1992 Isuzu Rodeo Review

3rd world tested!

Written by: florida on 05/12/2009

Vehicle

1992 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr S Wagon

Review

let's see -4 cyl, 5 speed - drove across the US 4 times (east/west) 4 times north/south, and used as a daily vehicle from early '93-2000. Had 150k miles when moved to central america with it. Abused this perfect truck for 4 years on rock roads and pure dust. SOld it in '04 w/ over 250k miles to a friend who gave it some needed care on suspension and it is still going today! NEVER failed - can't say enough - only one flaw was the funky wheels - lugs with springs (which one tire shop in florida left off causing tires to nearly come off on highway) - getting flats in central america was no fun having to find those springs/lock washers at night in the dirt !

Favorite Features

where would i start? was in -60 winter of detroit, california desert, central american jungle with rock roads, dust etc - indestructible

Suggested Improvements

wheels with lock washers/springs - only seen them on this truck - very strange - my wife would never be able to cx a tire and know to put them back on ! dangerous without them as wheels could fall off! also bolts sheared of easily due to over torque or heavy dust and needing to remove 4 tire repai

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Best of fifteen vehicles

Written by: TwoNames on 02/19/2009

Vehicle

1992 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

Once I had it aligned with new off road tires all around, this 5 speed manual shift wagon has really been the best of all vehicles. I photograph all the time and being able to drive in deserts and snow country, lived in both all across the U.S., has been easy. I had a 1950s Land Rover 109 that was a beast compared to this Rodeo. For all around daily use, short trips and cross country it's been above the others.

Favorite Features

4WD with standard transmission. Off road use with a clutch offers better feel of where you are and what the vehicle is doing. Second feature, the looks. Mine is an LS, gray and silver. Superb, clean design. I do not like the replacement design. Too much bulbous toy like.

Suggested Improvements

To late, of course, but I sleep a lot in it and cannot stretch out fully with the back seat down. I'm just shy of 6 feet. But my dog loves the back! There's just no pleasing everyone.

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I LOVED THIS TRUCK!!

Written by: BENNELAU on 07/14/2005

Vehicle

1992 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

This was the most fun, reliable vehicle I have owned. We had it for 8 years and took it everywhere! It was very capable in 4WD! We had many a Moab, Utah trip in it. Sorry to see Isuzu discontinued them in 04!

Favorite Features

the styling

Suggested Improvements

none

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a nice car

Written by: good rodeo on 12/27/2003

Vehicle

1992 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr XS Wagon

Review

When i first bought this car i loved it and i still love it now. It is definatly one of the best SUV's of its time. Very minor problems over the years, one of them was the freeze plugs rusted but my son fixed it in his autoshop class, it only costed him $5. the engine now has 176k miles on it and it still runs like it did when i drove it off the lot.

Favorite Features

I have always liked the way the car looks, also i like how it didnt cost me much to maintain other then oil changes. lots of headroom, legroom

Suggested Improvements

there are no cup holders. you can buy the cupholders that plug into the ashtray slot though.

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1992 Rodeo

Written by: bptravler on 11/12/2003

Vehicle

1992 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr XS 4WD Wagon

Review

I have over 200,000 miles on this truck with almost no major repairs. At 160,000 it did finally need a new clutch. Motor is all original (minus spark plugs and oil). Never been rebuilt. Body is rust free, original paint. This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and also the longest (10 years). I wish it had a little more power but otherwise love this truck. It has never left me stranded, I have towed quite a bit with it and it always gets us home.

Favorite Features

Styling, Looks

Suggested Improvements

Bigger engine(more horsepower and torque)

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