 Hard Top 2WD 2dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Purchased my Rodeo Sport for all the
right reasons. I wanted the power of
the V6 but better responsiveness than a
sluggish larger type SUV. I feel it
combines the best of both worlds.
4.5 out of 5 stars
best liitle SUV ever!
aquarianstag70, 02/25/2011
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V6 Soft Top 2WD 2dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
i got this little monster 2 1/2yrs ago with 52000miles on it and still loving it since that very day i took this out from the dealership. its really fun to drive and good looking SUV. took it for 1300miles long drive and there was never been a problem. looks a little bit deceiving 'coz size-wise its smaller, but with a 3.2 V6 engine somebody will eat my little monster's dusts.
did all … the maintenance by myself from oil change, air filters, sparkplugs, coolant and tire rotations and everything works perfect. the gas mileage ratio is just 18miles a gal, but who cares about it if you're loving it. i'll keep this little monster the next 3 years.
2.38 out of 5 stars
An Amigo by any other name...
scathma, 04/19/2002
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V6 Soft Top 4WD 2dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Ever like how a car looks but HATE the
way it drives? That's how I feel about
my Amigo/Rodeo Sport. I think the
design is great, but definitely less
than the sum of its parts. On paper,
the car has impressive hardware but the
execution is poor. The resale value is
terrible! My 2000 Amigo depreciated
from $22K to $12K in 20 months! The
ride is harsh, atrocious 14 mpg … city,
rear visibility blocked by tire/rear
seat headrests, seats are
uncomfortable, driver legroom is tight,
factory sound system poor, and rear end
hops around on bumps - dangerous when
it happens on curves. Whatever you call
it, it's not a very good buy. I would
not buy another Isuzu product.
2002 Rodeo Sport Highlights
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $233/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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